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Finished up install this weekend (all but shorten hi pressure ac hose), VERY happy with the swap, Josh sent ecu-installed and fired up, no codes, smooth idle, worked perfect! This is the car I think Chrysler/Mercedes should have introduced. Extra HP, sound of a V8 is what I was looking for and the simple install was well worth it. Thanks to everyone for documenting work needed (Jared, Dave, and many more), I had an appointment with Superflow people this morning but New Mexico Governor shut things down, was told sometime in the spring--just really wanted to see what it would do. COVID is getting worse here, I am glad I live far from town, not much interaction with anyone--kind of miss the bs from my friends.
Finished up install this weekend (all but shorten hi pressure ac hose), VERY happy with the swap, Josh sent ecu-installed and fired up, no codes, smooth idle, worked perfect! This is the car I think Chrysler/Mercedes should have introduced. Extra HP, sound of a V8 is what I was looking for and the simple install was well worth it. Thanks to everyone for documenting work needed (Jared, Dave, and many more), I had an appointment with Superflow people this morning but New Mexico Governor shut things down, was told sometime in the spring--just really wanted to see what it would do. COVID is getting worse here, I am glad I live far from town, not much interaction with anyone--kind of miss the bs from my friends.
Awesome!!
Nothing to it right??!!
How come you're shortening the high pressure AC hose? I just had to bend mine a tad.
had to shorten 4 about 4" too long dual 4" tips, removed resonator
inches, fits as original now, changed exhaust also-added tips and removed resonator, sound nice-not loud-v8 noise. Cat back was Chrysler performance.
Just to let you know, SuperFlow was excellent 355 hp @ 5500--this is above sea level--Albuquerque--almost 25 MPG on trip to dyno. Just need to say THANKS, Mike
I bought the car because it was cheap and I wanted it.... no other reason. I would have still bought it even if I wasn't planning the swap.
If someone already has a car that's paid for, I think it could be done for $2500 - $3000 depending on where you find your engine.
As far as my engine goes, that was pure luck!! I happened to mention I was thinking about an M113 swap to a guy at work who is big into MB, and he told me about the ML55 the wrecking yard had set out the day before. He told me it wasn't wrecked and I initially said "screw it, I'm not pulling an unknown engine out of a vehicle that isn't wrecked". I decided it would be worth the drive and to inspect it as thoroughly as I could..... and I got lucky. If you remember, I had originally planned on putting it in my red 6spd XF. This could have gone bad... it could have had a rod knock or wrist pin rattling, or some other unknown and invisible damage.
Many stars aligned to pull off the swap the way I wound up pulling it off..... maybe it was fate?? Don't know. I do know that it was definitely worth the time and effort.... this is the fastest car I have ever driven. I'm thinking about how I want to go about making a video for YouTube that I can share with everyone.
Nobody who does this swap will regret it. Definitely find a 5.4 if you can. I think the thing that has surprised me the most (besides the acceleration), is the exhaust noise. I'm still running all 4 cats and the stock muffler. When I stomp on this thing, it makes and incredible roar out the rear that I could only compare to an afterburner. It's incredible the way this thing attacks all of your senses at WOT. Can't wait to get my Needswings cat delete mid pipe. I'm keeping the OEM muffler.
Took my '88 C4 roadster out last night..... no comparison. The XF would leave it in the dust.
Jared
Jared this is unbelievable! Would it be possible for you to do a write up or manual on how to properly do this swap? Soup to nuts what to do step by step and what parts and issues we should look for? I'd pay money for such a document.
Jared this is unbelievable! Would it be possible for you to do a write up or manual on how to properly do this swap? Soup to nuts what to do step by step and what parts and issues we should look for? I'd pay money for such a document.
Thanks!
I probably could. It would take me some time to really think about all that had to be done (not much actually) and what steps to take first, second, etc. I would basically just be compiling all of the information in all three of my threads that relate to my swap.
My next goal is to purchase an M113K and swap that into this car, and put the NA5.4 in my 6 spd car.
I just followed Jared, Josh and Dave and the info they posted, it's all there just need to do some reading! Mine worked out perfect, a bunch of miles and no problems (except wanting to keep my foot in it!) The performance is excellent, no difference in handling, on a DOT scale the car is less than 50# heavier, I am working on a 2001 slk320-94k miles and very clean, mounted my XF OEM wheels on it and think it looks good, picked up a 2005 c55 5.4, 113.988 engine and in process of inspecting same-shows' 73225 miles. I'm hooked! Love the swap and its almost like an early AC Cobra except it stops, turns, handles, !00% better. You can turn on the tunes, ac is cold, and smoke the tires at will---enough said?
Just needed that special touch - "sport bars"
Finished up second swap, everything went as expected --except, should have replaced sensors before engine install, chasing random engine misfires -live and learn. The SLK is a little different to drive and top down is wonderful. My Xfire will always be my favorite, and has been trouble free. second swap, getting easier
I have been using OTC Genesis w/MB advanced card- its ok but can't access tcu or special tests, and probably need to purchase a DAS/STAR. Any idea which one I should look at? Word is out I've been doing some MB work and might be some new customers in the future, pay for my "toys" also. My CSP showed erratic/possible failure and replaced the same--much of misfire went away, still chasing #8 secondary "B" .
Any new projects ?
I have been using OTC Genesis w/MB advanced card- its ok but can't access tcu or special tests, and probably need to purchase a DAS/STAR. Any idea which one I should look at? Word is out I've been doing some MB work and might be some new customers in the future, pay for my "toys" also. My CSP showed erratic/possible failure and replaced the same--much of misfire went away, still chasing #8 secondary "B" .
Any new projects ?
I bought the clone DAS system with laptop from obd2store.com. The Dell D630 with Mux and software cost $800 after shipping.
No current car projects, just some John Deere tractors.
Just read this entire thread and what a great thread it is. I did notice in one comment Jared was a little reluctant on whether to call himself a mechanic but finally came around to the realization that he was, well, I think I can safely speak for anyone reading this to say...Jared, you're not just a mechanic, you're a friggin' wizard! Credentials don't hold a candle to ability and you, sir, have that in spades. Nice work and job well done!
Just read this entire thread and what a great thread it is. I did notice in one comment Jared was a little reluctant on whether to call himself a mechanic but finally came around to the realization that he was, well, I think I can safely speak for anyone reading this to say...Jared, you're not just a mechanic, you're a friggin' wizard! Credentials don't hold a candle to ability and you, sir, have that in spades. Nice work and job well done!
Thanks for taking us along for the ride,
Matt
Thanks for that Matt. Almost 20k on the swap now and she's still running like a top. Still being driven daily, just not by me. I accepted a new/better position at work that gives me more freedom but also came with the need to haul tools and other equipment as needed. I picked up a free 2002 Subaru Outback 3.0 LL-Bean that was in sorry shape and have just about got it restored to almost as perfect as a 20 year old car can be. My wife is actually driving the XF now... and she loves that power!! I still have the Kompressor install on the back burner as I am slowly but surely gathering the needed parts. I will have to start a new thread when I start that project, so watch for that.
Again, thank you and take care. Glad you enjoyed the many tangents I went on!!
Jared
Last edited by lotsofspareparts; 07-29-2022 at 09:05 PM.
Reason: Hit the 3 instead of the 2. 20k on the swap, not 30k
I still have the Kompressor install on the back burner as I am slowly but surely gathering the needed parts. I will have to start a new thread when I start that project, so watch for that.
Jared
Hi Jared, please link me in to the new thread when you start it
Re: Worlds Cheapest V8 Swap
