Tiiming Change
 

I would like to change my ignition timing on my 87 560sl. Could someone please let me know the procedure for changing ignition timing.
Also, has anyone changed their own timing chain. Can you offer some advice for a full install and not simply cutting the chain.

Love this site.

Thanks

Timing change
 

Hi, Santora4.

I have 1988 560Sl and installed MSD multi spark system with their high power coil instead of simply changing timing.
It is because MSD can cover up to 20digree of time because they are multi sparking and gives me better mileage as well.
You can order though Summit Racing and very simple installation.
If you like to simply changing timing, you will see a screw placing distributor with adjusting. Loosing it and move distributor to change the timing. You need to have timing light to confirm the timing setting.

Also, about timing chain. I have many people who has early 70's and 80's MB, but the chain is still good. Usually, chain drive cam system are good to 200,000 to 400,000km in Japan and it is very hard to replace if you have to.(requires to remove water pump and other pulley and front cover of the engine.)

I hope you do not need to change the chain on your car.

Ezzy.

Timing Change
 

Ezzy -

Thank You for you info.

The 560sl has a computer that automatically adjusts the timing. I think you have to bypass the computer somehow. This is the connection (that needs to be disconnected) that I can not locate to adjust the timing.

Any thoughts.

Thanks Again

Timing change for your 560SL
 

I am sorry that I wrote about distributor parts as in general.
Since I use MSD 6AL(similar system) in my car, I automatically have 20 degree crankshaft rotation spark duration which covers pretty wide range of timing.
Please see below URL.
http://www.msdignition.com/1ignstre.htm

I hope you also go for MSD to see how much improvement your car can have.

Ezzy.

Ezzy -

Did the MSD kit come with a plug-in wire harness or did you have to manually strip the wires and connect them? If not, what Mercedes wires did you plug into the MSD harness?

Installation instruction from MDS
 

Santora4,

Please see below URL. It is link to MDS installation instruction manual.
http://www.msdignition.com/downld1.htm
Mainly, you only connect Grand connection to the engine block, additional positive from battery terminal, and reconnect the both positive and grand from original coils.

Regards, Ezzy.

Ezzy -

Another quick question:

In regards to the 560sl transmission, how many times does your transmission shift when in the D setting? I know this is a silly question but I think my transmission is lack of one gear.

When I have the gear selector in the "3" setting it only shifts once which means it is driving with only two gears. Is it me?

Transmission gear
 

Santora4,

560SL has a big torque so MB decided it to start from 2nd gear when shifter is in D, 3, 2 positions. So even transmission is 4 speed, the car only shift 2 times. IF you like to do Hod Rod start, shift the gear to 2 position and move the shifter to far right to activate to lock switch to start from 1st gear, but it will give a big stress to your transmission.
Or simply kick your gas pedal to the end to also activate kick down switch.

Ezzy.

Ezzy - Thanks for the info. That puts my mind at ease.

Talk to you soon.

1st gear start transmission
 

MB didn't make the car start in 2nd gear due to torque (big fallacy), it was because there are less tailpipe emissions when the transmission starts off in 2nd gear. Actually, starting off in 2nd gear puts MORE load on the engine's crankshaft.

For better performance, you should modiify you transmission with a 1st gear start controller so it starts off in 1st everytime (like every normal car and all new MBs after 1995).

I've done this to my 560 and what a beautiful difference!

1st gear
 

stummala -

Where can I purchase this item? How did it effect your everyday performace?

Thank you for the help.

1st gear start
 

I put kits together that are simple to install, don't require one to screw around with the transmission itself, is solid state so doesn't break, and is fully reversible/defeatable to revert back to stock if you sell the car. Also, the same kit works in the 1990-1995 SL500/600, 1992-1994 500E/E500, 1982-1991 S-Class, 1992-1995 S-class

Feel free to give me a ring: (248) 737-4229

Kind regards,

Satish
PS, where are you located?