Originally Posted by fonzi

Your comments about the 5.0 are true. 5.0 should be an easy conversion, but sometimes nobody wants a conversion. It's easier to maintain a stock vehicle. A running 380 engine shouldn't be too hard to find either. W126 380se cars b's any 380sl or 380slc should work. I happen to have swapped a 380slc parts car to rwd4evr who has since made the car run and drive, but unfortunately with no exhaust. So it's quite loud. He is willing to sell the engine, and I would think he could even manage strapping it to a pallet for shipping. I think the last number he was seeking for the engine and trans was $1500. So keep that in your pocket as an option.

Since the engine went kaput in your mechanic's hands, I think he should give you a good discount on the installation of a replacement engine.

And you don't want to use a febi tensioner.