Possible engine swaps for my 1971 280SE

[Shadesh]

I have a 1971 Mercedes 280SE with a straight six mechanical fuel injected engine. I currently have the original engine in it but with a blown headgaseket. So far, I have been pretty unsuccessful in locating a replacement head since mine is beyond repair. I am at a point where I want to explore other options for an engine.

What can you recommend that could bolt directly onto my car without modifications and not require modification to my fuel system or the electrical system or with very minimal mods? I plan on using the same transmission.

The following is a partial list of engines from cars that I was considering but am not sure if it will work:

• 108 Type 280SEL 6 cylinder
• 111 Type (280SE/C) 6 cylinder

Below is the specs on the setup I currently have:

• Cylinder head stamp # 130 016 08 01 280SE/A
• Engine # 130 980 12 053213
• Vin # 108 018 12 071273

Can someone please advise me? I really could use some help here.

Thanks,

Shadesh

[bwostosh]

Shadesh, Exactly what is wrong with the head you have, water erosion, Head thickness below specifications, need valves, and valve guides, cam and rocker arms wear ? (I do have a rebuildable head core) my head Machinist can make it new. BrianO

[Shadesh]

Originally Posted by bwostosh

Shadesh, Exactly what is wrong with the head you have, water erosion, Head thickness below specifications, need valves, and valve guides, cam and rocker arms wear ? (I do have a rebuildable head core) my head Machinist can make it new. BrianO

There is corrosion on the #5 cylinder. I haven't had it inspected but the corrosion is severe where some welding will be necessary to repair. I know if head thickness is up to spec because it seems like it was milled before.

I have been trying junkyards but it seems it is difficult to find replacement parts for a straight six.

[daw_two]

where are you located?

[Shadesh]

Originally Posted by daw_two

where are you located?

I am in Hawthorne CA. Sorry I just updated my profile.

[JeffreyNMemphis]

You should also consider the M110 engine. It is a reliable 6 cylinder.

[cth350]

If you are adament about keeping that specific automatic transmission, then you need another 280SE (or SE/C) motor.

Any other motor needs to come with its transmission because the shift points (valve body/governor behavior) is tuned to the specific motor.

If you go with a CIS M110 motor, you might find the automatic works "well enough" to not worry about the swap. But this means you're embracing CIS and that means some wiring changes (like a new fuel pump).

Go with Brian's head. If he says it's rebuildable, it is.

HTH -CTH

[pchbreeze]

Have you tried http://www.mercedesengines.net/products.asp?cat=46 ?

[t walgamuth]

If you decide to go with a 110, i have a very strong 84 280e with a freshened motor and a four speed with a new clutch attached for sale here.

It also has a car attached and is for sale in cars.

[Shadesh]

Originally Posted by pchbreeze

Have you tried http://www.mercedesengines.net/products.asp?cat=46 ?

Yes, that is an option but an expensive one. I will keep that as an option though.

[Shadesh]

Originally Posted by bwostosh

Shadesh, Exactly what is wrong with the head you have, water erosion, Head thickness below specifications, need valves, and valve guides, cam and rocker arms wear ? (I do have a rebuildable head core) my head Machinist can make it new. BrianO

Brian,

Can you pm me your asking price on the head? Is it with the same head # as mine? I assume yours has never had any work done prior?


Thanks,

Shadesh

[Shadesh]

Originally Posted by t walgamuth

If you decide to go with a 110, i have a very strong 84 280e with a freshened motor and a four speed with a new clutch attached for sale here.

It also has a car attached and is for sale in cars.

If I go with the 110 engine, what other changes will be required? A different fuel pump was mentioned.. what else will I need to change?

Thanks.

[mercmad6.3]

The m110 is a very good swap. Swap in the Engine and trans and if you use the W108 Engines mount arms and rear trans mount,it's a bolt in fit. Everything lines up because the m110 block and the SE engine share the same basic block design. it's a design which goes back to 1953 .
You will need a CIS fuel pump/filter/accumulator and damper. it's all in one peice on a bracket and depending on which model mercedes you get it from it should screw right to where the MFI pump is right now.
Replace the rubber fuel lines at the back with modern METRIC fuel injection hose.
At the front there is a fuel filter which is no longer required ,you need to get the front ends of the two fuel lines hooked up to the CIS .I recommend getting the front lines from a W126 (V8 or 6 both are the same) which have the rubber flex lines which fit the CIS fuel distributor.
Linkage set up is different but if you get the accelerator links from a Donor car you will find a lot of parts interchange so the trans throttle position link works correctly.
The later W123 and 126 trans have a larger Flex disc on the prop shaft but thats not a problem.
The gear shift should connect right up .
Wiring is the same but you won't need the MFI cold start wiring and the USA version cars have two black boxes for the emission controls.
I would think that you may have to keep those.
The ignition module for the m110 can be wired straight into the existing circuit where the 280's coil etc are.

A good used 280 SE head is rare item today because mercedes stopped making them years ago.
I have an old mate here who was importing used 280 heads from Germany 25 years ago because mercedes no longer supplied them. Eventually the supply in Germany Dried up.

[bwostosh]

Shades, I will go take a thickness measurement, and some photos of the one head I have not on a motor. (I do have three good ones
on running cars).

I am surprised at the lack of good used heads,
To those following this thread, how about the M127 (220SE) motors, I would like to sell three of those

[mercmad6.3]

The only rare m127 is the 127-I from the 220SE Ponton. Less than 2000 made all up ,they have a side plate on the block. All other M127's are not rare or wanted much. I have a couple of free ones here if any one in OZ wants them LOL!