My Daily is Getting a Engine SWAP with Manual Transmission

A CLK55 AMG is a perfect daily driver. But, if you get bored and just so happen to run into a crashed CLK60 GT RennTech...You might as well swap in the 6.0L engine and 6-spd Getrag Manual Transmission. And if you are swapping the engine then you might as well add the suspension, brakes, interior bits, body kit, gauge cluster, exhaust, carbon fiber parts, seats, harnesses, and a bunch of other rare AMG and RennTech stuff...
We're going to document the conversion process and of course rip some smoky burnouts when its complete.
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[@briancarroll481]

I'm about 13 years into owning my 1999 C43 AMG. I'm at 320k miles. 25k miles ago I put a 99 E55 engine into it. I'm also looking at doing a Crossfire manual swap soon. So, basically the sedan version of the CLK55.

[@edd2184]

Go to Mercedes swap shop for your ECU needs highly recommended for manual swaps

[@itachi1145]

That really is a dream car build. I'm in love with every aspect of this story. More manual transmissions on the road is definitely a good thing. I'm glad you get your dream car while you do it

[@redriver15262]

i love what JikJakz did with his CLK55 and E55 manual swaps a few years ago....... and also what XF motorsport has done with their W211 E55 amg. Both have made AWESOME manual swapped AMG's

[@Next7x7]

Really getting into these curated stories, homie 10/10 will admit his mistakes and when he’s been in over his head through his career and how he got through it.

[@redsauto8002]

This will be one of my favorite projects on youtube. Cannot wait to see the progress!

[@renweiler]

My first car was a Clk 430!!! 200k running strong!

[@DoWorkExotics]

CLK55 are slept on. Makes no sense. Better build quality than the new Benzs. Love ‘em!

[@TZ281]

“Do you want me to do a burn out”

[@shanehiner4717]

Keep it up John, love what you're all about! Always look forward too new content from you all.

[@SvilenTrifonov]

I'm kind of living through a similar story right now. Bought a cheap project car - a Volvo V70R in quite a rare color. Cylinder head needed rebuilding. Now suspension needs a refresh. Alternator is starting to go. Oil pan could use a reseal. It's basically a money pit that is quickly becoming unmanageable.

[@gettin-sendy]

Magnificent, gotta love it when a 16yr old gets to have some fun, look forward to seeing this creation progress, well done John.

[@maraudingmerc9381]

This is an AMAZING turn of events. I can't wait to see how the project progresses!

[@maximedupuis9805]

Very cool project! Those older AMG cars are so cool. I own a C36 W202 (116k miles), C43 W202 (170k miles) and E55 W210 (72k miles) and they are amazing cars!

[@91lifetime23]

Damn that renntech version looks awesome, i have a clk 320 that our grandpa left us and ive always thought the original AMG front bumper looked ugly, as if the it were smiling and more round fog lights as if it didn’t has enough round head lights, this is the version i envisioned, front bumper 320 version with the sides and back bumper of the AMG, i hope to one day own a 55 but ive there a very few in Puerto Rico

[@greggoose1]

Great engines in the 55 clk. I daily a 1999 E55 myself. I bought for $13,500 years ago from an older gentleman up in Seattle with 70k miles. In my opinion, one of the best Mercedes. Very reliable and simple but still solid and refined. Rear main seal and valve covers very normal for these cars. Been watching for awhile and we have a lot of similar taste haha... Love the diablos and clk 63 black as well. Will have to stop by next time I'm in Florida.

[@Changingtesting]

Had a black, black 01’ Clk55 AMG sitting dormant in the driveway for over 10 years! It wasn’t mine but It had been my dream car and seeing it sit there for long hurt me so much, finally this year we got it into the shop and its going to be restored! The paint surprisingly held up really well for 10 years and it wasn’t until the 10th year when the paint started chipping because of going through all 4 seasons and sunlight. We tried starting it for the first time in 10 years and it started right back up immediately(after charging the battery of course). When it’s out the shop I want to get it repainted black. And maybe change the door light to shine a mercedes and amg logo. I’m so glad to see this car being restored. And I’m happy we both share the same amount of love for this car. Enjoy the CLK 60!

[@marktwain8192]

Wow. Can't wait for this!

