C43/CLK55 Conversion

[Pagz]

well first off, f*** you, i was doing so well, selling all my unnecessary car parts, thinking of selling my c36..... now, well now after reading all this i want to either sell my c36 and buy a c43 or turbo my c36.... thanks, thanks a lot

But good job

Sorry to create such dilemma's =P

Go with C43/55

[Sulaco]

So what rwhp are we talking after this 55 swap?

[Dearlove]

Yeah I'm a user of peach parts too.

Would love to do the c43/55 thing. But they still cost heaps and my c36 is worth bugger all

[Pagz]

It's only another ~50hp/110Nm more,Maybe try test drive a clk55 and see if you like the increase over the C43's performance as they are similar wieght

leave your C36 engine just as it is!, if your keen on turbo etc go C280/320. I suggest save your pennies and find a nice C43 =)

[AMG KC]

I personally like the C43 over the W203 AMG variants due to the noticably better build quality, and its still got that awesome single wiper...

Not sure how they compare handling wise, my C43 is great but only marginally better than my slightly lowered 95 C180. Although even with 354,700 on the clock compared to the 43's 113,000 its still way better on fuel... Which has alot to do with the hard acceleration i tend to do whenever i can...

If a cheap 55 car comes up here with a good engine ill be grabbing that for a swap. I reckon the W202 is one of the best rounded medium cars on the road today...

Pagz, id still be interested to see a "seat of the pants" comparison between the rear end ratios of the 43 car and the 2.82:1 youre putting in from the 55 car, i know on a C4 LT1 Corvette that makes a significant difference ( albeit the closest there is 2.73:1 used in some convertible autos and the 3.07:1 optional performance ratio, base auto coupes got a pathetic 2.59:1... You could pull 95 in first gear, but it felt slowwww... ) I reckon that 2.82:1 with a 43 engine would really kill the fun.

[Pagz]

I prefer the 202 build quality over the 203 also, cant say it handles any better personally but people report the 203 is better in the corners. My father has a 06 C270dci, nice but I cant stand the bulge shape in the dash

The stats on the CLK55 208 /C55 202 are ~5-5.2(have even heard of 4.9 under ideal conditions), so the 2.82 doesnt really kill peformance as such, I do somtimes wonder if the 5.4 with the C43 diff would cause the traction light to be on near perminantly though? =).

I dont think you would ever want to run the 2.82 with the C43 engine, it lacks the extra torque down low!?

[AMG KC]

Its very simular to the LT1 in that respect yes, not alot of grunt straight up, it really feels like it could use a higher stall converter.

I dont think so much the zero to 100 time will improve but more so the 1/4 mile time and speed with the stock 43 ratio and 55 engine.

[Pagz]

Some small updates, things have been a bit slow having to repair my left hand thread fail, and also waiting for parts!

Cleared out the carbon from the heads and EGR,replacing the hardened original MB stem seals with CFW oem ones, lapped in the valves with fine grit as there was minor pitting and added the coolant nipple for the C43's external trans cooler,that plug is very tight to remove as you cannot spin it!. Also replaced two of the lower spring retainers as they had burrs from sharp spring edges.


Thread repair effort,I won't make that mistake again in a hurry


Chain in with new guides and sprockets, I popped down to the local MB dealership to have it pinched and also to pick a litre of FE 75 85 to add to my exisiting spare litre for the diff, took them forever but eventually I left with free pinch and diff oil... when does that ever happen haha.



Everything is really to go back together now just need the time, glad I have the mb corking gun it provides some much needed control especially when doing the front timing cover.

[Pagz]

observation between two cylinders, you can see where the HG has lifted or not made contact, the liner has pulled away from the casting here also but very hard to see in photo without enlargening it!.

[AMG KC]

Ill have a look at this in the next couple days

[Pagz]

You've found yourself a donor?

Im getting there slowly, takes alot of time to put these back together clean and proper!, seeing as this is my first one I can say it took far longer than expected. still need to do the rear cover, sump and oil pump!

[SD202]

love all the work youre doing here pagz! cannot wait to see this finished.

[AMG KC]

No mate i just havent had time to get to look at your pics!! Im always keeping an eye out, and if one came up at the price you paid id be buying that straight away.

