difference between 130.920 and 130.923

[snewpy]

OK, don't tell me the answer is 0.003!

Due to my engine balance issue (see other thread) I was just searching for an engine for my '71 250C. I want a 2.8L 130.923 but found a '69 280 with a 130.920. Is this the same motor? Boy did Mercedes make a lot of different engines!

[Arthur Dalton]

I believe the difference is transistor ignition and pollution control. May be lower compression also.
Is that engine from a 108/109 chassis?

[cth350]

For all practical purposes, the engines are identical.
If you put them side by side, little things, like how the oil filter is mounted, or the shape of the thermostat housing might become apparent. Another subtle change would be a different oil pan profile.

The presence or lack of ports for sensors for polution control will also become aparent and can, for the most part, be ignored.

-CTH

[snewpy]

I found an ad for a '69 280 parts car (which I believe is a w108 chassis) and want to put the engine into my '71 250c (w114).
Do you think the oil pan difference would cause a problem? I assume the pan from the incorrect 230 currently in my car won't interchange.
On that note, will anything else interchange between these cars (like fenders)?

[300SDog]

Think of it as a longblock swap and you'll probly be fine. Is the tranny included in the exchange? Meanwhile if you're swapping an engine from 108 into your 114 then engine mounts, manifolds, header pipes, accelerator linkage and electrical fiddly bits should belong to the recipient car as a rule. Regarding the sump, I believe the 114 provides more clearance than does the kingpin 108 subframe.

New rubber sway bar bushings, steering rack and anything else suspension related is probly a good idea for easy repair with engine out of the car.