Looking at 2 different 450 SELs

[JPL]

Hello All;

I am looking at 2 different 450 SELs. One is 1974 with Elec. Fuel Inj, and the other is 1979 CIS Fuel Injection. I have several questions I would like to ask the may knowledgeable participants of this excellent forum. I realize that the 1979 does not exactly fit the criteria for this forum, but I thought there would be lots of experience to speak about the differences in engine types here.

What is the difference between the two fuel injection methods? Which is better, i.e. more reliable, more robust, easier to maintain, etc. Is the .983 engine in the '74 much different than the .986 engine in the '79? Which engine is better overall? What advantages would I gain by buying one over the other, or would I be buying basically the same car?

Both vehicles have about the same mileage(about 175,000), and both are in the same basic (need some TLC) condition. So with that information, if you were presented with the choice, which one would you choose? What major engine work should I anticipate within the next, say, 50,000 miles?

I guess, without starting a thread war, I am asking for the opinions/advice of the folks on this forum about buying an old 450 SEL It would be a car that I can take my time to restore. My daily is a 79 300 CD in very good shape, but I am seduced by the 450's V8 and the great 116 (I think) body style.

Any advice / experience would be appreciated.

Thanks.

[Larry Delor]

Hello

I think that if the older one has the D-jetronic I would go for the one with the CIS, mostly because I worked with it a little, and it appears (to me anyway) simpler. Other reasons to sway me in that direction is: parts availability, and their prices.

( another non injection point to consider, is that many of the gadgets will be a little more up to date, as they constantly improve things as time goes on, in the 79)

...my two cents...

(which is about what I'll have left after paying for my trans rebuild)

-Larry

[Carlo(s)]

James:
My experience with the 76 CIS injection system has been dead reliable with some maintenance items that are cheap to do. Look at my 76 450sel; (450 sel for sale thread this class; also in show swap classified under revray, and 450sel for sale) full comprehensive restoration to beautiful condition reduced to $3,800. Send me your e-mail address and I'll send you photos.