W201 Replacement AMG Engine

[Rob77]

My W201 is a 2.6 Sportline. I've recently had new AMG dampers and H&R lowering springs fitted at 124Works.

The engine is currently a 3.0 M103 and it's running fine but I've had a hankering to get a 3.2 M103 in it instead: either modifying mine or replacing.

I've yet to hear of someone who's sucessfully done the modification and don't expect to find a nice AMG 3.2 engine anytime soon. So, what (reasonable) alternatives are there?

A 4.3 (from a C43) would be nice but how straightforward would that be and what bits would I need to change? Or would a C36 lump be better?

Anyone any ideas here?

 

[Shude]

I think your biggest enemy here might be electronics. An M104 C36 engine might be old enough not to need any of the electronic trickery and fit straight in.

Given the costs and complications involved if I was after a V8 I'd probably fit a big yank block instead of an MB! Cheaper to source, fit and a LOT more tuning potential. Not cricket I know...

 

[d w124]

Well:Finding a 3.2 m103 is going to be very hard as you already know
I think 3.6 is the way to go as it's been done a few times before but still plenty of work

 

[d w124]

If it was me,I'd go for a Turbo tech.

 

[NW_Merc]

My W201 is a 2.6 Sportline. I've recently had new AMG dampers and H&R lowering springs fitted at 124Works.

The engine is currently a 3.0 M103 and it's running fine but I've had a hankering to get a 3.2 M103 in it instead: either modifying mine or replacing.

I've yet to hear of someone who's sucessfully done the modification and don't expect to find a nice AMG 3.2 engine anytime soon. So, what (reasonable) alternatives are there?

A 4.3 (from a C43) would be nice but how straightforward would that be and what bits would I need to change? Or would a C36 lump be better?

Anyone any ideas here?

What about a 5.0 from say a W140 S500, if you had both cars and alot of patience, time and creativity.....

 

[Shude]

What about a 5.0 from say a W140 S500, if you had both cars and alot of patience, time and creativity.....

This is a serious operation on a W124. Think about how much work it'd be on a W201! An older V8 might be easier but would likely produce less power than the I6 it's replacing

 

[Rob77]

Thanks for all the replies. As I say, I'm happy with my existing engine and so for what I'd want out of the exercise, it would have to have AMG on it.

I thought, since the 4.3 had been going for years, it might be fairly straightforward but so far the 3.6 seems to be edging it.

Incidentally, this isn't a hobby thing, I wouldn't be doing the work myself.

 

[Ian B Walker]

This is a serious operation on a W124. Think about how much work it'd be on a W201! An older V8 might be easier but would likely produce less power than the I6 it's replacing

On a V8 into a 190, the steering box gets in the way, however using other steering gear is possible but the price would be silly.

 

[Howard]

Andy has a C43 engine he was trying to sell me at Ollys GTG , if you are really serious about it , there's your starting point.

He wasn't looking for fortunes , but getting it running wouldn't be easy without the ECU.

 

[Rob77]

Andy has a C43 engine he was trying to sell me at Ollys GTG , if you are really serious about it , there's your starting point.

He wasn't looking for fortunes , but getting it running wouldn't be easy without the ECU.

I'd look into that but if it would mean me re-doing the steering it would be a step too far for me. Unless the 43 is shallower than the one Ian was referring to ...

 

[maggot]

What's the budget Rob ?

 

[Rob77]

Ah, that's a question I never answer. Why do you ask?

I don't have a figure burning a hole in my pocket lol. I know what I'd like to achieve conceptually but don't yet know the details or actual items required.

So far, I'm thinking a 43 would be ideal but if I need to replace the steering then that's a no,no. A 36 might still be doable in which case I need to find out what I require as well as the engine. For example, ecu, gearbox, radiator, oil cooler, manifolds, etc, etc. And also, is the replacement engine a similar weight as that would affect my suspension.

Even if my gearbox, diff, etc, might not be ideal, if they would work at all, I might be prepared to say do the totally essential bits first and go back for the rest later. But first I'd like to get my mind around exactly what I'd be letting myself in for.

I hope that makes some sense because if it works I'd like to get started ASAP.

 

[BlackC55]

I would 36 in it as putting a 43 lump in will cost so much money as you will have to run stand alone management as the engine control unit is car specific and matches up with the gearbox, ignition switch etc

 

[Rob77]

Ok both Ian and Olly are against the V8 43 option so that's good enough for me. It's a non-starter.

The 36 route then. There's a 36 motor on eBay at the moment. Suppose I were to get that or a similar one. What else would I need?

 

[BlackC55]

The whole car would be better to get as you will need the wiring looms, gearbox, diff, immob system etc etc etc.

 

[BlackC55]

Or run it on throttle bodies with a stand alone ECU. That would be cool.

 

[stwat]

A fellow member on the merc 190 forum has fitted a 36. I seem to remember him having a few problems matching the flywheel. Something to do with the crank sensor ?

 

[Rob77]

Or run it on throttle bodies with a stand alone ECU. That would be cool.

You mean like a bank of 6 ITBs with a custom ecu? Wouldn't that be many thousands?

 

[Rob77]

What about this for an idea then? Since the problems with the 36 motor are mainly associated with the different head, what about I get my existing head ported and machined and mounted on a 104 block (3.2 or 3.6).

The idea here would be that sure I'd have some machining bills but the actual install would be pretty straightforward as I'd be able to reuse my existing wiring, anciliaries, etc.

Would it work? Gains not worthwhile? Something to look into further?

 

[poormansporsche]

Selling your old springs mate?