1959 190 Sl

[kosta]

I have a 1959 190 SL that I got a while ago. I am finally getting it back from the mechanic, with only body work done. No motor or Tranny. I would like to know what engine would fit under the hood, if you know. I was looking to put in a chevy or pontiac motor because I don't have all the money in the world, but would like a V-8. Which would be the biggest that would fit?

Thank you,
Kosta

[Rackne]

I don't know if you will get many answers here on such a swap. I pondered the same thing with a 68 250S but found that the orignal engine had a front sump, thus the steering linkage is behind the cross member and the cross members rearward location would make the use of a GM engine extremely difficult without extensive cutting of the firewall. Also consider the relative sizes of the transmissions, the GM is quite larger, meaning more cutting. Orignal engines are not that expensive in some salvage yards and would be great deal easier to deal with.
Mercedes made some excellent V-8s if you gottahave one.

[Mark DiSilvestro]

I pit crew for a friend who vintage races a 1965 British Sunbeam Tiger powered by a small block Ford V8. This Sunbeam was originally designed in 1959 as the Alpine, a 4 cyl sportscar about the size of an MGB. In order to fit the Ford V8 and trans, the Sunbeam factory had to design a different firewall and trans tunnel, relocate and redesign the steering gear and fit a beefier rear end and heavier front springs. The Ford engine was chosen because its distributor was in front and it was relatively light for a V8.
A modern high power 4 cyl drivetrain might be an easier choice if you want to do a transplant job.

Happy Motoring,
Mark

[kosta]

Would you be able to help me with giving me a few salvage yards that deal with mercedes cars? I live in New Jersey, and anything close (New jersey, New york, and Pa would be helpful)



Thank you,

Kosta

[Mark DiSilvestro]

I've used Potomac German Auto in Frederick Md. They have mostly post 1970 Mercedes parts. I don't have the number handy right now. I recently spoke to Bob at TMC Mercedes parts in Baltimore but haven't used him yet - he deals in older, pre-1970, Mercedes stuff. His phone # is 410-789-7896. Sometimes parts cars and engines turn up in Hemmings, Ebay or even local classifieds and trading mags. Recently, a member on this forum posted a 4 cyl Mercedes 220 engine for sale - cheap!

Happy Motoring,
Mark

[Douglas Broome]

By the time you bought another engine and did all the adaptation work, ruining the collector value of this car to boot, why not check with Metric Engines for a rebuilt original engine?

[kosta]

Mind giving me a website or phone number for them?



Thank you,

Kosta

[Douglas Broome]

www.mercedesengines.net/engines.html
800-622-6867.

The web site does not list their offerings of older car engines, but their catalogue does. Good luck. Let us know how your search turns out.

[bstreep]

If you value your car as a collectable, put a 190SL engine in it. They are a bit anemic at 120hp, but with a V8 you'll have to do a lot of permanant damage to the structure of the car. As well, I'm not sure the drivetrain is up to the torque. You break a trailing arm loose, and you'll find yourself upside down...

There are many sources for an original. Try Sam at Eurocars: http://userpages.itis.com/eurocars/

You might also try the International 190SL Group website: www.190slgroup.com.

[kosta]

Well, I got the car back Friday, original engine and all. So it looks like I am most likely restoring it back to its originality. Now, my next question is, where can I find someone who can restore this kind of car in New York, or New Jersey. I'd rather have a private party, then a Auto Shop if possible.

Thanx,
Kosta

[hgupta]

There are a few places that specialize in restoring the 190sl. You are better off going with one of these companies than a place that doesn't know the specs. Check out sports leicht at http://www.sportsleicht.com/ for example, or from the 190Sl club that bstreep mentioned you can find people who did the restoration themselves. Good Luck!
(and join the international 190SL club, its very helpful!)

[kosta]

Yeah, I already Joined the message board over at 190 SL group. I joined a few boards so I can get more info to help me out. Thanx for all the help.


Kosta

[Robby Ackerman]

Kosta

You can get about 60 more HP out of the original 1.9L engine by adding a vintage Judson Supercharger. You can pickup several more equivalent HP by reducing weight ... vintage alloy wheels, aluminum rear brake drums .... Dave Coleman at Summit Point, WV can do a turnkey custom turbocharger installation for you. The car will handle these changes if you upgrade the tires & wheels to 14" or 15", use a heavier swaybar, and make some spring adjustments. But go much further and the old chassis and suspension will make the car dangerous.