Starting Point for "go fast" W126
 

I was thinking about starting a project car based on a W126 ... I like the ride and safety of my 350SDL, but wanted to do something with my sons that would be fun ...

Was looking for opinions on which V8 would make the best basis for this ... would be interested in doing things like headers and wheels ... nothing crazy, but something a bit out of the ordinary. Initial impression would be that 560 SEL would make the best start ... anything to look out for or comments?

Thanks to everyone ... I have gotten to the point that I spend about 30 minutes a day keeping up with this site and everyone's projects and issues ... great fun.

George

yes 560 sel indeed would be a good choice. It comes with 240hp stock. there are several things that can be done with it (remember that engine wise bouth coupe and sedan have same dimensions and specs). At mbcoupes.com one guy has installed a european 560SEL engine in his car putting out 300hp. Another guy has put a 500SL engine in HIS car, if you go to mbnz.org there is a guy (superchargedsec) that has supercharged his 560sec. If you just want the looks e.g euro headlamps, clear corners, lowering, wheels etc then go with the 420SEL. Just my opinion.
Hope this helps
Sohaib

Go with the 560, nobody ever had too much power :-)

Thanks!

Why would 420SEL be better platform for Euro look and lowering that 560SEL? Thought were same except for engine size?

There are a couple options offered on the 560, and not on the 420, but I think he was reffering to price...?

Yes, I was indeed refering to the price, why would you want to spend the money when you don't want the part for which you are paying xtra over the 420. However if your objective is to increase performance then go for the 560. If just looks then anyw126 cheaper would do.

If you go 560, be careful of your trans. I heard that the early trannies were not always strong enough for that engine.

If you are buying a US version I don't think you will have any problems with the trans handling the power as they are about 60hp less than the Euro version.

Matt.

An inexpensive way to go fast in an MB:

Buy a 400E for $10-15K.

Install 2.82 or 3.07 rear gears in place of the stock 2.24:1 final drive ratio.

Enjoy going 0-60 in the low sixes. :D

-Sam

As above! That is the cheapest way to serious speed in a Mercedes. V-8 juice, Mustang GT 0-60 times, and MErcedes comfort in the W124 chassis which runs circles around the W126 for handling. And the W124 has vault-like constrution and is durned safe too.

That's the way to do it, at a fraction of the cost of adding go-fast goodies to a 560SEL...

Or if you have a sick sense of humor get a 88 to 92 300te and shoehorn in the 5.0 119 CIS-E SL mill in it. Then you can spank the rice boys and totally humiliate them at the same time. :D

Most of the 400e parts will facilitate the swap with ease.



Joe

I believe there is a 92 500SL CIS-E 119 mill on ebay right now!:D

Re: hammer
 

I understand the "Hammer" as built by AMG is a V-8 equipped W124 body constructed around 1987 or so. To hack one apart to make a W126 car would seem counterproductive to me...

Why don't you start with something lighter like a 380SL, and stick the 560 in it?

Or find a 300E five-speed.