[@violinmiata]

This is going to be an exciting build, can’t wait to see how this all comes together. When I was 27 I was walking down the steps from my business and saw a new 2008 535xi with the dealer sticker in the window, 8 years later I bought one for a song as my daily driver dad mobile. Flash forward, we have a minivan and now it’s time to make the car more agile. Old German cars are great!

[@MrJkev23]

I feel you man my dream car is a 2005-2006 SL 65 AMG V12. I really plan on getting that car in two yrs or less

[@omarm330]

Good luck and have fun with the repairs and maintenance. ABC rides like a dream yet a nightmare to fix. V12 engines are also a pain to upkeep. If its financially feasible then go for it.

[@rahulsudhir666]

@@omarm330 That's true. A friend got bogged down by it so he swapped and made it a coilover setup. Two different things yes, but the headache of havin to deal with it or the expenses is gone

[@DannyGodlewski]

So excited for this, exactly what I’ve been looking for!

[@gsmith207]

That’s wicked cool! Can’t wait to see it when done

[@navigatorescalade]

So in a nutshell, he sort of bought a hooptie of his dreams and now loves it!

[@robboy18]

Cannot wait to see the progress on this! Absolute unicorn of a car.

[@BryanW163]

Love it! Love the W208, can't wait to see the project videos.

[@humu1345]

Awesome !!! Love this channel !!!

[@jerrywithaj6765]

Thank you for this content. I recently purchased a c208 320. Absolutely love the car (and the fact that everything still works minus the cup holder). Very underestimated car that was way ahead of its time. Cant wait to see the progress.

[@carswatches864]

I can't wait brother, this sounds great to watch! Love the content.

[@brianz367]

Love this story John! So happy for you!

[@08DJTUNING]

I think that RennTech one could be saved as it is, especially if we consider that in Europe worse cars were repaired :) In this scenario, you will end with 3 CLKs instead of 2 and 1 RIP xD

[@daltonhanleyjr4142]

Why don't you just fix the 1 of 5 car? It doesn't look like it was badly hit. The car with that kind of provenance is worth saving.

[@WeAreCurated]

We've been informed the frame is irrepairable. Also black > silver..

[@TBendez]

@@WeAreCurated *Vsem privet, today we are doing impossible front end frame repair on rare CLK60RT*. (@Artur Tussik)

[@gurkpojken]

@@WeAreCurated would it be possible to make it a clk 60? I mean ask renntech if they can spec the new one as a renntech-car?

[@Emira_75]

@@TBendez If John says the car is unsalvageable, and he's the only one here who has fcking seen it or has any insight, then the engine swap situation is the best thing to do.

[@subway5907]

The absolute best thing, would be to partner up with RennTech and convert the black CLK to a CLK60… if the original company is involved in the project, it goes from a «replica» build, to an original. Which would probably increase the value of the car, no?

[@dwtrksvc]

Definitely looking forward to this. I loved the 80s wide body kits on the Mercs.

[@IMTHEBIGGESTCUNT]

That’s the way to do it! Good man, John 👍

[@niallpower3993]

Super excited about this build !!!!

[@andrewmacheras210]

cant tell you how excited I am to follow this build.. mind blown, very very cool my friend.

[@jona6183]

Man I felt that. Bought a audi s5 off facebook. When i started pulling the car apart i found it was much more needed repair . Lucky i was able to learn about the car even more and able to do some of the repairs myself.

[@CPadsSkies]

Some serious man maths in play here 👏 bravo sir, looking forward to the build

[@morris5510]

Always on replay mode listening to your previous videos. Personally you made me look into the base clk models

[@josephimports]

looking forward to this project. Thanks for sharing

[@shannons1886]

Love this. So many people can relate to this!

[@w1how]

I love these old CLK’s and sold loads of them brand new many years ago.Unfortunately the UK climate has not been kind to UK CLK’s and most have rusted away now unfortunately.

[@TerranDL]

cant wait to see this project!

[@amritsingh2171]

F yea! Huge clk fan. Excited to see this through. I just picked up a 2000 clk430 cabrio. Will soon pick up a clk55.

[@pgrens]

Hell yeah! CLK60 GT parts car?!?! Amazing opportunity. Please do document as much as possible! I will watch every second of it. Cheers from Chicago!

