Building A 550 HP E63 AMG Engine To Swap Into My C63 Ended In TOTAL Devastation! I’m Not Giving Up!

[@LegitStreetCars]

Use my link to download Hunting Clash now for FREE: huntingclash.link/LegitStreetCars

[@acsiii110]

Is there an american school level?

[@theyunglos]

@@acsiii110 too soon.... too soon

[@NickKautz]

Whoever was paid for the engine should let you take it somewhere to have the head cleaned up and the bad cylinders recoated or sleeved. I can't see that costing more than $2500.

[@radicalfilmz647]

mercedes are just buy Hondas

[@mizinoinovermyhead.7523]

Couldn't you use the heads from the original engine? Or revalve the heads from that one? I mean yeah want the guys to make good on the warranty and everything, but you also have time to consider. I'd just rebuild the head or rebuild the head from the other engine and go that route.

[@BERZERKERSV4]

By far one of the most down to earth Channels for car enthusiasts….. sincere , honest and Alex is just a normal guy…

[@joshuagibson2520]

He grew up a broke ass with a single mother. Dude came from nothing. Worked his way to where he is. I respect the fuck out of that.

[@DannyMdlG]

Absolutely true!

[@emekaezra1860]

... and that's why I follow him

[@williamsommers538]

Yeah man way better than lame hoovies garage

[@austinbirmingham7422]

M539 Restorations is prob my favorite channel atm, definitely recommend u check him out

[@cmkelly1965]

Man, what a bummer! I know you have to film these and get them out to keep fresh content so it's heartbreaking when sort of thing happens when you're already hours in. As always, love the channel and the good work that you do.

[@keithlempka2593]

Love this series, and how you never seem to show really how frustrated you are when something like this happens. You just keep going until the job is done no matter how much longer it takes. I like the fact that you are doing this right and not cutting corners just to make content and get it done. Who ever wins this car can be certain they have a reliable car. Keep up the great work

[@christianwuchatsch9510]

Well said.

[@thomasmurphy5906]

Man it's a good thing you opened up the engine, I hope you can get it figured out and all parties act in good faith

[@randallhuls9909]

You are a rocket scientist! I can not believe people do not change the oil and fluids with these kind of complex engines. There are just to many places for the engine to fail. I think I will stick to my LS motors and decline the giveaway, but love your persistence. Your insight is impeccable for all the engineering upgrades. Thanks for your videos!!

[@sandrasews3765]

My husband is obsessed with this, you explain everything so good, I love it when his watching your videos he would loved to get a car like that. ❤❤

[@anabelbarajas]

As an AMG fan girl, this both breaks my heart and fulfills it at the same time. Awesome series, Alex!

[@webberfan1234]

Same. ❤

[@niagarajoe4402]

Brings back memories from tearing apart my c63’s engine…mine wasn’t blown, but was still fun lol

[@Fasteddiebreakshearts]

💯

[@Smarterthanyou-mthrfkr]

I subscribed to Annabel on her Id photo only!, is it real?, if so, I made a good choice 😍😍😍

[@niagarajoe4402]

@@Smarterthanyou-mthrfkr simp

[@heliosdelsol]

Merriam-Webster definition of motor: 1 : one that imparts motion specifically : prime mover. 2 : any of various power units that develop energy or impart motion: such as. a : a small compact engine. b : internal combustion engine especially : a gasoline engine. c : a rotating machine that transforms electrical energy into mechanical energy.

[@paulsinnett85]

I seriously don't understand why you don't have 3X the subscribers Alex, I love your videos. Always informative, and real. You guys rocks for keeping us entertained.

[@LegitStreetCars]

Thanks Paul! One day but I'm happy with the subs I have now. I appreciate every person who watches

[@paulsinnett85]

@@LegitStreetCars It took me a while I have admit I subscribed when you where building the ppv but I have watched every video as they have come out since the lightning and even gone back and watched your previous c63 videos just good content thank you sir!!

[@djame2517]

These videos are a gift to car people. I love watching your videos Alex. I admire your skill, patience and precision working on these engines.

[@LargeKnives]

I love the realness I see in this channel. Even though my mechanic skills are not in the same galaxy as Alex and Peter's so much of this content is still incredibly relatable based on the projects that I have completed on my own vehicles.

