The Pagani Zonda is one of the best sounding cars ever made. However, if you love Mercedes-Benz cars and want a model that sounds like a Pagani, you can actually find one.
The Mercedes M120 6.0-liter V12 engine sounds like a Pagani Zonda. This is the same engine that was used untuned in the very first Pagani Zonda, which is the C12. You can find this engine in Mercedes car models such as the W140 S600 and CL600.
Alternatively, you can use the 5.8-liter M137 Mercedes engine. Today’s Pagani Zonda uses a modified 7.0-liter and 7.3-liter AMG V12 engine, which is naturally aspirated. So, if you want your Mercedes to sound like a Pagani, you should find one of these engines.
How to make Mercedes sound like Pagani?
If you love race cars, then you probably love the sound of a Pagani Zonda. However, the Pagani is very expensive, and not every person can afford it. Regardless, if you want a cheaper luxury car that sounds like a Pagani, you can still get one from Mercedes. Here’s how to go about it:
Look for a Mercedes model with an engine similar to Pagani’s
The first thing is to look for a car that sounds like a Pagani engine. As stated above, the Pagani Zonda uses a modified 7.0-liter and 7.3-liter AMG V12 engine that’s naturally aspirated. But if you get a Mercedes model with the 6.0-liter M120 engine, it’s even better.
This type of engine was featured in the Mercedes CL600, S600, and SL600 produced between 1992 and 2002. Even though Mercedes discontinued the production of these cars, you can still find second-hand cars at great prices. Most of them range from $9,000 to $18,000. But with all the fuss they are undergoing now, expect them to increase in price.
Acquire equal length long tube headers
Next is to find a dealer who puts the exact equal-length long tube headers to make your W140 SL600 or S600 sound like a Pagani. Unfortunately, there’s only one dealer with these custom-made equal-length tube headers and it is located in Japan.
The garage in question is known as Technical Garage Sasaki, and the dealer is called Sasaki San. Although the dealer doesn’t have a large social presence, you can get in touch with him through his page on Facebook, “Technical Garage Sasaki.”
Sasaki San combines the 7.3-liter Mercedes-AMG V12 engine that’s based on the Mercedes’ M120 6.0-liter twelve-cylinder and adds equal-length long tube headers and a bespoke exhaust to make the car sound like a Pagani Zonda. The outstanding exhaust system will cost you in excess of $12,000.
Enjoy your ride
After Sasaki San fits your Mercedes W140 S600 or SL600 with equal-length long tube headers and a brilliant exhaust system, you can enjoy your ride. The sound produced will be the same as that of a Pagani Zonda.
One of the beneficiaries of Sasaki San’s invention is Youtuber Effspot and photographer Mark Riccioni. Effsport commissioned such an exhaust for his Mercedes S600, while Riccioni bought Sasaki’s W140 S600, which was his company’s demo car.
With Mercedes-Benz W140 S600 and SL600 going for a lower price, it’s easier to see why many people are attracted to the idea. Sasaki hadn’t received any orders for his custom-made exhaust system for 7-years, but after Effsport posted a video of his W140 S600 after it was tuned, it went viral.
What are the features of the Mercedes-Benz M120 engine?
The M120 is a high-performance automobile piston V12 engine. It has an aluminum engine block lined with aluminum/silicon. The aluminum DOHC cylinder heads are four valves per cylinder design. In addition, the engine utilizes sequential fuel injection and forged steel connecting rods.
This engine was used in Mercedes S-Class models produced between 1990 and 2002. Because of the new emission rules that were introduced in 2002, Mercedes stopped the production of this engine. It was later replaced by the smaller, less powerful, and short-lived, 5.8-liter M137 V12 engine.
More Mercedes questions
How can I make my car sound like a formula 1 car?
There are several ways you can make your car sound like an F1 car. However, it will depend on your budget. You can decide to change the exhaust of your Mercedes-Benz and get the engine tuned for peak revs. Alternatively, you can as well use speakers to create the sounds.
What makes a car sound like a racecar?
When your Mercedes-Benz sounds like a racing car, it can be a sign of a problem. There are various things that you should look out for. It can be due to the lifters moving the valvetrain not getting the ideal oil pressure, a loose or worn-out piston pin, or due to the connecting rods.
Which Mercedes-Benz engine is the most reliable?
Over the years, Mercedes has come up with some powerful and exceptional engines that have performed overwhelmingly well. However, the most reliable Mercedes engine is the 2.6 R6 Mercedes engine. This engine can be found on the W124 model and it’s very durable.
Other reliable engines worth mentioning are 4.2 V8 Mercedes engine, 2.0 V8 Mercedes engine, 2.0d Mercedes engine, 3.5 V6 Mercedes engine, and 2.1 CDI Mercedes engine. Most of these engines are not only durable, but also, don’t often develop issues.
How much is the Mercedes W220 S-Class?
The price of the Mercedes-Benz W220 S-Class will vary with the year and model. The W220 model was produced between 1999 and 2006, meaning there are no new models being made. However, you can find quality used models that range between $10,000 and $22,000. For instance, you can get the 2001 Mercedes S430 W220 for $10,900.
Apart from the M120, which other Mercedes engines are featured in the Pagani Zonda?
Pagani Zonda used 3 different engines from Mercedes. All of these engines were different versions of the M120 engine. The first one was the 6.0L engine used in the Pagani Zonda C12, followed by 7.0L in the C12-S & Zonda GR, and finally, the 7.3L in the Zonda S.
Final thoughts
The Mercedes M120 6.0-liter V12 engine sounds like a Pagani. But to get the actual sound of a Pagani Zonda, you will have to tune the car. That’s where you will need the custom-made equal-length long tube headers and brilliant exhaust from Technical Garage Sasaki in Japan.
