5-speed sport tranny help
 

Just swapped out my 650000km old original manual gearbox and put a dogleg transmission out of 300SL, direct fit. I also replaced the upper shifter mechanism as the shift pattern is different. However I could not reach any info regarding the gear ratios of the 300SL manual transmission. With a fifth gear ratio of 1:1 and final ratio of 3.07:1, the car accelerates like a dream, on the negative side my highway rpm's are almost 20% higher now. Without sacrificing my lower gear acceleration too much, I think I will also replace the differential with a lower reduction such as 2.82:1 or similar. First I have to check the gear ratios. Any help on this matter is greatly appreciated.

Greetings from Ankara, Turkey.

The 300SL is the same transmission as a Porsche 928. Some 928 owners effectively use it as a 4 speed, skipping the dogleg first gear because it's hard to get to and very low, but that does not solve the highway cruising problem. Your best bets for an rear axle swap would be: 90 to 92 300E - 2.87, 93 to 95 E320 - 2.65, 92 to 95 400E/E420 - 2.24, early 500SL - 2.65. But then second gear starts are not likely to work very well.

Thank you for the reply.

I was thinking a final drive ratio between 2.60:1 and 2.80:1, i still need the gear ratios though.

the 2.65 that is commonly found in the us spec 300ds of that era would put your rpm back very close to what you had before the gearbox swap.

i hope you got a good deal on the tranny!

tom w

You may have to find a 300SL owners manual, or buy one from a dealer, or buy one here:

http://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/bookslitforsale/mercedes_benz/