[@Dani-it5sy]

And the more of I watch the more gutsy I get when it comes to my own car. I did my own timing belt on a Volvo V70. I would have never even dared to start a job like that a few years ago. I have no mechanical back ground. Everything self thought. 😅 But it seems we all eiter need to start doing stuff our selves or voluntarily let ourselves get scammed by car dealers. I rather move about on a bicycle before I choose the last option.

[@lucasmartin6793]

@@Dani-it5sy thats true man, this week I just changed the front absorbers, coil springs , strut mounts and ball joints from my Audi A3 8P with my self thought and watching some videos about that😅. I never thought I would change someday by my own a suspension of my car or do other maintenances and it’s all thanks to those videos that give us that thought: I can do it by myself. Btw the mechanic wanted 350€ to do the job.

[@Dani-it5sy]

@@lucasmartin6793 That's a bargain though 😅 I got a quote in Norway for a clutch and flywheel replacement on a 2.0tdi Volkswagen. one of the most common cars around here.. 4200 dollars 🤪 And that wasn't even an official dealer. For comparison I got a quote in the Netherlands 1200 dollars.

[@LargeKnives]

@@Dani-it5sy 100%. Not to mention how hard it is to trust other people to not cut corners or break our stuff. If I mess something up I can own that, but at least I know that it is being treated with care.

[@edpollard989]

Another great video Alex, hope your guys stand behind that engine warranty!

[@mediocre_moto]

Replacing the head bolts one at a time is a relatively common practice, mainly for the DIYer though. I have upgraded the standard bolts to ARP studs on my car doing this (Barra inline six), and I've seen many others do the same. Reliability has not been an issue - I've been running around 500RWHP for years, no dramas. I think MCM originally did this with Benny's Cresta on the first build.

[@bagindoossamah1358]

Bro u 3 the bes thruthful & a great car professional at work showing how & explain very cearly &full of positif u 3 are a gem

[@pete538]

my c43 with the m113 has been abused with over 200kmiles now. runs great beside a slight oil burn which has gotten a little worse over 100k miles. maybe a quart every 500 or so miles. I attribute its longevity especially the cats with repeated sessions of getting it to redline quite often. awesome car. never left me stranded requiring a tow truck

[@dave_s_vids]

I'm never, ever going to be in a position where I'm stripping down an AMG engine, but I still love watching every minute of these videos - great stuff, thanks!

[@stephenprice7502]

Damn, you just can't catch a break with this one Alex! That's some bad luck right there, but I know you'll get it sorted out.

[@LightlessAMG]

I live this series so much, ive been planning on attempting to do all of this on my C63, a complete m156 engine refresh at 64k and now I have a series that literally walks me through it step by step. I could not be more thankful 🙏

[@Motorsportsgeek]

Man, good thing you're a youtuber. I can't imagine going through this as a diy

[@Justin-xn6hn]

Alex - what about sleeving the block? Tasos M does this on the M157 5.5L biturbo without any reliability issues. Plus, this gets you more content for those of us who want to wrench on our own Mercs. Could be a win-win all around IF the engine seller is willing to pony up on the cost associated with this.

[@gnarlytothemax]

man you are a beast at this DIY thing. Probably more competent than the majority of MB technicians..

[@avioncamper]

Alex was a MB tech. Alex is a smart guy.

[@CPoston420]

when I watch a tear down of these newer engines it really makes me appreciate the simplicity of the LS engines

[@donmit1974]

Oh I would love to add that I love you Channel I love the patience and your mechanical skills and your quirkiness. And please never let your friend eat anything off of the ground again even if it is in a wrapper

[@Laith_E46]

I worked at a shop/small dealership that specialized in Euro cars. The owners best friend's son bought a C63 from us with the old head bolt design, and wanted the bolts upgraded. We used method of doing each bolt one by one with the heads on. It's been two years now and the car is still running just fine. So I would say that it can be done that way as well.

[@davedoja7998]

I’ve been looking for these type of swaps for years now.. definitely excited to see how this ends up 🔥

[@kevin9c1]

My mostly unqualified 2 cents: Of all the M156 issues, bottom end issues are not one of them. Therefore, even if you got a higher mileage one, as long as the plan was to completely refresh the top end, replace gaskets, etc, it should be just as good as a lower mileage one. I understand the concern though and appreciate trying to match the mileage.

