Well, I recently bought my first Benz (a '73 280c) and it ran for about 5 weeks. Now I have a piston ring that is shot and it looks like some spy car spitting out a smoke screen...

I also have not liked the fact that the 4 spd auto tranny doesn't have an overdrive. I would like a bit lower of rpms while on the highway.

So here is the thought... a 124 drivetrain in the 114. Any idea's. I have heard that the 124 is about the latest I can go without getting enormous amounts of sensors throughout the car (no thanks...). It would definitely be nice to be able to update the engine instead of just rebuilding stock.

FYI, the body does have cancer. I knocked it out of the floor pan and tack welded in some regular sheet metal that I then coated with under coat. Point is, the car is not of value stock and therefore is of a lot more value running well.

I have also looked into the small block chevy approach, but would rather have a DOHC straight six than a pushrod V-8.

Please give me your input or other suggestions.

-c

I dont think the 124's had overdrive either, except the 5-speed. 4th is direct 1:1. However, I like the I6 too. Even more than the V8's. I would say do it, just use the 300CE 1990 on or the 3.2. Personally, I dont like the 3.2 because it has less RPM's, and its got a plastic intake manifold, and more electronic garbage, such as a top speed limiter I think. But, i think they also get better gas mileage.