[AMG KC]

Have you got that rig mobile yet Pagz or what?

[Pagz]

Thanks SD202!.

KC,
As of 5pm yesterday ..YES!! =D(huge relief), Very very happy with the outcome,Was a bit shocked how much smoother the clk's 722.636 was compared to my original 631,the auxiliaries on the CLK were also much smoother compared with the C43's with 60K less millage so I used all the clk aux... I suspect the C43 has 94kkms of city driving!.
The 5.4 really should have been standard fit for the C43,theres no comparison between the engines performance wise and the 5.4 sounds MUCH nicer too.

One of the odd parts I replaced was the tunnel insulation which came from Germany(one of the two left in the world according to mb the date on it was 8/99 - who replaces this anyways lol), the tiptronic CLK one is identical to the tip C43 but I guess the Ausi heat had caused it to go brittle and start to delaminate, I took my original and cut it to suit the new shifter but it didnt fit right as the new tunnel sits higher up. having fitted the new one I'm really glad I did as it really fits snug.


The clk's Radio(looks same but diff part number) and CAN from the cluster were fitted to allow the multi-function steering wheel to integrate with radio,the pins just slot into existing plugs,also things like the steering angle sensor,the indicator lever(identical except has larger holder for 5 pin plug)need to swapped out too for the clk ones,I love how the Germans make there looms and everything is color coded for which hole it exists on. most of it bar the stoplamp switch was plug and play,I could have used the esp loom to avoid it all together but way to much work. note the cable trays are updated for the tunnel and to hold the interlock wire from the EIS(this is done EIS to brake pedal to rear of trans on the non tip models where as just between EIS and shifter now) .I have a black insert for the shifter on order and also the updated pocket/tray which does away with the foldable ash tray so will be more usable,this area is more shallow on the tip models due to the higher tunnel so would need to purchase the shallow coin/spectical holder if i keep the original ash tray.

[Pagz]

Engine ready to go in,some parts replaced were all seals/gaskets,all one use stretch bolts,water pump,crank pully,both tensioners,oil check valve,all timing sprockets guides,chain and belt(initial checks show 3-4 degrees more advance now but I expect it to be slightly more with oil in the chain),all fluids including diff and trans pilot bush,filter and magnet(pre 2001 had no magnet).


...and it fits!

[Pagz]

All in!

[kowalski]

Thanks SD202!.

KC,
As of 5pm yesterday ..YES!! =D(huge relief), Very very happy with the outcome,Was a bit shocked how much smoother the clk's 722.636 was compared to my original 631,the auxiliaries on the CLK were also much smoother compared with the C43's with 60K less millage so I used all the clk aux... I suspect the C43 has 94kkms of city driving!.
The 5.4 really should have been standard fit for the C43,theres no comparison between the engines performance wise and the 5.4 sounds MUCH nicer too.

One of the odd parts I replaced was the tunnel insulation which came from Germany(one of the two left in the world according to mb the date on it was 8/99 - who replaces this anyways lol), the tiptronic CLK one is identical to the tip C43 but I guess the Ausi heat had caused it to go brittle and start to delaminate, so I took my original and cut it to suit the new shifter but it never really fitted well as the new tunnel sits higher up. having fitted the new one I'm really glad I did as it fits perfect.


The clk's Radio(looks same but diff part number) and CAN from the cluster were fitted to allow the multi-function steering wheel to integrate with radio too,the pins just slot into existing plugs,also things like the steering angle sensor,the indicator lever(identical except has larger holder for 5 pin plug)need to swapped out too for the clk ones,I love how the Germans make there looms and everything is color coded for which hole it exists on. most of it bar the stoplamp switch was plug and play,I could have used the esp loom to avoid it all together but way to much work. note the cable trays are updated for the tunnel and to hold the interlock wire from the EIS(this is done EIS to brake pedal to rear of trans on the non tip models where as just between EIS and shifter now) . have a black insert for the shifter on order and also the updated pocket/tray which does away with the foldable ash tray and will be more usable,this area is more shallow on the tip models so would need to purchase the shallow coin/spectical holder if i keep the original ash tray.