[@ANDERZENAMG]

I did the one by one method on my ML63 7mo ago, all went well and it is running great still (Full Video On My Channel). Plan to do a One year update video on that process. Did them preemptively and also upgraded Cam adjuster plates and buckets while I was in there. Tough discovery with the rust issues, I am gonna look at it like something good is coming for you with the defeats so far on this thing. You got this!

[@LightlessAMG]

How did your headbolts look when you pulled em? I've got 65k on mine and want to get it over with soon

[@ghostwrench2292]

Yes I was wondering when Alex mentioned M-B dealers doing the head bolt job under warranty the likely hood that flat rate techs would actually pull the head vs replace bolts one-by-one. I would bet 99.4% of techs did the bolt-by- bolt method. 😂

[@ANDERZENAMG]

@@LightlessAMG documented on my channel you can see for yourself 🤙🏼

[@LightlessAMG]

@@ANDERZENAMG the goat 🙏

[@demonbiscuit]

I did the same thing on my 2008 ML63 about 2 years ago. At the time from what I understood that is how independent mechanics and mercedes shops both were handling it so long as none of the headbolts had already failed. If they'd failed it meant a ruined head gasket so the heads had to be removed. Mine had 115k miles on it when I did it, now it's at 119k, no problems at all.

[@subzero7551]

I love how real and raw your channel is. You show the good, the bad, and the ugly of car repairs.

[@agen1man]

Really digging the content, Alex! Got that M539 vibe with those long videos, love it!

[@OB928]

Really enjoy seeing deep down inside the engine and learning how it all works. Most if not all of the work being done is above my skill level, but I continue to be amazed at the ease at which this rebuild is being done. Keep it up!

[@sphinxtk]

Mate, these videos are making me want to sell my c63 estate more and more 😄 Yet, at the same time making me think it’s all DIY fixable if/when it does all go wrong. Love the channel 👍🏼 keep up the great work 👌🏼

[@ghostwrench2292]

I’m glad this series didn’t exist about 6 months ago when I bought a used engine for my Mini Cooper that I overheated. I replaced every seal on that engine except the head gasket before installing it in my car. I NEVER would have imagined issues on the cylinder walls of a used engine!

[@sethgt1234]

I have been a Mercedes mechanic since 1997. I love these videos! Right now I have a 2006 CL500 that I got for $500. It is in very, very, very nice condition except for the transmission and the front bumper cover, but I already bought a transmission that was remanufactured by Mercedes. The transmission that is in it still works pretty good, but I know it's not working as good as it should. I also have a 2004 S430 that I love as well, but not many cars drive better than the W215's do.

[@BastianKH]

C215*

[@AsapRockyOG]

Alex, I’ve been watching you since you had like 30k subs. It’s a bummer that this engine didn’t work out, I really hope they get you sorted out and that they take care of you! But apart from that,I just wanted to say It makes me really happy seeing how you’ve thrived over the years and overcame so many obstacles. I’m also really glad you went KZbin full time. Watching you working on your cars is like hanging out with a friend. Anyway just wanted to say I appreciate you. I hope you never change and keep making videos till the wheels off

[@LegitStreetCars]

What do you think caused the engine damage and what would you do at this point?

[@michaelmahoney8887]

Well I'm not a mechanic so I would probably cry! 🤣

[@VADER_225]

The usual k/jz/ls swop😂🙈

[@Ratdweller]

N54 swap😂

[@webberfan1234]

Probably user error.

[@powertothesheeple5422]

I'd say it sat with coolant/water in it at the wholesaler or there was a gasket leak prior to it getting pulled. At this point I'd wait to see what the seller has to say but I would be pretty leery of some 3rd party Carshield type of warranty. $7500 is a lot to pay for a used engine without a 100% guarantee return/replacement policy.

[@bwalker4194]

Wow! I’ve never seen that kind of cam lobe profile. Must be some serious springs to keep those valves from bouncing.

[@br549rdr]

Always glad to see midweek video from LSC. Enjoying this build for sure.

[@HammerWrench]

A great neighbor that was a Mercedes tech said only own one if you have warranty. Otherwise, don’t love having your cash because the repairs always come.

[@AnontheGOAT]

That’s par for the course for any German automobile, but just Mercedes.

