has anyone out there ever seen or heard of swapping an american engine like a 305,350 or ford v8 into a 1987 420 sel if so could you mail me or if you have any info or links I would greatlyy appreciate it! Thankyou kelly, Kimnkell@juno.com

Kelly,

Not long ago I saw a thread that had a link to a 123 coupe that had a chevy 350 (I think?) - well it was some kind of domestic V8.

You start by checking out http://www.grannysspeedshop.com/ - they primarily specialize in putting Chevy V8s into rx-7

or

http://www.renegadehybrids.com/ - they put Chevy V8s in Porsches

Though some might think it's heresy to do such a swap but for the long term I understand it’s appeal (cheap to run, cheap to mod). I’d love to have a LS1 (C5 Corvette engine - 345hp - 350 ft lb torque stock) in my 400e!

Tom

This isn't the right model, but every little bit may help:
http://www.dhc.net/~pmhack/mercedes/280chv1.htm

I've been collecting info on engine swaps into the 107 chassis ('72-89 SL's), and the links to what I've found about that are near the end of the text section of this page:
http://www.carcentric.com/Ludwig.htm
The solutions may not be the same as with a sedan, but it should provide a pretty good list of what issues to resolve. From doing that research, I decided against a US engine, and went with a larger MB engine/trans - believe it or not, it's a lot cheaper that way.

M D "Doc" Nugent
My '72 350SL (5.6)

Its definitely possible. I have a friend with a 126 coupe with a Chevy LT1? (not versed in Chevy motors but it came out of a 1997 Camaro Z28). Its a screamer. Some fabrication was necessary but the engine bay of your 126 sedan will hold it with plenty of room.

__________________
Mike
-W126C 560SEC 040 Black
*6.0L AMG M117 32v Hammer
-W163 ML320 Brilliant Silver
-W124 300E Pearl Black

I was never partial towards Ford motors but when I looked into doing a 190 (201) conversion went with it for several reasons.
1. Small block Ford is lighter than a Chevy.
2. SBF is a front sump engine as is Mercedes, less pan rework.
3. SBF has the distributor in the front, locate motor to rear more.
4. The oil filter housing will rotate in its location for space.
Find another motor that meets these specs!

You can use a 302" and make it 342" as I did in my 190 or for a larger engine go wit a 351" that can go all the way to 427" with a stroker kit although 394" is the preferred size.

Good luck,
Tobias MB
190/5.6

Is your swap documented somewhere on the web? Sounds like you'd have some helpful lessons learned to share.

MDN

No, it is not documented on the web although I do have pictures and templates of most pieces I made for the swap. You have much more room to utilize than I had so should be much simpler.
I made my own AC compressor/ PS pump bracket to retain the OE components although I did install a VW rack and pinion for the steering. The rear is from a 93 Ford T'bird (was a 92 Vette).

There is an outfit in Calif. called Jags that Run and is on the web at www.jagsthatrun.com and I have their manual of Chevy installs they've done, one using a 82 300D wagon. Look at this site for more info.

Tobias MB
190/5.6

Well you can forget "jags that run". I've been trying to get Mike to offer up the conversion manual he promised in Nov. 99 since then. Said he was having too much trouble with his phone company to finish it. Hasn't responded to an email in a long time.I spoke to another guy who said he knew Mike. HE said not to hold my breath waiting for the manual cause it just wasn't gonna happen. I've bought several of Mike Knell's conversion manuals and they are top notch. Very hard to beat. My guess is he couldn't do the manual he promised to the same professional, exacting standards that he's always done. Very disappointed, though.

Sorry to hear that as I have the 11th edition of Chevy TPI & TBI engine swapping and it is a wealth of information including transmissions, brakes, wiring, exhaust and many hints....worth the cost of the book if doing a Chevy. The pictures show small blocks in a 123, Volvo, Toyota Supra, Jeep, an Astro, S10, XJ12 and even a Mustang with a Chevy in it....talk about brand loyalty!!
The book explains the phone problems and lawsuit he had with AT&T in Calif.
Did you get anywhere with 'Stealth Conversions' that was on the back inside pages about ordering books? The phone number there was 925-462-3619PST and fax was 925-846-3642. Haven't tried them but it may be a lead in the right direction.

Good luck,
Tobias MB
190/5.6

Hi Tobias MB. Yeah I tried that too. Stealth is just Mike's company that sells the related hardware he uses in his manuals. I have the manual you spoke of along with several others. I even looked up the web site he set up explaining in extreme detail all the problems he's had with the phone company. My personal feeling is that the time spent setting up a web site might have been better spent on finishing the MB conversion manual. Guess I'll have to figure out a way to do it.

as an old Chevy fan (I put a warmed up 454 in my 350 hp wood spliter Blazer) and ain't nothing like a 327 small block wound tight in second gear. BUT
I will still take take the sound of my Euro 500Se with Euro 420 engine in the passing lane at full throttle over the Duntov wonder........
William Rogers........