(w108) Non-stock Mercedes wheels and tires, oh and motor too! lol - Page 5 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

68_Mercedes · #61 09-10-2004, 04:05 PM

The transmission (automatic) and rear end in this one are both original Mercedes.

Supposed to be pretty darned fast.... dunno though, we haven't gotten to drive it yet. As I said, it is due to arrive this Sunday.... and we can't wait!!!!!! The conversion in it does look very very good and professional though. Am very curious to see if it or my '68 will be faster......

Mark DiSilvestro · #62 09-10-2004, 04:37 PM

While I prefer to keep my Benzes stock, if a transplant will keep one of these from going to the crusher, I'm OK with that.
It will be interesting to see how a transmission designed for a 152 CID six mates up to and handles the power of a 350 CID V8. Maybe if you don't step on it too hard...

Incidentally, in the late '60s, GMs' German car division Opel, built a large car called a Diplomat which looked somewhat like a '69 or '70 Buick LeSabre or Olds Delta 88. It had IRS, 4-wheel disc-brakes and was powered by a Chevy 327 CID V8 and Turbo-Hydramatic!

Happy Motoring, Mark

68_Mercedes · #63 09-10-2004, 06:32 PM

Well, all things considered, I believe the Mercedes transmission SHOULD be able to handle the HP of the 350 V8, as long as it's not pumped up to put out 400 HP or something. Otherwise, as I stated previously in this thread, the corvette only put out about 30 more Hp than the 250 S.... so providing a guy isn't trying to race it, I don't anticipate it being a big deal. However, if a guy tries to lay down the rubber everytime he leaves a stopsign, it may eventually cause a problem.... I however, like my cars to show, not to race.... so shouldn't be a big deal.

From what the guy we bought it from stated, the car is supposed to be pretty powerful. His exact words were: "It does smoke a lot of cars on the street with the big V8 in this mid size car". I'm sure I'll try it once just to find out... but beyond that.... it'll be easy crusin for the 99% part.....

Me personally, I just love the converted Mercedes, cuz I love the chevy motors!

Not to mention, there's just so much you can do (and so much cheaper) with a chevy motor than you can with a Mercedes motor, unfortunately.........

And of course, parts availabilty, and price, certainly account for something too. But hey, different strokes for different folks. Like u said, as long as they're not being destroyed it's cool either way..........

norbtx · #64 09-10-2004, 07:17 PM

Wow, wish I could afford more than one classic! That's going to be a sweet ride. Don't like the wheels though.

Gregg Bambo Jr. · #65 09-10-2004, 08:21 PM

I am envious of your drive train. My 220 SEb with the M127.984 6 cylinder is a slugdog but I have resigned myself to it being just a cruiser. I am curious how the engine was made to fit considering that the normal oil pan is a rear sump and the original MBZ was a front sump in front of the crossmember. Personal opinion is change the wheels. Enjoy the ride.

68_Mercedes · #66 09-14-2004, 12:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gregg Bambo Jr.

I am envious of your drive train. My 220 SEb with the M127.984 6 cylinder is a slugdog but I have resigned myself to it being just a cruiser. I am curious how the engine was made to fit considering that the normal oil pan is a rear sump and the original MBZ was a front sump in front of the crossmember. Personal opinion is change the wheels. Enjoy the ride.

There are many aftermarket oil pans for the 350, since after all, it is one of the top motors for old street rods and what not. Being so popular, you can buy almost anything you want for it. And in this case, the 350 does have a front sump oil pan allowing it to fit easily. There are a few other "interesting" modifications made to this one, that I am still checking out. But all in all, it looks very professionally installed. I like it!

We took it for a little drive, just up the street and back, and it handles very well. (We didn't want to drive too far because the radiator hoses are shot and on the verge of busting. Moreover, we want to make a few changes before driving it too much). The 350 V8/Mercedes Transmission seem to be a very good match for one another.

The one thing I really liked about this car is the fact that the automatic shifter is on the floor, rather than on the column. While I know this WAS an option, I believe it was fairly unusual was it not due to the fact I believe it had to be ordered that way? Correct?

