Possible engine swaps for my 1971 280SE

[bwostosh]

Shadesh,
$450 is a normal price for that head rebuild.
Does that include valve guides?
Just double check the head thickness before doing the work,
I don't have the exact dimension off hand.

[Shadesh]

Thank You all for the additonal input. I learn something new everyday. If things do not work out with my head then atleast I know what my options are... although I do wish there were some W126 imported to the states.. hmm

I attaching some pics of the car and engine area. Enjoy.

[Shadesh]

Originally Posted by bwostosh

Shadesh,
$450 is a normal price for that head rebuild.
Does that include valve guides?
Just double check the head thickness before doing the work,
I don't have the exact dimension off hand.

That is good to know. I will have to check on the valve guides... not sure if its included.

Thank You.

[Shadesh]

A 1983 280SL with a straight six. Is this a W123?

Can the enging/tranny be swapped into my car? I am sorry guys/gals.. if I am asking the same questions here. I would appreciate your feedback.

[suginami]

Originally Posted by Shadesh

A 1983 280SL with a straight six. Is this a W123?

Can the enging/tranny be swapped into my car? I am sorry guys/gals.. if I am asking the same questions here. I would appreciate your feedback.

An '83 280SL is a W107 convertible. Same chassis as 450SL, 380SL, and 560SL.

It's the same engine that was used in the 123 and 126 chassis cars.

[bwostosh]

Shades,
Lets start again with your head, is it too thin? too much water erosion? has it been to a pro for a guesstimate? The cores are NLA.
Call Metric motors for a price.
How about the block, have you measured the cylinder taper?
What was the oil pressure?
I do have a spare complete apart engine, the rebuild could cost $2000-$4000 parts & labor. what is your plan? and budget? how much will you do yourself?

[Shadesh]

Originally Posted by suginami

An '83 280SL is a W107 convertible. Same chassis as 450SL, 380SL, and 560SL.

It's the same engine that was used in the 123 and 126 chassis cars.

Thanks Paul.

[Shadesh]

Originally Posted by bwostosh

Shades,
Lets start again with your head, is it too thin? too much water erosion? has it been to a pro for a guesstimate? The cores are NLA.
Call Metric motors for a price.
How about the block, have you measured the cylinder taper?
What was the oil pressure?
I do have a spare complete apart engine, the rebuild could cost $2000-$4000 parts & labor. what is your plan? and budget? how much will you do yourself?

There is a lot of corrosion on the head around the # 5 valve area. I noticed that the cam towers were marked which tells me that there was some work done to the head. I have not confirmed thickness yet but based on my observation, it seems to have been milled before.

I haven't measured for taper but I still see the cross hatch marks on the cylinder walls. I plan on replacing the bearings myself and doing all the assembly myself, except for any machining that may be required.

I am on a very tight budget and don't plan on spending more than a $1000~ to complete the build.

[suginami]

Originally Posted by Shadesh

Thanks Paul.

FWIW, 280SL's with a 5 speed stick are rare in the U.S. and considered very desirable.

[mercmad6.3]

If the car is cheap it would be a good buy and I would part it out. there is always someone looking for a manual conversion.

[bwostosh]

Shades, here is a cheap motor
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1969-MERCEDES-BENZ-/260603522945?cmd=ViewItem&pt=US_Cars_Trucks&hash=item3cad2e2f81

[Shadesh]

Originally Posted by bwostosh

Shades, here is a cheap motor
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1969-MERCEDES-BENZ-/260603522945?cmd=ViewItem&pt=US_Cars_Trucks&hash=item3cad2e2f81

Brian,

Thanks for the headsup.

I was wondering if the driveshaft from a 2 door work on mine or if I can just use mine.? The reason for asking is that the 2 door might be a shorter car, correct? vs a 4 door 280SE?

I saw a 1978 280CE for sale as well and had the same question about the driveshaft.. will I have to use the 280CE driveshaft or can I use from mine?

anyone?

Thanks!

[Shadesh]

There is a 1975 280C for sale. This is a W114 chasis, correct? Will this be a simple engine/tranny swap?

[Shadesh]

Hi, Anyone?

To resummarise, I have a 1971 280SE with a straight six. I found a 1975 280C (2 door) mercedes and am wondering if I can swap the engine and tranny from this car into mine?

[Tomguy]

You'd be replacing the m130 with an m110. It'll fit. You can ask someone who's done the swap but you might need to fab new engine mounts, and you may need a custom driveshaft.