I have a 1990 190E 2.6...the straight six just isnt cutting it performance wise. I wanna so an engine swap...I know all about the 4cyl 2.3/2.5 16v but I want more... I want mercedes V8 power, or at least AMG 6 cylinder. What engine can fit into this car? I saw one real nice one on the web that had a AMG 3.8 in it. Was real nice. Said it made around 345hp(?) engine alone. I would like to put an engine in mine that puts out at leat 300...maybe 255+. Could any of yall point me in the right direction to d this...? What can be done and how much will it cost? I would also like to do suspension up grades and a EVOII kit in the future. But any ways, what engines can I put in my 190? AMG would be nice and or a V8. Any slk egne fit in there? hehe
Thanks a ton.
-Chris

~Senior moderator @ ~
*WWW.TXstreetRacing.com*

Well, I am right with you. Unfortunatly, I have done tons of research, and it all depends on how much you want to spend.
Ask alot of questions, and you will find how. BenzMac is a great source of knowledge here on the board.

Nothing with a V modular engine will fit wihtout seriously reworking the firewalls.

Therefore, nothing but good old venerable striahgt 6s.

The easiest swap out, would be a 90-93 300SL Engine Swap.
It is the newer 24valve m104 engine. Its a 3.0, 7000rpm limit, and 228hp, 201 lb.ft. torque using the old KE Elctro-Mechanical Fuel Injection like that used on the older m103 Inline 6. If you had everything from the brain, to the engine, this would work. However, the transmission would still have to be changed. The stock tranny can't handle anythingpast 170/180 lb.ft. Easiest, and best upgrade is using a getrag sourced 5-speed manual from a 2.3-16, or a 90-93 300SL manual.

Any other m104 inline 6 would require the purchase of a Electromotive's Tech III system and require programing the entire computer. At this stage, if you are going to be getting a new computer system, it doesn't matter which m104 you use. So you might as well get the best one, the C36 AMG 3.6 m104. With the new programming, We have seen the stock 280 something hp go into the the 320s. Another member on our forum has done the conversion to a 300TE wagon, and its a great peice.

Other more economical ways could be a nice Twin Turbo setup. Eithe way if you want performance be ready to spend. The 300SL engine swap, should cos you in the $6ks, while the C36 will put you around $8k-10k.

__________________
Chirag (Charlie) Patel
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- 03 Mercedes S600 Sport TTV12
- 97 Acura NSX-T
- 99 BMW E36 M3 w/500+ HP
- 04 Lexus RX330
- 04 Dodge Dakota Quad 4x4 V8

4 Sale:
- 99 BMW M3 E36 Coup with Dinan SC, Upgraded to an RMS Stage 3 with Aftercooler, 12psi, and 500+hp @ flywheel.

Wow, Thanks for all the info. Im no where near having all of the funds to do thisproject with...were probably looking at like a year or two down the road. I just like to make plan on what and how I am going to do it so when it comes time I know exactly what needs to be done. I guess a V8 it sorta out of the question...and seems kinda pointless. Im leaning towads the AMG C36, sounds like a real nice setup. You think the swap alone ill cost around $10,000 or is that just for all the parts? Is it possible to have 5-speed w/ this engine? Would you recomend doing this swap? What are some 1/4 time and or top speed #'s for people have done these swaps?
Thanks,
Chris

Probably $5k for the engine, $1.5k for the tranny, and the cost of the computer plus labor, figer 9-12.

There is alot of rewiring of every single harness available. Only 2 190Es have the C36 engine that I know of, both sold by their creators and have no clue where it is. 0-60s would imagine in the low 6s. If a 93 190E 3.2-24v w/ 5-speed auto AMG went 0-60 in 7.2 w/ conservative clocking, I am sure, a 5-speed manual, with a good launch, and nice rear ratio would get u in the low 6s. Also, bypass the drive by wire throttle, get the timing perfect, raise the rpm limit to about 7500, and you got a serious car easily pushing around 350. Torque is not an issue as well. I am sure if you push it, you can get the 0-60s in the 5s.

__________________
Chirag (Charlie) Patel
--------------------------------------------
- 03 Mercedes S600 Sport TTV12
- 97 Acura NSX-T
- 99 BMW E36 M3 w/500+ HP
- 04 Lexus RX330
- 04 Dodge Dakota Quad 4x4 V8

4 Sale:
- 99 BMW M3 E36 Coup with Dinan SC, Upgraded to an RMS Stage 3 with Aftercooler, 12psi, and 500+hp @ flywheel.

If you really want to get speed though, deff change the brakes. I used 400E brakes, but the nicest is using 95 SL 600 brakes up front and rear...The rear are vented rotors instead of solid...I've seen racing slicks lock up with 190Es and no ABS with these brakes...But be prepared for another $1200. :p

__________________
Chirag (Charlie) Patel
--------------------------------------------
- 03 Mercedes S600 Sport TTV12
- 97 Acura NSX-T
- 99 BMW E36 M3 w/500+ HP
- 04 Lexus RX330
- 04 Dodge Dakota Quad 4x4 V8

4 Sale:
- 99 BMW M3 E36 Coup with Dinan SC, Upgraded to an RMS Stage 3 with Aftercooler, 12psi, and 500+hp @ flywheel.

What about suspension and the rearend? Looks like im gonna be spending a lot of money on this project...hehe

