Thinking out loud here

[jgranzier]

Gentleman , I have a potential project in mind .

background information- I have a bastardized '72 280se . This unit is a rough regular driver. drivetrain is all gm. small block v-8 with turbo 350 transmission , 4.08 rear
Exterior is rough - minimal rust
Interior - nice seats , no heat no a/c no p/s
no radio , needs headliner etc
all lights work , wipers
a fun car to drive

I 've recently come across a wonderful example of a w108 . 1972 That the motor( overheated ) was taken apart 21 years ago and never put back together. Its been in a garage so paint is fine , rust - non found yet. Interior is nice all there .$750

I m thinking of swapping my motor / transmission from my w126 - 89 300 se The m103 / transmission.
The 89 is a nice car - however it needs $800-1200 in front end work . Tires .
No a/c . I d hate to strip it out - yet I'm not inclined to put much into it .
( whats it worth $1200-1500? )

Any thoughts on what I'm up against - fit / finish / drive quality ?

I 'm not a purist by any means , not concerned w/ resale or future value .
I like the idea of older cars , perhaps a more reliable ,updated drive train.

Any input would be appreciatted

[jgranzier]

Merc man -where are you?

[GGR]

I'd rather go with a 5.6. Sell your 300, sell your 108, buy the other one and a totalled 560 SE/L or SL and you're in business. That will be an easy swap. I can help you as this is what I did on my Coupe.

[GGR]

Or even better, try to find a totalled Euro 500. No electronics and less anti smog stuff.

[jgranzier]

Thanks Gail
but I don't need all that horsepower. The 6cyl. should be sufficient .

- and maybe a easier swap ?

Thanks

and I want to keep the sbc 108 - just for fun

[GGR]

Originally Posted by jgranzier

- and maybe a easier swap ?

Not so sure. The M117 is a straight fit with the right parts. The later L6 may need some adaptive work, starting with the engine arms. Did you sort out the noise on your 300?

Also, is that W108 a L6 or a 4.5 V8?

[jgranzier]

Gael
1.
The noise is till here....

2.
The "new"w/108 is a 6

Again , thinking the '89 just isn't worth so much in it's current condition.
(I paid $1500 -drove it for a year ,put -9000 miles on it ,hopefully get all donor pieces I need and get a few dollars for parting it out )

It would make a perfect donor -the 6cyl offers all the power I need and hopefully similar economy-18 -20mpg . I m not sure of the gearing of 89 300se differential ? I m thinking the 72has the 4.08 rear (so perhaps it might be atouch "quicker"than 89 126
-maybe quicker isn't the proper word ,more responsive?

[GGR]

Check this link and pictures: http://www.sl113.org/forums/index.php?topic=10038.msg74090;topicseen#msg74090

Someone did it in a Pagoda. Front subrames are the same as the W108s so he may be able to tell you what's needed in terms of fabrication (engine arms etc.)

Edit: changed the link.