nice work Pagz, congrats!
how was the testdrive?
did you get any punchy speedgazm from the new engine?

the auxiliaries you used from from the CLK which you say was much smoother, what did you use instead of using the similar parts from c43?

when the TIP shifter gate is done, show us some nice pictures along with the new illuminated speedo and steering wheel

the final recipe was the CLK55 engine, CLK55 transmission, did you use the complete rear axle from CLK55?
transmission, you only swapped the 4 bolt end flange from CLK55 to 3 bolt end flange from C43 to fit your rear axle?

thanks

[Pagz]

Hello Dennis ,Thanks! - The test drive was really good plenty of speedgazm!!=D

The clk's alternator and a/c pump bearings were much much smoother, also the power steering pump had less play so I used all three!(all have same part numbers as C43)

The final recipe was all CLK55 parts - The engine,trans,prop shaft,entire rear axle drive/subframe,centre muffler and rear muffler everything just bolts in but of course you need diff recess for clearance!.
There are many many other clk parts i used, I will write a list at some stage!.

I will snap some interior shots once the parts arrive and I have repaired the cluster ribbon!

Cheers!

[kowalski]

Hello Dennis ,Thanks! - The test drive was really good plenty of speedgazm!!=D

The clk's alternator and a/c pump bearings were much much smoother, also the power steering pump had less play so I used all three!(all have same part numbers as C43)

The final recipe was all CLK55 parts - The engine,trans,prop shaft,entire rear axle drive/subframe,centre muffler and rear muffler everything just bolts in but of course you need diff recess for clearance!.
There are many many other clk parts i used, I will write a list at some stage!.

I will snap some interior shots once the parts arrive and I have repaired the cluster ribbon!

Cheers!

allright brotha sounds great, thanks

when you take your car out for long drive check the gas consumption and mileage how much gas she sucks compared to c43 engine?
now that you have a bigger engine, on normal driving, consumption must be similar or less/higher to c43 engine?

[SD202]

yes! glad it all went smoothly! get some of those sound clips as soon as you have a nice clear day to go out and really give her a good test. I bet youre overcome with joy everytime you press the pedal down down! haha

[RemoLexi]

Nice!!! So now when you hook up to SDS you have to select a CLK55?

[Pagz]

Dennis,Sure np I will get some gas consumption figures when I bring her home, I have seen figures around 9.8l/100km open road for the clk55, I got 9.7/100 with the 4.3 but I will confirm!

SD202, I must say I had a rather large smile the first time I stabbed the pedal - i recommend all c43 owners install 5.4's! , even after driving clk55 prior there's something really refreshing about having that extra power in the 202. I will need to get a decent mic for my camera some time then I can get some nice audio for you=)

Remo, Cheers - I used the clk VIN when using SDS but might also work with C43 vin?, everything except CAN to DCM 3/4 works so no rear window actuation, apart from the obvious clk has 2 doors I'll check to see if I have disconnected the CAN somewhere with all the wiring changes or if its coding/program issue need to check which modules the DCM's comm with.

[AMG KC]

Im getting around 10.5-11ltrs/100klms from my C43, on the highway doing a 450klm trip i did get 9.4ltrs/100 with a few WOT overtakes and AC on all the way. ( EDIT: That was with the old MAF, which i reckon was running it a touch lean )

New spark plugs will be going in tomorrow too.

I must say its way more grunty since i put in that new MAF though, putting a couple new Michelin Pilot 255/40 on the rear tomorrow cause the current ones have had the dick now. I doubt itd be drivable with a 55 engine at the moment!! When i go ahead though ill be keeping with the same rear end ratio as the 43 comes with rather than the taller 55 rear end, id expect WOT in first should get you to about 70-75kph now? Mine shifts to 2nd about 60kph, which isnt bad cause going WOT at a steady 80kph cruise puts it right in the sweet spot of 2nd gear.

Last week or so its developed another seemingly very minor issue, fuel gauge sometimes reads almost empty just after the engine starts, the low fuel light sometimes comes and goes. Not sure if the sender is rooted or if its a loose connection somewhere, cause stopping the engine and restarting will fix it every time.

[kowalski]

w202 had troubles with fuel gage sender, your might be faulty, i think there were 2 senders in fueltank