Crazy idea for AMG engine swap? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Johnhef · #1 11-30-2006, 04:13 PM

Ok I might be totally off my rocker here but what would I be getting into in transplanting a drivetrain from a 01-02 CLK55 into an older MB? Say something like a 126/124 or even older, maybe 108/109?

The body guy here at work and I are kicking around some ideas since we got offered the CLK for under 7K. hit pretty bad, too far gone to fix.

If we can- I'd like to hear some serious thoughts from you guys.

Has this ever been done before like you see with VW's?

firstbenz · #2 11-30-2006, 04:17 PM

nuff said.

t walgamuth · #3 11-30-2006, 05:45 PM

i would take a tape measure and sit the car beside the proposed organ recipient and take all primary measurements. height should not be a problem with new engine into older car as hood lines have lowered steadily. width will be a potential stumbling block so look carefully at width at your exhaust headers, and fenders, clearance at the master cylinder booster, and clearance for oil filters and other things like alternators, etc. i suspect that the newer trannys will be more compact than the older ones so you may be fine there. all electronic devices related to engine managment will need to be swapped. things like exhaust seem unlikely to be a big problem but i wont hurt to check.

sounds exciting.

good luck

tom w

pwogaman · #4 11-30-2006, 06:06 PM

Engine width is no problem - just split the car down the middle and make it wider.

Pete Geither · #5 11-30-2006, 06:58 PM

I have fantisized about such a project many times. My TE would love it.

Battlecat714 · #6 11-30-2006, 09:02 PM

that 5.5lt. would be way too big and heavy for the older chassis.

t walgamuth · #7 11-30-2006, 11:08 PM

i wouldnt be surprised if it weighs less than a 617 diesel. actually i would be surprised if it isnt lighter.

tom w

Hatterasguy · #8 11-30-2006, 11:18 PM

It would go real nice in a W126. We know the M120 fits so that engine should work.

Johnhef · #9 12-01-2006, 09:00 AM

I'm just thinking as to how much wiring I'm going to have to swap and if I'm going to be able to code out a lot of the other options and module from the engine and trans control units. basically I'm going to have to strip down the CLK bare and got from there- that said the car is going to present a challenge in that- the drivers door is almost even with the center of the steering wheel now- the car was a cabriolet.

Hatterasguy · #10 12-01-2006, 11:27 AM

Oh wow, hopefully there isn't to much blood inside!

Johnhef · #11 12-01-2006, 02:59 PM

there may be. 4 kids in the car, 2 died. The guy at the junkyard that got it said after he saw it if he knew that it was as bad is it turned out to be, he wouldnt have bought it.

Bigpete123 · #12 12-01-2006, 03:14 PM

man, it's not like I'm supersticious or anything. But that freaks me out a little bit. I would rather not know what happened to the people in the car. I've got the heebiejeebies right now just thinking about it!!

This sounds like an insane project by the way. But if you have the money, tools, and patience, why the hell not?!?

Battlecat714 · #13 12-01-2006, 04:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Johnhef

there may be. 4 kids in the car, 2 died. The guy at the junkyard that got it said after he saw it if he knew that it was as bad is it turned out to be, he wouldnt have bought it.

whoa...but then again you're after the engine right?

Johnhef · #14 12-01-2006, 04:21 PM

yeah... but who knows how much wiring I'll have to swap as well from the iside to get it to work- maybe need the EIS too, not sure about that yet. Will have to retain the CLK's numbers for awhile for keys and such too

Hatterasguy · #15 12-01-2006, 04:39 PM

Put it in a black 560SEL and call it the satan car of death!