Transmission Change Man/Auto

I have a 61 220 SEb coup with a 4 speed on the floor, The engine has been upgraded to a M130 engine. I want to convert the car to an automatic I have a transmission ready to go in with the bell housing & flywheel, but I don't have a shift selector/linkage for a 220SE. I would like some information on how to do this trick. What kind of problems will I run into? Will I have any problems with the drive shaft, flex disk, trans mount or anything else. Also, are there any linkage parts I can use from other models (220's are hard to find)? Thanks in advance for your input.

Mike

[cth350]

The job is easy, persuming the new M130 motor is already set up for the automatic.

The flex disk, drive shaft, tranny mount are all matched to the tranny (and length on the drive shaft).

The pedal assemblies are an easy switch out. If you haven't done so, you will want to upgrade your brakes to accomidate the increase in hp.

Any AT shifter with the same pattern as the transmission (some were PRN321, others 234NRP) will do fine. It simply bolts down onto the transmission tunnel in place of the one there now.

If your 2.8l motor is set up for a manual, it may be worthwhile to trade it for an automatic one. The manual flywheel can be replaced with an automatic driven plate & ring gear, but you will have to find a machine shop that can balance one against the other.

-CTH

Thanks for the info, that is what I thought. My 130 engine was originally for an automatic trans. When I got the the engine I had to of course switch the bell housing and fly wheel. Oddly enough, It's pretty balanced with the manual, with not much vibration. So when I change it back I really should not have a problem at all right? And what about the linkage and shifter and the whole where it would come up through the floor. Is that going to be right?


Mike

[cth350]

Mike,

If you had the good fortune to save the original flywheel, you're golden.

The hole in the floor should already be there, but covered with a plug. A crawl underneigth would confirm.

-CTH

[ctaylor738]

I am going in the other direction - converting the M130 in my 250C to a 4-speed. I have the automatic's linkage assembly, which is the old style with the chrome rod and the black ball on top. The selector goes PRN432. It might work in your 220.

If you are going anywhere near Falls Church, you can stop by and check it out?

What ya got to trade?


Chuck

I have a 1963 220SEb cabriolet automaticand am considering an engine swap as you have perfomed. Although my 127 engine runs like a fine watch, it is not up to the task of motoring this heavy chassis in the fast lane on an incline. I assume that your M130 is an M130.983 rated at 185 horsepower. If you have the time, could you answer the following questions:
1. What year and model car did you extract your engine from?
2. Was it a drop-in swap?
3. If not, did it require any major modifications?
4. Are you satisfied with the expected performance improvement?
5. What can I expect to pay for a used complete M130 engine?

Thanks, Gregg

[ctaylor738]

If I were you, I would look for a complete 108 or 114 car with a running engine and transmission. Much as I love the Zeniths, you should look for one that has been converted to Webers.

You can probably find a mechanically decent car for $900-1500 - mayber less if the guy is under pressure from "senior management" to get it out of the driveway!