
1978 Mercedes 450SLC with a 650+ hp Supercharged LT4 V8
This 1978 Mercedes 450 SLC (C107) arrived at Schwartz Performance for an overhaul. The company used their experience to enhance the coupe’s power, handling, and appearance.
Schwartz Performance swapped the factory 5.0 L M117 V8 for a supercharged 6.2 L LT4 V8. The motor features an aluminum block, forged steel crank, forged steel rods, forged aluminum pistons, and ported supercharger. Schwartz Performance fabricated a set of custom headers and exhaust with Magnaflow mufflers.
Backing the supercharged motor is a Tremec T56 Magnum six-speed manual transmission controlled by a S1 sequential shifter. The final piece of the drivetrain is a Currie 9-inch independent rear end with a Truetrac limited-slip differential.
Everything is supported by a custom Schwartz Performance G-Machine chassis featuring a multi-link independent rear suspension, splined sway bars, and Ridetech adjustable coilovers. A set of Baer Extreme+ six-piston calipers and 14-inch rotors on each corner helps keep the 600+ hp car under control.
On the body Schwartz Performance fabricated custom intake vents on the side windows to feed fresh air to the transmission and differential coolers. The body along with the European bumpers received grey metallic paint. They completed the exterior look with a set of Forgeline LS3 Heritage wheels (18×10, 18×12) with BFGoodrich g-Force Rival tires (275/35, 335/30).
Cassin Customizing gave the car a new custom red interior. A set of Sparco SPX seats with carbon fiber backs are surrounded by a custom roll bar. Behind the suede-wrapped steering wheel is a Holley 12.3-inch digital touchscreen display.
Source: Schwartz Performance (project page)