The Turbo Wolf, though, feels like the right compromise. In fact, it feels natural, as if it had come from the factory this way. It\u2019s a wonder Mercedes never offered this engine; it\u2019s such a perfect fit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This wasn\u2019t a one-to-one swap, though. EMC had to build a custom skidplate under the front bumper to protect the intercooler the naturally aspirated original engine didn\u2019t need. A new 3-inch stainless-steel exhaust system had to be designed and fabricated to connect to the turbo rather than the head. In addition, a custom airbox was fitted and a 3D-printed air intake was added to the passenger front fender just below the hood to feed it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It’s not entirely stock upstream of the turbo, either. EMC has tuned it up to a healthy 225 hp and 300 lb-ft. A modern boost gauge takes the place of a block-off plate between the speedometer and tachometer. The boosted power is routed in this case through a Mercedes 722.6 five-speed automatic with a standalone transmission controller (the engine is entirely analog) on its way to the stock multispeed transfer case and all four wheels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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