Newcoming around the net...

[BobsterMan]

Hello, people. This is my first post here as I have just discovered the site.

My topic is a mercedes with a non-mercedes engine and trans, so quite realistically it is in the proper section of the site,

Now that most of you have left, I hope those that remain can be generous and patent while I work through this.

For some time I have been thinking of a 280 pillarless coupe. What appeals to me is the classic coupe lines and the beauty of the simplicity of it. But simple restoration isn't my way, and I seem to have a bug to put a North American engine and trans into it, not just for the supposed economic saving in purchase, but also to enable economic replacement. (I have a history of roasting the mill or blowing the trans, but admittedly not in a Mercedes.

So what it comes to, assuming the viability of the implant, I am soliciting comments on the practicality of my planed choices.

For ease and fit, it will have to be a L6 engine. The old Ford 200 cid L6 is a candidate here, due to the low weight (375 lbs) and economic availability (still) in my area (hell, they put them in swathers!). Performance would be addressed by a turbo (to overcome the stock manifold-in-head restriction and to get the puppy up to the 7000 rpm red line line that the seven main bearings with light factory pistons can handle. An adapter for a GM Powerglide two-speed transmission (again rugged and light) makes for a good [light car, high revving engine] combination. Since torque is relatively low, the rest of the drive line could be stock.

I like the sleeper aspects of it (my current car, a dark blue four-door 1980 Cutlass has a 403 Rocket, 350 trans, and an IROC rear end with 373's and posi).

Any comments on the plan (besides "DON'T PUT THAT ENGINE ANYWHERE NEAR A MERCEDES! ! ! "?