[B4TM4N]

So I've been debating for the longest time which one is better. The 2.3L 2002 C230 Kompressor SC or the 1.8L 2003 C230 Kompressor SC. The only thing I know is that it sounds different. (2002 sounds cooler imo). Other than that I figured because 2002 has 2.3L there's more potential with it. Any opinions? Input?

Thanks!~

-Kelvin

 

[Buellwinkle]

The 2.3L motor is a little rougher around the edges but with a simple pulley you can put in yourself and an air filter you can get close to 200HP at the wheels. The 1.8L motor is smoother, gets a few mpg more but realistically it's about 160HP at the rear wheels, if that. A pulley will cost you 2-3 times as much and is unproven and and may get you 10HP, add a chip for another 10HP, still leaves you quite short of the 2002.

So if you are never going to mod it, I would go for the 2003 and have the smoother motor and better mpg. If you want to mod it, go for the 2002 and beat out some european cars costing much more (I beat out a older Acura NSX) with mine.

One last thought, if it were me, I would get the C320 coupe that came out 2003. Smoother engine, quick off the line and can also be modified cheaply with an underdrive pulley kit that gets you another 12HP in the midrange. Also, for a mere $10K, it can be modified for another 100HP.

I switched from my 2002 coupe to a 2004 sedan purely because we wanted a sedan, not because I didn't love my 2002.

 

[shaynemdye]

I have a 2002 C230 Coupe as well. I LOVE IT! But, NEED MORE POWER! Do you know where to get this pulley kit ?

 

[Buellwinkle]

www.aspracing.com call them and ask for Lee, tell him Buellwinkle sent ya. If you send him back your factory pulley he'll give you back a few hundred. I think they now sell the belt with it but if they don't have it, don't worry, it's just a standard 6 rib 56" belt, got mine at Pep Boys for about $20. Instructions are on my website on how to put it in. Also what helps once you get the pulley, for another 3-4hp, is a good aftermarket air filter, the ITG if you can still get it, otherwise K&N. You'll be amazed, the car just flies, drops a full second in the quarter mile. Wish I can do it to my 2004 but Lee hasn't been succesful in running up the numbers on the newer motor. Other tuners sold a few kits, I think Kleemann sold 5 but it hasn't been successful. It's probably because the newer motor is already running 11psi vs. the 2002 at 6psi so there's not a much room for growth.

There's is one big downside, I got my first speeding ticket in many years when I had the pulley.

 

[DACHIGGA]

Get a 02, or you'll probably regret it later. I have an 02, and aside from the 320, I would not trade it for the world.

Dion

 

[B4TM4N]

What about the '06 now. Since it's V6, that's probably even better now 'cuz they're N/A. I haven't driven one yet but anyone know how they fair against the previous models in power and smoothness?

I have an '05 right now in manual and it's hard to compare against my '02 cuz that was auto. The old one sounded cooler, that's all I can say

 

[Buellwinkle]

The don't make the C230 SC anymore (or the wagon for that matter). But yes, I agree, if you are buying used and can get the C320 coupe, that's the best of all worlds.

 

[DACHIGGA]

Buellwinkle - 2/10/2006 10:15 AM

The don't make the C230 SC anymore (or the wagon for that matter). But yes, I agree, if you are buying used and can get the C320 coupe, that's the best of all worlds.

WEll actually, you can still get hte sport coupe in Canada, this is the last year though.

 

[Buellwinkle]

Does the Canadian 2006 C230 coupe have a V6 like the sedan?

 

[DACHIGGA]

Yes it has the 2.5L engine.

 

[amb86]

i got a c320 coupe. may i know whts a puller and where to get it

 

[Buellwinkle]

Puller? You mean pulley? * sells an underdrive pulley kit for the C320 that adds about 12hp. Speaking of puller, you will need one to remove the power steering pulley, the waterpump just bolts on, the alternator requires an air impact wrench.

 

[beamofnight]

worth the gas milage

i have an 03 and just to let you know, i get over 40 mpg on the highway with it. i have never put premium gas in the tank, i simply keep it free from carbon buildup by using a Luca's treatment every couple months. it is the smoothest ride i've ever driven, and for the price i definitely recommend it. since the 02 has a bigger engine, i would image it would get less mpg. for me, it's worth the hp sacrifice.

 

[HKirov]

hi there guys,

i dont know why do you care about gas millage, i will do whatever i can on mine to put up more hps, mine is 02 with the 2.3L. but will change the engine next spring with C55 AMG engine cause i think that's the real deal on the coupe.

and cant wait to smoke up those M3's which are peaking on me now,

and for those who dont care how much money they spend on their Benz will say , Guys keep up spending cause thats the BEST CAR EVER. mine got over 2000$ on parts till now and will keep going till i reach the over 10000$ next spring.

by the way if you nead some help on retrofitting other parts on your C Class let me know will be happy to tell you all i know since i did lots on my car.

 

[david hartung]

more power

Is it possible to add a turbo to a 2003 1.8 kompressor?

 

[arielC320]

oh so lucky that my car is very rare and built like a tank a 2005 C320 sport coupe with 6 speed manual transmission thank you for all the info regards to all