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1978 Mercedes 450SLC with a 650+ hp Supercharged LT4 V8

Published in engineswapdepot.com

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.

1978 Mercedes 450 SLC with a Supercharged LT4 V8

1978 Mercedes 450 SLC with a Supercharged LT4 V8

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.

Supercharged LT4 V8 in the engine bay of a 1978 Mercedes 450 SLC

supercharged LT4 V8 and T56 Magnum six-speed manual transmission

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.

independent 9-inch rear end and custom exhaust on a Mercedes 450 SLC

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.

custom Schwartz Performance chassis with supercharged LTS4 V8

underneath view of Mercedes 450 SLC with a custom chassis and LT4 V8

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).

1978 Mercedes 450 SLC with a Supercharged LT4 V8

1978 Mercedes 450 SLC with a Supercharged LT4 V8

Forgeline LS3 Heritage on a Mercedes 450 SLC

custom air vent in a 1978 Mercedes 450 SLC

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.

custom red interior with suede wrapped steering wheel in a Mercedes 450 SLC

Sparco SPX seat in a Mercedes 450 SLC

Source: Schwartz Performance (project page)

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