[@rave112]

I hate to see someone else with my luck when it comes to fixing things. It makes for good content in your case at least. Best car channel 👌

[@kevin9c1]

As an owner of an M113K and M273, I have to say the M156 scares me. Never drove one though. I am pretty sure they are magnificent.

[@ashleynyamadzawo]

Undoubtedly my favourite You Tube Channel! Keep up the fantastic work guys, love the channel!

[@easytechchannel298]

Don't give up Alex, you are doing great. Second engine was looking very good up to the end were the rust start showing up on your show. We are waiting for part three and four!

[@gavingrigsby4397]

Keep up the hard work Alex!

[@AnthonyRBlacker]

You're right it's NOT an electric motor, but it IS a gasoline motor. It's an air pump basically, right? It sucks air in, compresses it and then blows it out the back! Motor is 100% and FULLY acceptable! (Engine works as well!) Thanks for the great content Alex, you're probably my favorite automotive KZbin personality!! Keep up the great work bro!

[@derekcarpenter392]

Man it's going to be so nice when you guys are finished with everything, love the channel!

[@scryla2000]

I’m just crying towards the end of the video….. Best of luck Alex!!! I’ll be waiting!!!

[@DCDLaserCNC]

Can you hone/bore the cylinders and get the heads refurbished with new valves and valve guides?

[@animestarlord9021]

Sucks on the motor. Cool part is that part of WV is only like 10 min away from me, lol. I learned long ago how hard it is finding parts sometimes in this area. Import cars gotta drive to the big city to get parts or even find a machine shops setup for machine work.

[@fokuscs]

love your content bro, especially with mercedes. Greetings from Poland

[@thebeddoctor4273]

Thank you for keeping it clean and no fowl language. That's why me and my kids can watch your channel

[@CarFul]

Man Alex, what a bummer this is! I truly hope you can get it done with that warranty! Great video again and I’m very curious for the follow up of this awesome series !

[@rogmofischilled9499]

I know next to nothing when it comes to engines. I just like your channel, I get to learn stuff and it's chilled.

[@therealdojj]

i'd love to find out what actually happened plus to see if you have reconstructed the smashed piston and then giving it away to a subscriber...

[@DontTrip-lu5hm]

Good luck for whoever wins this beautiful Mercedes. Mine might not be a V8 but blessed to be a C300. Been very RELIABLE most definitely more than my E92 coupe. 🥳

[@Novalbz]

What did that motor not have a problem with?

[@rv9990]

Turning gas is an awsome sound.

[@bucksgarage]

I really want to buy a C63 at some point so I was very happy to see you working on another. Your previous videos on these cars convinced me they can't be that bad and that I could work on them. Now you have me scared again! Hope the engine warranty works out, can't wait to see this thing driving!

[@oscarcouch5127]

you can hone that out with a ball hone should be ok all long as piston ring is not cracked. rust does form sometimes when setting for a long time.

[@myz06rocks]

You can’t hone these. The cylinders have lining in them. Motor is toast.

[@oscarcouch5127]

@@myz06rocks i have been building engines and race engines for 35 yrs. lining or not a ball hone or 1000 grit that cylinder will clean up from what is shown on video. but with out measuring with a 3 leg bore mic it hard to tell.

[@myz06rocks]

@@oscarcouch5127 it’s not a mechanical liner style. It’s chemically applied. I know for a fact it is not recommended to hone. BMW does/did the same with its Nikasil stuff and so does Kawasaki with a number of its sport bikes. If you hone or bore, the coating needs to be reapplied. It is extremely expensive to do and only a handful of people that do it. If you’ve had success I applaud you. Everyone’s experience and knowledge is different.

[@theBoomerDoomer]

Thank goodness Alex likes to do a lot of those "while we're in there" kinds of things... other guys might have just swapped the engine in and called it good. Who knows what would have happened then? Sometimes the content just makes itself... definitely looking forward to seeing how this turns out, good or bad.

[@mercedeslab]

I love when your videos are about Mercedes, because they are always much deeper.

[@drifter2090]

Great video! Just did headbolts one by one, lifters and adjusters on my 140k miles CLS63, surprisingly my cams were perfect and my headbolts definitely could have gone longer.