[@65fritos2]

I have a '02 CLK55 AMG, slightly lowered with OZ rims. Pretty rare car! (2400 made)? Beast of an engine and handles great.. Good luck John - sounds like a fantastic project.

[@jameskeelor6172]

This channel should have 1 million plus.!!! Love it, the knowledge, the cars, the everything is awesome. Pretty soon everyone will be going to Curated, the wikipedia of dream cars!!

[@ozzypawsborneprinceofbarkn3249]

Love it! I’ve always loved the design of these cars. A coupe with no B pillar is so cool

[@landon390]

This is 🔥🔥🔥 can’t wait to see more!

[@michaelpytlar5366]

Love how hyped you are for this one John 😂🤘🏼

[@Michal_Ciok]

Hi! I bought CLK 320 which was swapped into V8 5.0 from CL500. Ok, still have some small issues and painting to be done but my God. This is my first project. Not a daily but… ❤ the Beast is ‘98 so 25 years in 2023😎 Great movie. 👍

[@sokolmiftari3887]

happy to see someone is living their dream , love the clk to

[@Skippdaddy]

This channel should have 10x the subscribers by now

[@BoukieMcbridger]

This is amazing, Well done

[@OnlyTheFinest125]

Congrats on your find. I know everyone probably doesn't care. But I went through the same thing. 3rd times a charm. As in car lol. Looking forward to the future sir!

[@alexandersurratt9260]

Just subscribed, great video seriously 👌🏽

[@greggohlins1497]

Wow bro great story my dad had one of those and it was excellent. Same like you I have tremendous childhood memories :) I remember when I was 18 without even a driving license yet I would "steal": the car in the night with my buddy, when my parents were away on holidays. Race it through town hoping not to encounter any cops and then coming back home. What a thrill (still remember that snazzy leather gearknob ;)

[@ANDERZENAMG]

Can’t go wrong with a manual V8 Mercedes’ and all those Renntech goodies are going to be sweet. I’m curious if they used the 716.xx six speed or something unique on their own. Anyway, the manual behind the M113 is a beautiful thing and this will be a very special car once complete.

[@javidamod]

CLK DTM. Ultimate AMG project. Widebody that thing

[@andreimadalinneagu]

You’re completely insane!!!!! Love this, bring it on!

[@WeAreCurated]

Coming soon!

[@Canadian_Gamer]

I love these Mercedes. Another hard to find Merc is the first generation SLK-AMG kompressor roadster iin good shape. Pretty sure it had the same wheels as your car.

[@mattblock6616]

I remember reading about that cat ages ago, and it is a dream car for me. I can't believe he found it

[@ogeenext]

Really happy for you John.

[@brendendas]

Subbed! Can't wait.

[@Luis.Rodriguez003]

I owned 3 CLK 60`s my self. One of the pics of the silver one in this video belonged to me. Also owned a black coupe & an orange convertible. They were real eye catchers back in the day

[@GreenRanger886]

Wow. I love my 2002 CLK55. Now more than ever.

[@KhurramsGarage]

can't wait to see it!!!

[@sarahdell4042]

Now this is cool!

[@spiritof1977]

This is going to be so Badass John!

[@cyberpaw]

I got a w211 after seeing clk55 on the road.. clk was basically my dream car too

[@kbcarroll]

what perfect timing. I have a 1999 C43 AMG that was my dream car at 16. I've had it since 2011 and I now have 320k miles and an E55 engine swap. I'm at a crossroads of "have it repainted" or "put a manual into it."

[@AndrewJaws]

I have an 02 E55 amg in Tectite Grey. It’s a very special car, I would love to send it to Renntech to have a stroker motor built.

[@rw3915]

Wow, cool project.

[@partyplardy]

Former 1999 E320 owner here. John I gotta say you look like Orlando Bloom

[@papa_pt]

beautiful car that 6l with a 6 speed sounds incredible. you should still keep it as your daily unless you hit crazy traffic every day

[@MrCarGuy]

An NA M113 is probably the most reliable gasoline engine MB ever made and the 6.0 sounds like the best daily driver!

[@rjnromijn]

Yes! Love it mine isn’t mint but such a nice daily.

[@pedrorocha1425]

This is dope!

[@szymonbednarek2498]

I cant wait for next material *.* Ive got w208 and also love it even in casual spec little boosted engine.

