V8 Crossfire Conversion Diary

[LantanaTX]

Karim,

Thanks for the update. I can clearly see why the CL500 oil pan didn't work. The Crossfire/SLK has a very different suspension and frame and I believe my CL500 pan will fit fine. I mentioned before that I thought you might need exhaust manofolds from a C43/CLK500 or C55. I have all the mechanical parts ready to install in my car. I just didn't want to tear the car apart until I am sure about the electronics. I am attaching photos of my 2002 CL500 ECU and 2004 Crossfire ECU. You can see they are virtually identical. If you look closely it is very easy to tell which is the V8 and which is the V6. Let me know if your solutions looks like it will work for me. Thank you. If I use the origianl transmission, do you feel I will have problems with the transmission computer?

[LantanaTX]

Kanzus, how is your progress?

[x'ed]

so sad that the crossfire never came with the 4.3 liter v8 stock. biggest mistake chrysler made with this car.

[kanzus]

Originally Posted by LantanaTX

Kanzus, how is your progress?

Hi,

This is progress:

1- install new oil pump and its aspiration tube == OK Passed
2- install oil pan part 1 and 2 and crank pulley (prepare supercharger) == OK Passed
3- test engine fitment on bay (front carrier axle) == OK Passed
4- install Gear box into the engine and test fitment == OK Passed
5- take out engine and gear box (togeather) and install wiring harness == OK Passed
6- put a brand new plug == OK Passed
7- install new exhaust manifold pipes == OK Passed
8- install staff into the car after cleaning all
9- plug the new chip I prepared into the ECU (CL 55 management control)

Next : Keep you posted and send you pics.
"I begin to see the end of the tunnel."

Hearing from You.
Karim.

[LantanaTX]

Karim,

Did you look a the pictures of my ECU? Any comments on what to do? I have to weld bungs into my exhaust for the o2 sensors. My V6 manifolds have o2 sensors in the exhaust manifolds and my C43 manifolds do not.

[kanzus]

Originally Posted by LantanaTX

Karim,

Did you look a the pictures of my ECU? Any comments on what to do? I have to weld bungs into my exhaust for the o2 sensors. My V6 manifolds have o2 sensors in the exhaust manifolds and my C43 manifolds do not.

There is no O2 sensor on my exhaust manifold, all are on the pipes (4 in total).
Look at the picture attached, you have to swap these from the donor ECU to Crossfire ECU and use Crossfire one.

Karim.

[Egodriver71]

Won't you have a problem with only having 6 injector drivers in your old ECM?

[kanzus]

Originally Posted by Egodriver71

Won't you have a problem with only having 6 injector drivers in your old ECM?

When swapping 44pin flash, Crossfire ECU will manage V8 engine and not V6, because informations and drivers are inside flash (29F400BB). From the other side, LantanaTX will plug V8 Harness into new reflashed CrossFire ECU, and this wiring harness will transport information from Flash to injectors.

Karim.

[bluecoupe]

Originally Posted by kanzus

Hi,

This is progress:

1- install new oil pump and its aspiration tube == OK Passed
2- install oil pan part 1 and 2 and crank pulley (prepare supercharger) == OK Passed
3- test engine fitment on bay (front carrier axle) == OK Passed
4- install Gear box into the engine and test fitment == OK Passed
5- take out engine and gear box (togeather) and install wiring harness == OK Passed
6- put a brand new plug == OK Passed
7- install new exhaust manifold pipes == OK Passed
8- install staff into the car after cleaning all
9- plug the new chip I prepared into the ECU (CL 55 management control)

Next : Keep you posted and send you pics.
"I begin to see the end of the tunnel."

Hearing from You.
Karim.

Karim, any updates?

[downwardspiral]

Originally Posted by kanzus

Look at the picture attached, you have to swap these from the donor ECU to Crossfire ECU and use Crossfire one.

Karim.

So can that chip be switched between the srt and limited in order to run an srt motor?

