W107 1972 - 450 SL tune up specs

[meltedpanda]

Can someone tell me the dwell and corresdponding point gap for my 72 450, also, should timing be done with hot engine? or at start up and cool/warm engine. I think I am missing some fine adjustment , at idle I get a little miss, hard acceleration is pretty tight but seems like it could be "smoother"
once over fourty she flys, the faster the better.
I have never owned a V8 and so I am unfamilliar with "how" they should react or feel at idle and at speed and acceleration.
Insight, advice or comments please, and thanks in advance

[230/8]

Ron:

Your point gap is measured in degrees of dwell...factory setting is 30-34 degrees. If you set the gap at .012-.014 inch you should be in the ballpark, but, if you can, check it with the meter and re-adjust as necessary. Shoot for the low end, i.e. 30 degrees so the dwell will stay within spec as the points wear. If you can get the factory CD ROM ($20 from MBUSA http://www.classictechlit.mbusa.com/MB/) there is a maintenance job, #781, that describes all the many possible dwell meter hook-ups for the several styles of transistor ignition fitted to these cars.

When setting timing, I try to avoid the factory settings for my early 107. I shoot for 30 degrees advance w/o vacuum at 3,000 rpm. This is substantially more than the factory setting for USA cars, but right on the money for the factory specs listed in Europe and the rest of the world. Better running and fuel economy are yours for the taking...don't forget to re-attach the vacuum retard line after setting the timing. US cars were spark retarded to make them smog compliant, but they run better with the 30 degree setting.

230/8

[meltedpanda]

I dont think I have a mark for 30 degrees above TDC unless I am reading it wrong it begins at a 15 degree mark