interesting... - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Ashman · #1 12-18-2002, 07:25 AM

http://www.carcentric.com/Ludwigproject.htm

Alon

rickg · #2 12-18-2002, 08:54 AM

Fun car, bad paint job

el presidente · #3 12-18-2002, 09:11 AM

That 0-60 time seems a little optimistic....

drbrandini · #4 12-18-2002, 10:03 AM

He is a member here !

tjohn · #5 12-18-2002, 12:08 PM

Yes he is. He's also extremely active on the MBZ.org SL and 126 lists (for obvious reasons).

rwthomas1 · #6 12-18-2002, 01:51 PM

Why is a Flowmaster a bad idea? RT

#7 12-19-2002, 04:45 PM

If I may rebut:

To Rick's comment about the "bad paint job," I hope it's clear that the pictures on my project page are "virtual" (created in Paint Shop Pro) and not actual photos. If you meant "bad paint PLAN," I got the idea of a two tone (darker below the belt/bumper line) from old black and white photos of factory prototypes of what became the 107 chassis. Therefore, I'm merely paying homage to the "original" design. The "hood stripe" isn't an original idea of mine either, as darn near every hot ('merican) car in the early '70s came from the factory with some sort of stripe(s).

To el presidente (?) who noted "the 0-60 time seems a little optimistic," you may be right, but here are the factors I took into account in making the estimate:
1) The original 350SL (4.5) did 0-60 in 9.0 seconds according to MBenz' own publications.
2) The project provides 24% greater torque multiplication (via the 3.07:1 rear end) than the 5.6 is used to, and the 5.6 is 24% larger than the original 4.5 engine.
3) Add in a fudge factor from better grip with the 245mm width rear tires and the several hundred pound drop in weight (only a driver and soft top versus two people plus the hardtop as Mercedes used for measurement).
4) The 5.6's output will be 15-20% (a WAG) greater than stock (stock is 238hp and 287 ftlbs of torque) by virtue of no cats, no smog air pump, and no hydraulic suspension pump.
I'll post the actual 0-60 time when I know for sure what it turns out to be. For now just consider the 5.3 seconds a target. Similarly, I may run an official 1/4 mile for the first time in my life so that info will be known.

To Eric's comments, "don't like the idea of a Flowmaster on a German car . . . a good exhaust should . . . not have huge exhaust tips," I ask that you remember that my car is a roadster (not that quiet to begin with), and that I only intend to put the soft top up in the event of a sudden rainshower, so there's little chance I'll hear much exhaust note over the wind noise, road noise, traffic noise, and so forth. The Flowmaster 50 Series is about half as loud as their original muffler, and I'm leaving the resonator (middle muffler) in place just in case, but if the exhaust note isn't loud enough, I'll take that out, too. And, finally, 2.5" exhaust tips aren't "huge" (not that size matters . . . ).

I enjoyed the feedback, though . . . really!

el presidente · #8 12-19-2002, 05:10 PM

I admire your drive and spirit in tackling this project.

My statement about the 0-60 time is based on using a late model SL with a 560 motor (basically low 7's, 0-60). With a few modifications you are doing, I would guess you may be able to get your times down in to the mid 6's. I am also assuming your vehicle would be lighter than an 86-89 560SL, which is to your advantage.

I believe you need to be pushing over 100 hp more - say about 340 (or more) - (and have the traction to get it to the ground) if you are going to break into the low-5 second arena.

On a good day, my CLK55 (342 hp, 376 ft-lbs torque) manages a 5.3 or less with traction control and wide, sticky tires. The factory claim is 4.89.

I wish you all the best and look forward to learning your results

#9 12-19-2002, 05:27 PM

With an 11.30:1 first gear (overall ratio) and all that torque, the most significant barrier to getting the 0-60 under 6 seconds will be keeping the rear wheels from going up in smoke! (How wide are your rear tires?)

If I can get it to "hook up" decently and pin my shoulders back, though, I'll be happy with whatever time it generates.

Did you also know that the 560SEL engine has more hp and torque than the 560SL? I don't know why - the only difference I can see is that the sedan air filter has two snorkels and the roadster has only one.

el presidente · #10 12-19-2002, 05:41 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by M D Nugent
With an 11.30:1 first gear (overall ratio) and all that torque, the most significant barrier to getting the 0-60 under 6 seconds will be keeping the rear wheels from going up in smoke! (How wide are your rear tires?)

front: Cast alloy 17 x 7.5 in, 225/45ZR
rear: Cast alloy 17 x 8.5 in, 245/40ZR

jjrodger · #11 12-19-2002, 05:49 PM

I'm sure the euro 560SEL and 560SEC motors put out 300bhp in stock tune.

#12 12-19-2002, 06:06 PM

Yeah, but Euro horses are smaller.

mikemover · #13 12-21-2002, 12:46 AM

I agree with Rick--I'm not a fan of the paint scheme...But it looks like a VERY fun car! Best of luck with it!

Mike

#14 12-21-2002, 02:12 PM

I like the "paint plan" personally, since you are obviously looking for a "Muscle Car" look. What about a 'vette or GTO style hood scoop, maybe a hood mounted tach?

#15 01-16-2003, 02:57 AM

The stock hood is high enough without a scoop or tach popping up.

I am thinking, though, about some hot air vents somewhere in the back 1/3 of the center bulge though. I bought a 10"x10" square of Fiero vents that I may patch in if it's flexible enough to follow the slight curve of the center bulge. I figure it'd give the hood that contemporary Hummer H2 look . . . remember, it was referred to as a PanzerWagen (tank) by the factory engineers!