Horsepower?

[BDBENZ]

The 560 SL is rated at 227 Hp at 4250 RPM and the 560 SEL is rated at 279 at 5000 RPM, what are the differences in the 5.6 engines. I thought that they were the same? I believe that both are rated at 279 Torque at 3250 RPM. What would the hp be at 5000 rpm on the 560 SL motor? Is the HP curve flat to the 6000 redline?

Thanks,

BD

P.S. The January issue of Mercedes enthusiast shows the 560 SL hp at 300@5000 279@3250. The 560SEC,SEL are rated at 300@5000 and 334@3750. Can you help explain this? Both show that they are USA bhp@rpm and lb/ft@rpm rating, not metric.
Maybe I just red too much, but is this a class thing or price issue for marketing? Just makes me wonder.

The hp curve is pretty straight, but not at all flat:
(Start at http://www.geocities.com/MotorCity/Flats/2188/index.htm then click on Specifications in the left column then click on the small hp/torque curve about 1/2 way down on the right side to see it full size - it apparently can't be linked in the usual way).

The exciting part to me, though, is how flat the torque curve is - it makes almost as much from 1500-4700rpm as it does at the peak! That's the key to a "power in reserve" feeling without taking it to redline.

As to differences between SEL(SEC) and SL 5.6 engines, every publication I've seen rates the sedans at higher hp and torque than the roadsters, but the (US) numbers were different than those you quoted:
SL 227hp - SEL 238hp
SL 279ft.lb. - SEL 287ft.lbs.

I've only been able to observe these small differences:
- SL air cleaner has one snorkel, SEL has two
- Different exhaust manifolds due to lack of room in the SL's engine bay
- SL oil pan is smaller
- SL spark plug wire set has two bent connectors for clearance.

Of the four observations, only the first two could have any bearing on hp and torque. Other likely places to look for significant differences would be the ECU and cams - if anybody has a parts manual, please check to see if these parts have different part numbers in SL and SEL and post the finding.

[BDBENZ]

Thanks for the reply, and the link. That is a very informative web sight. If I followed it correctly and use the metric conversions accurately, then at 5200 RPM for the cat equipped US version, it would be 274.9 hp. Interesting,

Thanks,

BD

[Leewolf]

About a year ago I put a 79 450SEL engine into my 79 SLC. It was a very tight fit. Some minor work was required to get the passengerside exhaust manifold to stop rubbing the frame. I found out the SEL enigine was 2" wider and 1" taller than the SL engine. It can't be in the block so it must be in the "stacks". Also this SEL engine "seemed" to have a little more "oomph" than the SL. For what its worth. Lee Incidently, I had a nasty accident and my SLC was totalled two weeks ago.

[BDBENZ]

Thanks for the information; I am sorry to hear about the accident. I hope all is well with you and take care.



BD

[Mark Herzig]

Beautiful pictures BD!