GAD Minivan V class. Crazy upgrade

History of the GAD-minivan
A year and a half ago we needed a car for 7 people for a private trip in Germany. We rented a Mercedes V-Class and drove almost all day. The car was wonderful, and comfortable to drive; but unfortunately it didn’t have much power. Whilst in the car, the idea of upgrading it came to mind, so we immediately started thinking about engineering difficulties and a plan for the build. We later ordered a car to get started!
What did we get:
• medium size
• 4-matic
• diesel (You cannot buy a petrol engine in Germany)
• V250 diesel with 190 HP
Delivery took a long time. During this time, our emotions calmed down, we were completely occupied with our clients, and after the delivery, we used the car with a diesel engine for about 50,000 kilometers. The lack of 200 horsepower was obvious, and definitely needed more.
After Christmas in 2020, we said to ourselves, " it's now or never."
First, we took everything out from under the hood because we needed to make sure that it was possible to put a new engine in. We have never done anything like this before, so we needed to be certain. We saw enough space to install another motor, so we were incredibly happy. Our idea was to put the 4.0 V8 Biturbo in our super bus, but this engine could not be installed easily. Therefore, we decided to create a new V-class motor specifically for this project.
As a result, the M177 was born with modified GAD parts. After physically installing the engine, we needed a lot of work with setting up and connecting the electronics. All parts communicate with the engine (ESP, disctronic, gearbox).
We also thought about safety in the car, so we put ceramic brake discs and modified the suspension system. Of course, the new engine desperately required a new exhaust system made in our company.
We installed the complete exhaust gas aftertreatment system with catalytic converter and GPF (gasoline particulate filter) to achieve the latest generation of exhaust gas emissions.
The low temperature system and the oil cooling system were re-forged.
We have modified the nine-speed transmission.
After the necessary test kilometers, the car showed about 900 horsepower, excellent handling and speed set. This car turned out exactly as we planned it. We still have a lot of issues to resolve with the regulatory authorities with the bureaucracy and documents.
It should be noted that the car does not experience stress with the new engine, there is no feeling that the car is too powerful. It is harmonious, modern and anticipates your expectations when driving. We created the car not for the client, but for the GAD team.
We have not changed the interior; the car is convenient for traveling long distances. But now we can drive 100-200 easily on the autobahn without stress and any effort. Driving in the left lane is very safe and easy. The V8's beautiful sound adds to the feeling of comfort. The sound is not loud, but it is noticeably deep and memorable - definitely more than the diesel! We see a lot of surprise and incomprehension on people's faces, because the pleasant roar of the engine and what you see in front of you (the body) do not coincide in the head. At the same time, they are very harmonious together, as if they were born for each other.
There is certainly one question inside us why the factory does not produce a V8 minivan.
theend
GAD-Team
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Thanks:
/ hampshirephoto
player.epidemicsound.com/