Excellent. Did he just finish this recently. I actually thought this was done a long tima ago. I did post him a while ago, but maybe he was too busy working on his own car. I will give it another shot. I also found a web sight that he hosts, maybe that would be a better way to get in touch with him since I havent seen him post here in ages.

At the moment things are moving along quite well. I really wont know if I will have any problems until I try to start it, at which time things could turn into a disaster in a real hurry.

The physical install is turning out to be alot simpler than expected, In fact I can probably get away with absolutly no chassi mods, if I decide not to install the air pump. So far all the cutting is limited to the subframe only, which essentially has to be re-engineered. I may at a later date re-engineer an entire subframe out of 4130 or possibly Aluminum and make my own A arms. I will probably notch out an area of the chassi by the right front subframe mount for airpump clearance, and just flatten the sheet metal seams where the tunnel joins the fire wall for more exhaust clearance. So far none of the planned modifications are irriversable. So I can still chicken out.

Electrically is a different story. My number one concern is my ability to trouble shoot this system should something go wrong. I was a Mercedes technichian 20 years ago, long before any of this technology and I do not personally own a Star Diagnostic system. I am particularly concerned about the DAS system that is coded into the engine computers. Right now it looks like my only hope of getting this thing to run is to install the original 96SL harness and ignition switch, leave the key in the on position with everything stuffed under the dash, and actuate the switch using relays from the 560SL switch. Its ugly but it should work. I also will need to install rear wheel speed sensors so the electronic 5 speed transmission will work correctly, that should not be too challanging, but if I do that, and I find the curent front wheel ABS sensors to be compatable, I might as well just install the whole ESP system. These are things Satish, did not have to deal with using his earlyier non-DAS non-electronc transmission.

My plan right now is to finish engine mounting, then I will attempt to set up all wiring without fully installing harnesses, just check to make sure everything runs as best I can. I'm very reluctant to cut wires, as the harness and computers I have are known to work. They are essentially my baseline components. Then I will have to build a harnass from scratch since the computer box will now have to be located in the trunk. Fortunatly I have a source of technichians at work very comfortable with building aircraft quality fly by wire harnesses. I will have to find one that will want to do some moon lighting.

Thanks
John Roncallo