I dont know what is going on but it does appear that the springs wont be an issue. I calculated that I should drop about 31mm due to the extra 200 Lb engine weight. But so far everything looks fine except for it does have a slight list to the right.

John Roncallo

Just finished reading your odyssey, all I can say is WOW you've done a spectacular job on a swap that I also thought would be nigh impossible. After wiring up the M119 in my W126 swap I vowed 'never again', but that job was nothing compared to what you have fought through.
May I recommend an after market ecu made by Link, www.linkecu.com. Have a look at their Link Plus G3 ecu, its capable of controlling a V12 with whatever ignition type you like also no need to make the component yourself and it controls VVT with separate fuel/ignition mapping. I'm running a link plus for the M119, excellent tuneability and very good after sale support. If you ahve any questions about the suitability of their ecu then you can ask the engineers directly via the forum.

The two week count down is on. I was just advised today that cars must be registered, insured and drive in to the Sikorsky Auto show on 9/23. Whats left to do at least to get it to the show is.

1) Exhaust at least to the cats.
2) Throttle linkage.
3) Bypass engine oil cooler.
4) Bypass trans cooler.

5) Kluge in old radiator with epoxy glued on hose outlets using polycarbonate tube and Locktight epoxy. Fill radiator with water do not install cap.

6) Install other plumbing. Custom PS, fuel and booster lines are now being made.

7) Connect old harnesses and computers with everything stuffed under the dash on the passenger side floor. Disguise computer stuff as an igloo cooler for the show.

8) Make the sign of the cross, cross fingers and light it up.

9) Trailer to 1/4 mile from Sikorsky Aircraft and drive in like everything is just fine.

I'm hoping to take Friday off and have steps 1-5 complete this weekend and a good start on step 7.

Nothing like a little pressure for motivation.

John Roncallo

For anyone in the S.F. Bay Area who has been following this thread and been tempted there is a 92, 600, on craigslist for $6500.00. says clean and low miles. Posting ID, 420271439.

It was my intension of finishing off the exhaust completly. But I did run into problems that made the exhaust system temporary for the moment. This is enough to get it started running and do some limited testing. It will also sound pretty cool with no muffler. I want to use the original SL600 cats and muffler but it turns out the cats will need extensive modification. For the moment I'm just hoping to have enough clearance to get it off the lift.

I will have to cut the front off the cats and reposition the pipes and O2 bungs at the inlets.

John Roncallo

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Why use the cats? I'd just use straight pipes all the way back with some cross overs to equalize the pressure. With probably a Borla muffler set up at the rear.

__________________
2016 Corvette Stingray 2LT
1969 280SE
2023 Ram 1500
2007 Tiara 3200

Until I do away with the MB computers the cats and the 4 associated O2 sensors are required. Also It is my intent to keep this car to 1986 DOT specs, 1996 EPA specs and as quite and smooth as a 1996 SL600.

John Roncallo

A 1992 would be significantly easier to deal with due to the non electronic 4 spd trans and the non COP ignition. This would make using an aftermarket engine managment system alot easier.

John Roncallo

Well as it turns out, I was not able to bring the car to the Sikorsky Auto Show. It was gallent effort but not a chance. The list of things to do just shrinks down and then suddenly gets bigger.

Now I'm faced with another problem. The wife gave me kind of a cut leash until the auto show. During that time other things got put asside. Like moving a grand piano from a third floor attic bedroom. Or selling the rest of my SL600 parts inventory to pay for all this fun I've been having. I cant complain, she has been very good in the last year. So its time I give her back a little time. I expect there will be a slow pace for the next few weeks.

The current state of the car is as shown in the photos. The current tasks before first start are as follows

Fabricate Air Cleaner Supports
Fabricate Coolant Reservoir Support
Bypass Trans Cooler Lines
Remove center console and dash
Design and fabricate throttle cable
Fabricate Oil Cooler Fittings and Close Off

Complete Cooling System
Install Trans Seals
Add Trans Fluid
Install PS lines, Fuel Lines, Vacuum Booster lines, Heater Line
Start engine and transmission wiring

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Looking at your pix's I see the O2 sensors "In" the Cats ? I've always seen them in the header pipes before the Cats. Had this discussion before...mounting the O2 sensors in the pipes before the Cats should still give the MB computer the readings it needs. Just a thought.

John...I personaly am glad you didn't "rush" the project. (bin there,done that) The pix's of the almost finished engine bay just floor me. Mercedes couldn't have made it any better ! Please keep up with your posts and pix's. I have a huge smile on my face after reading each one! Later Dave

Yes this will work and that is essentially the plan, but I have to go 2 pipes into 1 before the cats and then put the sensor in a position that will get a good mix of exhaust gas from both the forward and aft set of cylinders on each bank.

John Roncallo

Thanks Dave

You know I'm almost at a point where I dont care about starting it right away. I know that some way some how this engine is going to run. So I would like to do a complete permanent installation of the exhaust and cooling system before even attempting the start. The only thing is the radiator will cost significant $$$ and getting it started might be hard work but cheap to do.

John Roncallo

Wizard cooling can probably make you a custom aluminum one, for pretty reasonable. One guy on the diesel forum used them for his W123 with a 5.0 Ford engine in it. Charged him about $400. From the pictures it looked impressive!

__________________
2016 Corvette Stingray 2LT
1969 280SE
2023 Ram 1500
2007 Tiara 3200

I actually found one that will fit for ~ $200 and a custom one for about $650.

John Roncallo