[@NotRedLine]

There's nothing more expensive than a "cheap" Mercedes-Benz project! I'm somehow £50k+ and climbing in to a W140 S600L restoration so I feel your pain on this. The cars might depreciate but the parts sure don't. Keen to follow another man making bad life choices on modern classic Benz's though!

[@dvw2119]

I love these custom benz builds. Can't wait

[@lwd1611]

I'm so excited to see your car with a manual transmission

[@DrHumorous]

Amazing story. Reminds me of myself and my 55 🥰😄😁👍🏼

[@jedgreco]

These are the video I like the most 🤩

[@yamahaxs6501]

I'm a geek for these early 2000s MBs. The styling was just perfect. You knew you were looking at a Mercedes, never a question. Every car looks exactly the same today, except for badges. AMG has been neutered, these cars are affordable, and you still have a special car with some real character. I, too, have gone down the rabbit hole of overspending on an early 2000s Benz. I always told myself I was making the car mine, and I knew I would never see a return on the actual money, but I got it back in spades with a great driving experience.

[@CDeuce152]

I remember reading the Motor Trend article of this car.

[@theanomalous1401]

For real, John? When all is said and done, you will have the OG Renntech/MB Hybrid! The absolute best of the best of both worlds. I'm all about "Dream Big", and when the opportunity comes, you got to go for it. After all, you only live once. For how long depends on how you're going to try to sell all of this to the lovely and gracious Mrs. Temarian. Don't forget that it's Monza this weekend. The Tifosi will be rocking the house❗ 🇮🇹

[@machloufliran]

I almost bought that car like 15 yrs ago maybe longer. Ended up not buying it because it was almost impossible to register in CA at the time with the manual swap. Best of luck. Might have original pictures from back in the day.

[@WeAreCurated]

Wow.. what a small world.

[@kiwiwifi]

Mine caught on fire. One of the cats spontaneously combusted and I could quench the 🔥

[@WswRefrigeration]

Epic!!! In for video updates please

[@HotMike]

Bruh! Also a CLK55 coupe aficionado! I'm into the W209 variety, but, to have a healthy budget to do something like what YOU'RE doing is aspirational. When I cop one the mods will begin.😎

[@readysoftwaresolutions6844]

Can't wait!

[@MrMlbfan6]

When you find your dream car you lose all common sense idk why lol

[@raw-amg4396]

Did my C43 AMG W202 manual swap many years ago now the gearbox has done many laps at the Nurburgring

[@Thatguy55595]

You should upload 2-3 times a week it would definitely make your subscriber count skyrocket

[@detgoat]

Sounds like the true son of a father with a lifelong Lamborghini muira project, that never ends.. 😆.. But gotta luv the passion, congratulations

[@Abeylius]

Love it!

[@jamesbambury]

well that escalated quickly, good luck!!

[@robertburgan4768]

Hey, man! Great video. I'm a 208 clk fanatic as well. A few years ago I had a white 2001 430 that I did a 5.5 AMG swap with a Kleeman performance tune and custom Flow master true dual exhaust with an x-pipe. Car was a beast! Unfortunately, it was totaled. I now have a 2001 black 430 that's about to receive a low mile 5.0 swap with a modified valve body 5 speed. The car already turns heads: halo headlights, SL style grill, medallion hood ornament swap, custom rear spoiler, AMG style wheels, and the true dual Flow masters through an X-pipe. Cat and resonator deletes. Nice and mellow when cruising, an absolute gates of hell sound when getting into it!! Been rebuilding the suspension and getting all of that right before the swap. It's an adventure! Looking forward to seeing how yours turns out!🤘😜

[@MrCarGuy]

A spoiler on a 220 S-Class? Can't really get behind that. In fact, I think they look the best with the stock pre-facelift AMG wheels and nothing else

[@ignacymat]

W208 is my fav merc as well, would be so cool to have one in mint condition.

[@larrychamel]

Oh nooo, John has gone down the Rabbit Hole. You are definitely having the time of your life, having an incredible time and hemorrhaging $$ at the same time. PASSION! Way to go John, Love the Senja & your Boys, take care my friend and looking forward to the next Video! ❤️🙏🙏🙏🙏❤️

[@fwhiteification]

sick!!!