Small block chevy conversion - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Funky d · #1 01-20-2009, 10:29 PM

Nube here.
Looking for info on mixing oil with water. I'm toying with the idea of putting a sbc in my 75 450SEL. Think I'm nutz? I've seen a few pics here and there of SC's with the conversion.

Any links or pics you know of would help. I haven't made up my mind yet on this, so go ahead and throw you thought at me.(good and bad) I don't want a racecar out of this. Just a daily driver. The ole 4.5 is ailing and a long block is too much $.

Turbo E320 · #2 01-20-2009, 11:47 PM

If its a carb'd small block then with some decent welding skills and some steel plate you can fab an engine mount to put that sucker right where you want it. Chevy motors look tiny in Mercedes, in an older 450 like yours I would think the hardest parts would be the motor mount fab, interior functions like air conditioning, and making a custom drive shaft assuming your using a gm tranny.

gocirino · #3 01-21-2009, 12:46 AM

You mean something like this....

pawoSD · #4 01-21-2009, 12:46 AM

Why not just wait and find a used running 4.5? A chevy engine in a MB?!

Yuck.

pawoSD · #5 01-21-2009, 12:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gocirino

You mean something like this....

I'm guessing the handing is a bit....different than stock.

Richard Wooldridge · #6 01-21-2009, 01:25 AM

I installed a 4.3L V6 in my '82 300D, it's still running fine, and I've put almost 100K on the conversion now. It made a good daily driver for me. I used the TBI engine, with a T700R4 with locking torque converter. It gives around 28mpg on the freeway, a lot less around town. I'd think you would face about the same problems as I did, which were pan clearance, starter clearance, exhaust header on the driver's side, and transmission tunnel clearance. Assuming your vehicle is about the same underneath as mine, you will need to widen the transmission tunnel for about 14" back about 2 1/2". I have a description of my conversion at http://www.freewebs.com/rwooldridge/mercedes.htm

Strife · #7 01-21-2009, 02:52 AM

Don't know if this car has a lot more room, but the steering is a problem on 107's (may require rack and pinion). A small-block Ford is a little narrower, and even this has problems.

Given that there are a lot of V6's (and even some fours) that produce equivalent, or even more, HP to the lo-po, low-compression MB engines of the 70s and early 80's, I'm surprised that not a lot of people have done this, which should be a little easier. I would love my "daily driver" 107 if I could get ~20 in the city out of it, without being a road hazard. The modern, 4-5 speed, lock-up trannies would help too.

JimFreeh · #8 01-21-2009, 06:38 AM

I've got a 81 380SL in the back field that has a SBC already installed. TH350 and an A-6 A/C compressor, too. While I have not looked it over too closely, the only obvious thing I see is a remote mount oil filter.

It's all plumbed in, and looks like it did run.

Wish I had the time to do something with it.......

Jim

have mercy · #9 01-21-2009, 06:52 AM

why butcher the benz, saw 350 in 67/111 coupe tubed , came to our garage like he did somthing,i told him he was a butcher he was no happy, just look at the car you see in pic 190b went to back road, let's say. he did come back to garage.

pifcat2 · #10 01-21-2009, 01:59 PM

I've done conversion's for different reasons. Conversions are usually done for more tunable power while others want to improve the drive train's reliability and serviceability (Jags, English, Italian cars) My most recent conversion was done for the modern technology (5 valve/cyl, twin turbo).

The Mercedes are basically reliable, parts are available, and the 6's give good performance so the conversion should be significantly better in performance than a Benz V8. With more power you will need better braking, handling modifications, and likely wider wheels & tires. Be prepared to pay alot for this project unless you have all the skills to do all the work yourself. You could end up spending enough to buy a new Benz if you do the work right. Many backyard mechanics can do a hack job but you're trying to "improve" your Benz, right? If done right you will have a unique car and the experience of creating a car to your liking...

Funky d · #11 01-21-2009, 06:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gocirino

You mean something like this....

Ya, I've seen that one. A bit too over the top for me. But it's baad!

Funky d · #12 01-21-2009, 06:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pifcat2

I've done conversion's for different reasons. Conversions are usually done for more tunable power while others want to improve the drive train's reliability and serviceability (Jags, English, Italian cars) My most recent conversion was done for the modern technology (5 valve/cyl, twin turbo).

The Mercedes are basically reliable, parts are available, and the 6's give good performance so the conversion should be significantly better in performance than a Benz V8. With more power you will need better braking, handling modifications, and likely wider wheels & tires. Be prepared to pay alot for this project unless you have all the skills to do all the work yourself. You could end up spending enough to buy a new Benz if you do the work right. Many backyard mechanics can do a hack job but you're trying to "improve" your Benz, right? If done right you will have a unique car and the experience of creating a car to your liking...

Yes, that's more to the point. I want a good conversion but I don't want to do anything irreversible to the car. I've thought about air suspension to replace the springs too. Any thoughts on that?
I'm still in the planning stage of this so all your input is helping

Funky d · #13 01-21-2009, 07:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Richard Wooldridge

I installed a 4.3L V6 in my '82 300D, it's still running fine, and I've put almost 100K on the conversion now. It made a good daily driver for me. I used the TBI engine, with a T700R4 with locking torque converter. It gives around 28mpg on the freeway, a lot less around town. I'd think you would face about the same problems as I did, which were pan clearance, starter clearance, exhaust header on the driver's side, and transmission tunnel clearance. Assuming your vehicle is about the same underneath as mine, you will need to widen the transmission tunnel for about 14" back about 2 1/2". I have a description of my conversion at http://www.freewebs.com/rwooldridge/mercedes.htm

Did you have any trouble with the trans? I didn't see pics of that. That's probably the closest thing I've seen to what I want to do. The 4.3 and 350's are almost identical. Thanx man!

gocirino · #14 01-21-2009, 08:10 PM

Have you considered a 6.1 Hemi instead of a SBC? Much lighter and 425 HP stock with 23 mpg I just finished putting a 6.1 Hemi in my 68' Dart. Best thing I ever did.

alabbasi · #15 01-21-2009, 09:26 PM

And if you don't want to do any of that, you can buy my 73 4.5 liter engine for cheap cheap!