[@thebasherdude__473]

Alex I’ve gotta say watching your channel brings back memories of working with my father who was also a master mechanic at Mercedes don’t worry he’s not gone just moved to motorwerks to work on some bigger better things ive moved to the up of Michigan now and am now living in Marquette the cars up here are nothing compared to the Detroit metro area sorry for the rambling keep up the great videos I’ll be here to watch :)

[@brian_atc]

Don't think I've found another channel with so many fails, but have to be impressed with the positive attitude.

[@milokerrigan7256]

Woah tough break on that engine!!! Been there before, my heart sank as i’m sure yours did, when the head came off!!! Hope you find another engine! Keep up the great work!

[@ndg49]

Can't believe this is happening to you. Finding an engine which you don't have to rebuild will be a challenge. Good Luck and all the best.

[@bartvink976]

you are on about 5 percent of your total !!!!!!! keep going... im watchign for the next 5 years, if the world is around that long ... ;)

[@adamchaves71]

Bummer that engine was rusted on one side. I know you were excited to get those upgrades installed and get the engine back in and start the car. You do have the other engine, so you might be able to save this engine. Good luck getting it worked out the supplier of that engine. Great content as always Alex!!!

[@azzi.arthur]

The spark plugs portion of the video had a crazy Chris Fix vibe! 🤣🤣🤣

[@gasolara2002]

It is actually good to have some miles on the engine. When they sit stuff goes south. I have actually seen this failure. It failed inside the car. It swallow a small amount of water in the intake and it looks like it sat for a little bit. The valves were a bit too clean on top. Hopefully they will quickly resolve the issue.

[@MyDyerMaker]

This channel and one other make my day when a new video is released. Thanks man.

[@trashtasticus7714]

I have 0 interest in these new Mercs but I'll still watch this series because this is one of the most informative and entertaining channels currently in my subscription feed!

[@scottrussell3862]

thanks for another cracking real life video Alex. so refreshing to see someome show it warts and all.

[@antonpandoursky9790]

Those head bolts look rusty and wouldn't think they should be,but you're the master😁Good luck solving the problem and we'll wait the 3rd part🙂

[@gregoryfairchild2460]

Hey, if you get bored, I've got a 2004 A6 2.7t twin turbo, quattro S-Line . I started doing a timing job on the Covid hit. Still having long Covid issues and scraping by so it's just sitting in the yard on 3 years old 5 miles nearly new Kumho Ecsta asymmetrical tires, ugh.. You can do all the shows or events with it as long as I get it later.

[@manqkasgarage6215]

About that broken bolt,I would never try extraction tool. Simply weld nut on to it,heating it let lose the tread and when it’s cold just unscrew it. Works every time.

[@AsapRockyOG]

Damn the fact that the white C63 videos were three years ago…does not feel that long at all!!! Man time flies, it’s like we’re living in the twilight zone lol

[@JAKEaudio2]

and just as an fyi, the cam adjuster bolts ARE TTY, ONE TIME USE!!!!! And the WILL snap if you torque to spec. I was able to reuse them 1 time with no issue, but the second time i torqued them the first one snapped clean off. good thing is when it does it leaves 3" of bolt inside the adjuster snout and with zero tension so it will hand thread out. Just go ahead and replace all 4 bolts, you do NOT want them to fail at speed.

[@ryanrodriguez2736]

I’m subscribed on my television in my house watched and liked this video. Now I’m on my cellphone where I’m also subscribed and watching and liking again 😂 I try my hardest to support 👍🏻👍🏻

[@christiaanvandewetering609]

Alex, I fell asleep midway through your video and then you started using your pipe hammer... well now I am not sleeping anymore. Thanks for the great content. Greetings from South Africa.

[@markopolo945]

Happy LegitStreetCars Thursday! Alex, I can't wait for you to hit 1 million Subscribers. Well deserved you are one of the best KZbinrs and your content is so enjoyable! You and Peter have an awesome rest of your day Brothers!🤜⚡🤛

[@davestevens4193]

Love the channel. Saying you work on so many of these Mercedes has convinced me I will never ever ever have another one

[@DocMackGarage]

The camshaft and tappets looks in very good condition for its age . Will be a nice car once Alex is finished with it.

[@RyanV78665]

dang.. good thing you checked it out before throwing it in!

