560SL engine in a 380SL ? Opinions please...!

I found a MB junk yard that will install a low milage 560SL engine in a 380SL, for only $1600 used, about $800 labor and will do the modifications... The 560 is much faster, 5.6 vs 3.8..

What do you think? Is it worth it ?

[tjohn]

Hrm. I think the classic transplant is a 500SL engine into a 380. It's the easiest because it's a direct drop-in, no mods needed. The 500's performance also meets or beats the emissions hampered 560 engine. Still, if you don't mind dropping the cash, why not?

BTW I'm referring to the 107 euro 500SL, not the 129.

For what it's worth...before I found that the problem with my 380SL engine was not terminal I explored the options of installing another engine. I found that the most often suggested alternative was the engine that normally resides in the 420.

Randy

I have a '82 380SL with a 1986 560 engine and transmission and it is a big difference in power. I did not do the exchange though. It was like that when I bought it. I did have to solve an idle problem, as it would not idle down below 1200 rpms. We changed the air contol unit on the front of the engine to one for a 380 and it now idles at 600 rpms. Runs great and now the only problem is the price of gasoline.

[JBoggs]

Explain please? I ahve a 560sl that idles poorly, runs fine. What did you do?

Thanks.

J. Boggs