---
title: "Toyota 2JZ-GTE-Swapped 1977 Mercedes-Benz 450SLC Is What Tuner Dreams Are Made Of"
description: "Is it better than the original 4.5-liter V-8? Some might think so."
date: "2019-05-14"
modified: "2019-05-14"
authors:
  - name: "Chris Chin"
    link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/chris-chin"
url: "https://www.thedrive.com/news/27994/toyota-2jz-gte-swapped-1977-mercedes-benz-450slc-is-what-tuner-dreams-are-made-of"
categories:
  - "Builds"
  - "Culture"
  - "News"
tags:
  - "Mercedes-Benz"
---

# Toyota 2JZ-GTE-Swapped 1977 Mercedes-Benz 450SLC Is What Tuner Dreams Are Made Of

![](<https://www.thedrive.com/wp-content/uploads/images-by-url-td/content/2019/05/2_184.jpg>)
*\<em\>www.thedrive.com</em>*

When it comes to engine swaps, usually you hear of Chevrolet LS V8s, Nissan RB inline-sixes, or Ford Coyote V8s finding their way into some non-traditional applications. But how about a tuned Toyota 2JZ in a 1977 C107 Mercedes-Benz 450SLC?

Well, somebody did just that and it’s epic. The restomod in the limelight is specifically a hardtop version of Mercedes-Benz’s revered SL roadster. It originally came with a 2.8-liter dual-cam inline-six, or a big cast-iron V8 in 3.5-, 4.5-, or 5.0-liter form. Being a 450SLC, that means its heart, however, used to be the 4.5-liter M117 V8. Naturally, there was plenty of space to fit a [Toyota 2JZ 3.0-liter inline-six](<https://www.thedrive.com/news/27975/5-cool-details-you-need-to-know-about-the-new-toyota-gr-supra>), along with a smorgasbord of modifications.

![message-editor%2F1557841096244-3\_179.jpg](<https://www.thedrive.com/wp-content/uploads/content-b/message-editor/1557841096244-3_179.jpg>)
**Mark Riccioni - Top Gear**

According to the car’s profile on [*SpeedHunter**s*](<https://www.speedhunters.com/2017/05/mercedes-benz-450slc-2jz/>)*,* the 2JZ-GTE receives a TD06 single-turbo setup, replacing the original twin-turbo arrangement. It’s then controlled by a MoTeC M600 engine management system, all with custom wiring to make sure the car works as intended. Sadly, there is no manual, but a [Toyota-sourced four-speed automatic](<https://www.thedrive.com/new-cars/27962/2020-toyota-gr-supra-first-drive-review-a-bmw-wrapped-in-a-flashy-toyota-skin>) from a Japanese Domestic Market Aristo, or the Lexus GS in our market, replaces the 450SLC’s original three-speed auto.

While the engine swap is half the charm, the other half is the car’s original interior and exterior, which retains its old-school AMG modifications. Any sort of AMG mods that predate the tuning firm’s official merger with Mercedes-Benz in the mid-1990s is a treat and an ultra-rarity, no matter how you look at it. The wheels are 17-inch HWA Asteroids, modeled after original 15-inch AMG Penta-style wheels from the 1970s.

To cope with the extra power, Brembo brake system was added, complemented by [Ferrari F50 calipers](<https://www.thedrive.com/news/22594/the-very-first-ferrari-f50-is-for-sale>) at the front and Ferrari F430 calipers at the rear, making this 450SLC quite the zombie car. Bilstein shock absorbers in upgraded form, who was the OEM supplier for Mercedes-Benz at the time, help suspend the car and keep its stance just perfect.

*h/t:* [*Top Gear*](<https://www.topgear.com/car-news/classic/someones-stuffed-tuned-supra-en>)

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