[@CarswithNash]

That really sucks! I had the exact same thing happen years ago with a used engine we had bought for my dad‘s car, I actually salvaged it with a hone and the car ran fine and never used oil. I can see why you wouldn’t do something like that with an AMG engine LOL! (it was a Chrysler Cirrus in my case)

[@tortron]

Dingleball hone is one of my favourite tools. If the coating is peeled off its toast tho

[@jacksonoriginals198]

I freaking love when you do C63 content was missing it for a while but glad to see this one come about. Definitely going to put my hat in to try and win it because I definitely miss my C63

[@musicman5299]

what a bummer! kinda glad it was you than a diy independent warrior stuck with this motor!

[@jeremysmith876]

Bad break Alex but more content for us is never a bad thing!

[@Nothingtosee2011]

I look forward to all of these videos when they come out. Thanks for all the hard work on our behalf!

[@JAKEaudio2]

after i had white smoke from hell i DID HEAD BOLTS 1 BY 1 IN CAR....that was at 173k mi(ish) and am now at around 325k mi. Knock on wood, i am on original engine,trans,rear diff,most suspension parts. The failed parts have been 1 alternator, 1 power steering pump, 1 water pump, multiple pullies, 1 belt tensioner. I had done the pin flip on the adjusters years ago and it worked for around 100k miles after but about 5mo ago i went ahead and bought the replacement adjuster plates from 63MotorSports and everything got REALLY quiet after. The oil seals on the adjuster snouts are steel circlip style, THEY failed at some point and car started running sub par. MB does NOT sell these seals, only sell them with the segment disk which are around $200ea. There are 12 of these seals(3 per adjuster). I searched until i found a company in Germany that makes them(Mehneker i believe was the name). I bought two boxes(12 total) for around $110 total including fast shipping. It all may fall apart tomorrow but even if it does i have had 330k miles of beat the SHIT out of it fun and would have zero regrets or hard feelings. great work Alex!!!!

[@sirremusrobinson1070]

Can't wait to see that car running down the road.. Love watching the process but the end result is what it is..

[@TJ_NL]

As an Mercedes fan, it made me cry, so respect for your positive thinking, and hope for a nice outcome,

[@jochenstacker7448]

This car is just determined to stay broken! I know you'll drag it back to life, kicking and screaming. 😁 Fingers crossed the next engine is mint, I am on the edge of my seat here.

[@NickMango]

I think I speak for almost everyone when I say: maybe we relax on the AMGs for a while haha. These things are too stressful. You’re the man. I’d be calling scrap yards for the best pickup and crush price 😂.

[@ottson]

Love this C63 series despite the mishaps. We get a deep view into it, and the engine

[@robpeabo509]

This a a bit of a setback Alex, a bummer actually. Good to see you are just getting on with what needs to be dome to get over it and deliver a quality build to the winner.

[@randymueller2349]

Alex, the valve train components you were refering to as "Tappets" or "Lifters"... I have always refered to as "Cam Followers". Audi's 83' and earlier had adjustment "Shims" on top of the Followers (Non Hydraulic), some vehicles had "Shims" under the Followers & 924 Porsches has "Tappered Screw Adusters" threaded through the Followers of various thicknesses. I still have full assortment of the Audi Valve Shims and the Special Tool in my Triple Bank Storage Box, these shims were in direct contact with the Cam Lobes, I never saw one fail. Randy AKA randog311 (BTW: "I Care" in response to: Does anyone really Care?)

[@845amg]

If you have a 2011 you just have to check the bolts - I have an M156 out of the affected range with the old bolts.

[@Patricks_Projects]

I´ll give you an advice. it´s popular to att additive like liquimolly molybden blah blah.. My advice to m156 owners is to use the correct additive for saving camshafts. Add half a bottle redline 'run in additive', it contains ZDDP. And NO it won´t harm your catalythic converters as a fresh m156 engine doesn´t use oil like an old ford iron v8.

[@andrewweltlich9065]

The washers at the from of the camshaft have nothing to do with blocking oil ports. They are diamond impregnated to maximize friction. Their purpose is to keep the cams locked to the adjusters since they are not keyed. AMG used this design to make swapping camshafts easier since you don't have to touch the timing chain.

[@mattmccams]

At least you know the LS car can get you home 😉