Hello,
Has anyone on the list here done or know anyone that has done a chevy or ford engine conversion on a 81' to 91' S class Mercedes? I realize this is a sacriledge to some but some people (like me) just can't leave well enough alone. This is a common practice on early Jags (series 1,2, and 3 and XJS's) and I was wondering about Mercedes I have only found one web site in which this conversion was done. Inquiring minds would like to know (at I would anyway).
Thanks, Kyle

I am and have been a big fan of the sbc for decades and presently even own a swap but I couldn't justify pulling a benz motor for a chev.

Jorg

Ok Guys and Gals,
Since 74 people read my post and only one person commented (thanks Jorg) I have been doing some more research. I checked with a company that designs and builds conversion kits and books on the subject (diferent books for each vehicle type). They were in the process of TRYING to swap out a small block chevy motor into a 86' S300 and were having anything but good luck with it. Appears the standard SBC motor is too tall! Transmission tunnel in the pass side compartment will also require serious cutting ( make that butchering) to allow the turbo 350 or 700R4 to fit. They performed a transplant into a 123 series MB without much trouble but the 126 is a real problem child. They said they were thinking a LS1 might fit better because they are a lower profile height wise. Ther were issues with the oilpan clearance and the stock MB crossmember in the 126 also. Bet Monster Garage could do it !!!!!! Does anyone happen to know dimensions on the 300 or 350 MB deisel engine? I just hate it when people tell me something can't be done or it won't fit. Maybe a 4.6 Mustang engine, Hummm.
Kyle

Kyle,

Can you provide the name of the company who has the book on the 123/sbc swap?

Thanks!

The 302 is substantialy smaller than the SBC. I would think the 4.6 will be bigger because of the heads but I'm not sure. Again, I wouldn't hesitate to pull a jag motor, good ridance to bad rubbish, but most benz motors are just fine. Woudn't consider swapping a 560 in? Forged bottom end, alloy block and heads, the stuff of dreams on a domestic v8.

Jorg

i have a friend who owns an automotive machine shop. he is always talking about a ford 4.6 or so into a benz. they look very similar. my own thoughts are that the benze v-8s are very narrow because (i think) they were originally developed for fitting into a chassis that was designed for a straight 6. now the benz lower end oil pan set up is pretty unique and may pose a problem for the domestic v8's. i have seen a few chevy v8s into benzes through the years, but know no details of what was necessary to do it. my thoughts run to swapping bigger benz motors in for increased oomph.

__________________
[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.

i had a phone call and had to break.

also the benz v8s are all aluminum and pretty light. a much heavier engine would ruin the handling and much of the attraction of a mercedes... in my mind.

__________________
[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.

I have a 1978 300CD I was planning on swapping the diesel for a 351 windsor. I chose the Ford motor over the Chevy because the sump is in the front of the Ford engine. The rear sump of the Chevy causes problems with crossmembers and steering linkage. The diesel is a non turbo with 300,000 miles on it. The 351 ought to wake it up a bit.

http://www.badbenz.com/badbenz/flash.html


This guy used a Chevy and had to convert to a rack steering. He did a great job on the installation. Too much work for me!

Hi,
I've been investigating this conversion for several months, and very little information is available. I did find this newsgroup that is focused on SBF swaps into mercedes 108's. I found much useful information on the site, and have joined the group. I have plans for a stroked 351W+Tremec 6sp into my ragged '82 380sl. Sorry to the purists..... but don't judge it til you've seen the final result. Good luck with your swap!
http://groups.msn.com/MB108109Ford302351Wengineswapers/messageboard.msnw

--Jay

Kyle could I get that site address . derf251960@yahoo.com

I don't mean to offend you Kyle...but WTF are you thinking. If you want that type of engine buy one of those cars. Fix your motor up to run like that, hell drop a blower (supercharger) or build a nice Twin Turbo set up. Just because you drop one of those blocks in there doesn't mean crap; everyone has a push rod 302, or a modular 4.6, but how many can say they have a 6.9 or some exotic modern MB v12 set up. Now that would be SWEEEET.