How Easy Is A C36 to a C55 Conversion?

[Deleted member 37751]

I know that PCS has done four or five C43 to C55 conversions, but I was just wondering how easy (or hard) would it be to convert the C36 using a W210 E55 as a donor into a C55?

I'm getting into this restoring lark, so I thought instead of getting the C36 up and running, then buying a C43 to do the '55 conversion, why not see if I can just use the car I've got now?

If I'm told it's not possible, that will make me want to do this even more, just to prove people wrong...

Thanks.

 

[BenzedUP]

If I’m right the c36 was born a c280 and was sent to AMG to get converted?

so I’m guessing it still uses the same 280 gearbox, ECU etc so not sure if all the parts etc can handle the extra power & massive torque!

i'm sure it's doable though but is it worth it? no IMO.

 

[Shude]

The C43 -> C55 conversion is straightforward because the engine is essentially the same size and shape, just a different capacity and the electronics are of the same era.

You need a mechanic to size up an early 210 E55 AMG as a suitable donor for the conversion and start tearing parts off it

 

[horgantrevor]

The loom would also be different and all electrical connections Which need changing in the c36
Then the ecu upgrade
Then diff
Drive shaft
Gearbox
Engine mounts
Rad s
Oil cooler For gearbox
Brake upgrade and discs
Torsion bar s need to be changed
Fuel pump

And so on I have all parts sitting in my garage waiting to do a engine swap for over a year now just need gearbox + gearbox ecu

I could be done but you need a lot of time and money cheaper too buy c43 and upgrade to c55 or go mad put a c63 engine in one or w211 e55 supercharged engine

 

[Deleted member 37751]

If it's that difficult, it looks like I should stick to the original plan then...

Thanks.

 

[carat 3.6]

Is it the noise your after, or more power? It is possible to re-map the 36 to 330hp....

 

[Igurisu]

What Shude said I guess, the engine is a different block/head. Makes it a whole lot more complicated, starting with removing and fab of new engine and gearbox mounts.

 

[Deleted member 37751]

Is it the noise your after, or more power? It is possible to re-map the 36 to 330hp....

I'm happy just restoring the C36 up to its capabilities, I was just wondering whether it'd save me the job of buying a mechanically failed C43 and drop a '55 engine in.

I was discussing the C43/55 conversion with my indie yesterday and his words were 'I can convert anything you like, just depends how deep your pockets are'...

I might even look at a G-Wagen '55 conversion next.

 

[trapperjohn]

G-Wagen '55 conversion has far more wow and impact factor for me. What a hoot that would be.

A guy in Lancashire has recently upgraded his G but nothing like that. I'm just going through various mags to see if I can find it.

 

[Alps]

As well as the above reasons I was told the size of the engine bay was different also as the inner panelling was made to take up more room for the 3.6 engine so you wouldnt be able to firt the 5.5 lump in without some serious panel bashing!

 

[KillerHERTZ]

Also, surely you would want a full facelift model to start with - all the extra trim/electronics.

 

[Deleted member 37751]

Also, surely you would want a full facelift model to start with - all the extra trim/electronics.

In all honesty, the car will still be a 1990's car, facelift or not and I'm happy with either.