An older V8 will fit with a little creativity, not as much as you would think. I have a 3.8 V8 from a 1981 380SL in my 190. It doesn't get over 300 horsepower but its pretty quick. Haven't taken it to the track yet but I know it has over 220bhp. The stock 3.8L Euro has 218bhp and I have flowmaster exhaust, an intake from a 420SEL, (It bolts right on), and a crane cams ignition. Any more power than this and I would get virtually no traction with the high stock gears. It barely sticks now when floored. We had a 5.0L from an 80's mercedes, 240bhp, but decided to go with the higher revving motor. With such a light car I don't think you need more than 300. I have a friend who had a 3.0L from a 300E in his 190 and it was pretty quick too. I think mine should run 14's no problem at the track. Will be taking it there soon so I'll post my times.

Mike

__________________
Mike
-W126C 560SEC 040 Black
*6.0L AMG M117 32v Hammer
-W163 ML320 Brilliant Silver
-W124 300E Pearl Black

Well my 93 had a 2.85:1 rear diff, and rear sub frame mods r highly recommended...Suspension, well Eibachs is what I use...If you want roll bars, Delsing 500E rollbars, with the ends cut a little to fit the 190E.

Thats about it in that area.

As far as the Engine, I know that someone used the 3.0 m104 from the 300sl and did some work and was pushing 250 out of it using hotter cams. Engine is probably lighter then the older v8s, and when it comes to the track, I want this as light as possible in the front since it is already front heavy.

__________________
Chirag (Charlie) Patel
--------------------------------------------
- 03 Mercedes S600 Sport TTV12
- 97 Acura NSX-T
- 99 BMW E36 M3 w/500+ HP
- 04 Lexus RX330
- 04 Dodge Dakota Quad 4x4 V8

4 Sale:
- 99 BMW M3 E36 Coup with Dinan SC, Upgraded to an RMS Stage 3 with Aftercooler, 12psi, and 500+hp @ flywheel.

See I think I would have to go with the AMG engine...Im a power hungry type of guy. I owned a supra before this car and miss it You ask who needs more than 300 horses in their 190? I do! The mods wont just stop with an engine swap...no, no! Would have to add N2O or turbos or even both some where down the road! Just curious, but how much could you sell a 1990 190E 2.6 w 190,xxx miles in OK condition?

Well, Lets say the AMG Engine is quiet a piece....However, get into Turbos, and well, its time to blueprint the engine to lower the compression enough...There is a C36 out there, spent $30k just to get Twin Trubos put on.....

Want performance...Find a nice BMW M3 (old is better) E36 might I add, swap out the US spec 240hp engine for an M3 320hp engine and 6 speed tranny, then go bezerk there, have seen a car with the conversion, clean sounding, low rumble, great handlind, and can I say daily driver too, with twin turbos, it kills. 1/4" with slicks r at 9 something....outta a classy BMW....And it all cost him under $40k.

Another option, Audi TT, drop a vr6 euro-spec with twin turbos, by HPA Motorsports all for under $60, 580hp, 4wd, 6-speed tranny, and performance to kill a ferrari, bmw, corvette, porsche, and more!

Want class, welcome to Mercedes, nothing quiet like it, all though the other German Counterparts are real close.

__________________
Chirag (Charlie) Patel
--------------------------------------------
- 03 Mercedes S600 Sport TTV12
- 97 Acura NSX-T
- 99 BMW E36 M3 w/500+ HP
- 04 Lexus RX330
- 04 Dodge Dakota Quad 4x4 V8

4 Sale:
- 99 BMW M3 E36 Coup with Dinan SC, Upgraded to an RMS Stage 3 with Aftercooler, 12psi, and 500+hp @ flywheel.

I wish I could have a M3 or Audi TT, but dont have the cash. Im gonna have to work my ass off to be able to do the work on this benz...but it will all be worth it in the end.
But any ideas on the price of the 1990 190e

I remember seeing an AMG 190E on ebay, fuly decked out by AMG and Renntech a while back. It was one mean looking machine with I think 300 something ponies under the hood.

Alon

Why not go balls out and just get a Euro 5 speed 190e 2.6 and have brabus do a full workover.

Alon

__________________
'92 300CE - Sold
2004 C240 - 744 - C7 Wheels - Android Radio
2002 C320 - 816 - Sport Wagon

How much power can you get out of the 16v? I generaly like motors bigger than4cyl...unless they are turbo

4 bangers can be quite powerful.. I believe the lotus elan used a turbocharged or supercharged 4 banger which produced nice power.

A turboe'd 16v, especially a twin turboed one with the 2.5 upgrade from bekkers would probably be one mean machine.

I'd seriously look into a nice 16v and gett he bekkers upgrades to the 2.5, sounds like it is one nice little ride there.

My bro had an 85 190e 2.3 and we could drive at 120mph rock solid all the way to vegas, and did a few times... I think we made it in rcord time, around 2-3 hours max...

Alon

__________________
'92 300CE - Sold
2004 C240 - 744 - C7 Wheels - Android Radio
2002 C320 - 816 - Sport Wagon

mY 88' SUPRA went 145mph sock I know 4'bangers can be fast...The lotus was turbo and underpowered. Nothing compared to the twin turbo V8...*drolls*