[kanzus]

Originally Posted by bluecoupe

Karim, any updates?

Hello friends,

Sorry, I was busy last days.
My project is in progress, I can see the end of the line now.
I had to change alternator, because 55K AMG need a 180A alternator, and the one on the original CLK 240 is just 120A.

Now I installed wiring harness, exhaust manifolds, and KOMPRESSOR , The engine looks GREAT right now .

I was constrained to take off the EGR (Exhaust Gas Recyclation).
There is only two O2 sensors, original engine had four.

I'm wating for Kompressor belt tensionner which I ordered from MB dealer, by the way I change the Thermostat to have the pipe in front, because normally aspirated engine 55 thermostat pipe is up and hinders the rotation of the kompressor pulley.

I took many pics, I have to sort theim before sending to you.

Keep you posted.
Karim.

[LantanaTX]

Karim,

Thank you for the update. It sounds like you are getting close! I can't wait for it to run. Once you have it running I hope you will post a full write up of just the electronics. I am ready to do my swap and want to start as soon as you have your car running and I fully understand the electronic issues and your car is running normally.

I spoke to a guy with experience with Mercedes, and he says I could run into problems with my transmisssion and rear end because of gear ratios differences and being able to work with the ESP and traction control. Any thoufhts on this?

[LantanaTX]

I called Startech in Germany this morning just for grins to see if they would offer any info on their V8 Crossfire. They answer the phone "Brabus". The man I spoke to said only one V8 Crossfire was ever built and they will not build anymore. He said the guy who built the car no longer works for Brabus and if he did have any information about how it was done, they would not share that information. This was the answer I thought I would get but thought I should at least ask any way. I was suprised to hear that there was only one ever built. I thought mine was going to be one of three V8 Crossfires but I guess I am now building only the second one. I guess Crossfire owners weren't willing to spend money like Mercedes owners will, which is why they were never able to sell a second one. Knowing that there was a V8 Crossfire in existense has always given me hope that this could be done. I just hope Kanzus is successful in getting his to run. If he gets it running, Kanzus will be a hero in the Crossfire community!

[MisterTaz]

 
If he gets it running, Kanzus will be a hero in the Crossfire community!

I agree.

But some of us here feel we already have some local heros as well. And you Sir are also on that list!

Stay safe my friend...


Respectfully,


Paul (MisterTaz)

[BLKFIN]

Well if there was only one built, then the owner is on this forum. I cant recall his name, but he had a few post in the SRT6 section showing photos of it. I know his screen name started with a "D"~

Edit. his name is Daun, and here is a photo of the car

[MikeR]

Yes, and interestingly he had the pop up wing put on the Startech and his SRT6. Plus he has a NA. I am so jealous......

[LantanaTX]

Originally Posted by BLKFIN

Well if there was only one built, then the owner is on this forum. I cant recall his name, but he had a few post in the SRT6 section showing photos of it. I know his screen name started with a "D"~

Edit. his name is Daun, and here is a photo of the car

If Brabus/Startech is telling the truth, this is the only one on the planet. I sent him an email to introduce my self.

[LantanaTX]

I heard back from the guy who owns the Startech V8 Crossfire. He said he would send me some detailed pictures and said he would help me complete my project. It sure can't hurt being in contact with someone who already has what I am trying to build! I also hope Kanzus is successful soon. I can't wait to rip that V6 out!

[CrazyInBlack]

Originally Posted by LantanaTX

I heard back from the guy who owns the Startech V8 Crossfire. He said he would send me some detailed pictures and said he would help me complete my project. It sure can't hurt being in contact with someone who already has what I am trying to build! I also hope Kanzus is successful soon. I can't wait to rip that V6 out!

good luck, keep us informed

[LantanaTX]

Some of you may have seen that Gerhard posted many detailed pictures in a new thread. they were very helpful in confirming I was on the right track mechanically. One picture cuaght my eye. Can anyone take a guess at what the little white box is in the lower right side of the electronics box?