The 400 hp construct took two years to finish and options unbelievable consideration to element
by Andrew Gutman
April 2, 2023 at 06:49
by Andrew Gutman
The JDM vs. Euro debate has been happening so long as fanatics have had entry to each kinds of automobiles, however on occasion a singular construct will come round that fuses the opposing cultures. This particular Mercedes SLC is a kind of builds, and notable automotive photographer Larry Chen checks it out in his newest video.
What makes it so particular, chances are you’ll ask? The reply is that it has the engine from a Mk4 Toyota Supra hiding beneath its unassuming hood. The proprietor wished one thing a bit much less nose-heavy, in addition to one thing that made extra energy, so he settled on one of the crucial iconic powerplants of all time.
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Rather than the usual 4.5-liter V8, the 1977 Mercedes 450SLC is powered by the well-known 2JZ-GTE engine, which has been upgraded to make round 400 hp (406 PS / 298 kW). A few of these modifications embody a Mitsubishi TE06 single-turbo setup, a Z32 intercooler system, a {custom} exhaust, and an enlarged-core OEM radiator.
Mated to this engine is a four-speed automated transmission sourced from a Toyota Aristo to remain in line with the Mercedes’ cruiser ethos, and to permit the whole lot to speak to one another correctly, all administration is finished with a standalone MoTeC ECU. That even extends to the local weather management system, which is predicated on Toyota underpinnings fairly than Mercedes.
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Arguably even crazier than all of the Toyota elements, although, are the Ferrari brakes, which got here from the legendary F40 up entrance and the venerable F430 within the rear. And as is the case with most of this automobile, the proprietor did a whole lot of {custom} work to get them to suit.
Customized becoming brakes does get a bit simpler when your wheels are custom-made as properly, and that’s precisely the case with this SL. The proprietor of the automobile additionally owns his personal wheel firm, and after seeing that his classic Mercedes wheel model of selection solely got here in 16-inches, he determined to make a {custom} set with a 17-inch diameter. Supporting these wheels is a brand new suspension setup, which was additionally custom-made, albeit by a 3rd celebration.
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Having a look on the aesthetics, this automobile is about as near OEM because it will get, and the proprietor didn’t need it some other means. The one seen parts that aren’t authentic Mercedes are the wheels, brakes, and a single Toyota change within the cabin. Even all of the gauges are authentic. And seeing because it served as a show automobile in a Mercedes dealership for some time, it’s in very good situation, with issues just like the rear seats and headliner retaining their authentic upholstery. The paint was resprayed and the entrance seats reupholstered, however each jobs have been to the OEM specs.
All in all, the construct took two years to finish, which is definitely fairly spectacular given the dimensions, consideration to element, and general clear execution. Nonetheless, to see extra of the newborn blue Benz and listen to its sonorous straight-six sing, you possibly can test it out for your self within the video under.
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