Cheapest best rebuild for a 280c

Where should I buy a short block for a M110.921 Can you beat $2700 for a shortblock? I don't know much about these engines, but I can't believe you can't get one for less than that (retail anyway).

[stevebfl]

We could do a short block for considerably less than $2700. All would depend on your core. I probably have two or three cores so it wouldn't matter, but if you are trying to get a feel for price, try asking your MB dealer for the price of new short block (or just the crankshaft if a short block isn't available - the crank alone is probably more than $2700)

Most of the work on a real rebuild for that guy will be in the head work and final assy/installation. We would get around $4500 for all, which would include such peripherals as radiator testing, motor mounts, hoses, carb repair/adjustments, etc (making it work).

I've found a shortblock from Metric Motors, for $2700 retail. a complete, ready to drop in longblock is $4900 retail, $350 core charge for head and block. This engine was ran without oil after a head job for $2000. After inspection, it has a new ignition system, a Holley carburetor (I felt at home when I saw that). I have built FE and 385 series Fords my whole life. I am totally impressed with this engine design. I thought Mercedes cars were all hype before I bought this car for $200. I found a master rebuild kit for $2250 retail ($50 more than a shorty from metric motors. I guess I will try to check refences on Metric Motors and then go with them. Can you make a fortune repairing mercedes cars? It seems so. I asked a local german auto shop for a R&R, rebuild on my motor. They quoted me $9500. I almost fell over dead. What is so expensive? Even a $2500 piston kit does not justify those prices.

280c,

Welcome to the MB world. I'm an old FE engine fan as well. I built a few crossbolted main FE's in the early 70's. They were one of Detroit's best kept secrets.

I too was impressed with the first MB engine I ever tore apart which was similar to yours. It was a '68 230 with a manual transmission.

Tell you what, the guy who wanted $9,500 was definitely a little high. Since you're a fellow FE Ford guy I'll do it for $9,450.

Seriously though, if you can build an FE, you can for sure build one of these engines. There are some things to watch for in an FE engine. If you're not into building your own shortblock, I'll bet you could ship the components that you want to farm out to Steve and come out with a reasonable price and just as good of an engine as you could get from any of the engine rebuilders that specialize in these engines.

I'll bet you will enjoy this project and the results.

Good luck,