1969/70 W108, 280S, Incorrect Engine? Busted the distributor.
 

Hi,

I need to replace the distributor on my father-in-law's 1970 280S, but, was told the engine was swapped with a 1969 280S engine at some point in the previous 20 years. After closer inspection, the head casting reads "108 016 05 01", which suggests a 280 (108 016), but, towards the back of the head it says in a large font "250". So, did the person who did the engine swap 20 years ago incorrectly install a 250 engine or head? My challenge is, when looking for the correct distributor, there are 3 different options for the 1969 280S engine, each for the automatic transmission. The distributor has 51648 stamped on it, and no other numbers can be found. It does have the single vacuum line off of it.

Is it possible that the incorrect engine size was installed in this car in the past? I'm really confused as to the 250 stamp on the head. I'm guessing that either the 250 head was interchangable with the 280 block, or, there is a 250 engine under the hood (which 108 016 would seem incorrect then). When I search sites like www.car-part.com, there seems to be 3 different distributor options for a vehicle with an automatic transmission: 015964, 035194 and 015947-035193. Are these VIN ranges, or are they casting ranges? If they are VIN ranges, I'm in trouble, because this is not the original engine, where is the original VIN stamped on the block?

It has the dual downdraft 4 barrel carburetors on it. Anyone want to sell a 108 016 distributor assembly and mount assembly? :)

-Ted

The engine # is stamped on a machined surface on the block just below and between the 5th and 6th plug.
You have to do some scraping [ flat razor works well]