Anyway.... as for the wheels, ummm... I like them. I think the true spoke wheels make Mercedes look very classy.... But other people like the Bundt wheels (which I think look DISGUSTING). Even worse, in my book, are the original little painted-to-match hub caps and the chrome dress ring. But that's a matter of taste I suppose.

To each their own....

WANT '71 280SEL · #67 09-14-2004, 01:29 PM

You wouldn't happen to know of anyone around the midwest who has a 250 w108 for sale do ya? LOL.
Thanks
David

68_Mercedes · #68 09-14-2004, 02:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WANT '71 280SEL

You wouldn't happen to know of anyone around the midwest who has a 250 w108 for sale do ya? LOL.
Thanks
David

Not at the current time.... I've been keeping my eyes open for one with a clean body and a trashed motor to use as a parts car.

What particular states are your preference, I run into them regularly, and will keep my eyes open for you. I have seen several for sale, as of late, in good condition..... Just let me know what you are wanting......

300SDog · #69 09-14-2004, 04:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 68_Mercedes

- true spoke wheels.....

Those are actual true spoke wheels on splined hubs you've got on the beast?? Let me guess, pirated from Jaguar which is probably the only car company that still has wire wheels as an available option. For sure the chrome or stainless wires (whatever they are) kick the black paint into high gear..... but forget about that airfoil wing, it just wont look right with those spokes - sort of 2 different generations of accessories, you understand, that's just my opinion.

Overall, I think you've made an excellent choice for animal engine coversion, staying reasonably close to MB torque and hp specs so not to beat up the drivetrain. And the properly maintained bullet-proof kingpin suspension on the 108 will have you steering the car with your toes, straight as a string, at speeds upwards of 100 mph all day long with zero stress or fatigue. Better put a valentine radar/laser detector on your list if not also a cb radio or keeping an eye on bear traps.

So congrats on the project but what I want to see are specs: 1/4 mile time; 0-60 in how many secs, etc. And top end speed too - gotta be somewhere around 120+ mph even with stock MB gear ratios.

Last edited by 300SDog; 09-14-2004 at 05:13 PM.

68_Mercedes · #70 09-14-2004, 05:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 240DieselDog

Those are actual true spoke wheels on splined hubs you've got on the beast?? Let me guess, pirated from Jaguar which is probably the only car company that still has wire wheels as an available option. For sure the chrome or stainless wires (whatever they are) kick the black paint into high gear..... but forget about that airfoil wing, it just wont look right with those spokes - sort of 2 different generations of accessories, you understand, that's just my opinion.

Overall, I think you've made an excellent choice for animal engine coversion, staying reasonably close to MB torque and hp specs so not to beat up the drivetrain. And the properly maintained bullet-proof kingpin suspension on the 108 will have you steering the car with your toes, straight as a string, at speeds upwards of 100 mph all day long with zero stress or fatigue. Better put a valentine radar/laser detector on your list if not also a cb radio or keeping an eye on bear traps.

So congrats on the project but what I want to see are specs: 1/4 mile time; 0-60 in how many secs, etc. And top end speed too - gotta be somewhere around 120 mph even with stock MB gear ratios.

Having only had the '67 for a couple of days, I'm not real versed on all the what-nots such as the manufacturer of the rims. They are true spoke, but as to who made them, I am uncertain at this point. Will have to do more investigation later. For all I know, they may have re-drilled the hubs so they could use standard bolt pattern wheels, so it COULD be an american made true-soke wheel. At this point, I am uncertain.

As for the wing, that is going on the maroon '68, not on the black '67. The black '67 will pretty much remain as is, with the exception of dressing out the motor with about $1,000 in chrome accessories, and putting in a killer stereo. Other than that, there will be very little changes. I too agree that the spoke wheels bring out the black paint, as well as accent all the trim of the car. I like them!

As for the maroon '68, it WILL be getting the wing, along with a different type of wheels, ground effects, and whatever else off-the-wall radical conversion I can think of. LOL! :p It's an experiment. As Captain Kirk would say, I'm boldly going where no Mercedes owner has gone before. LOL!

If in the end I end up not liking it, I will strip the radical gear off of it and go back to something more traditional. However, having a very vivid imagination, I've given long thought to what the end result will look like and I think it's going to look good. Only time will tell. It will definitely be a one-of-a-kind either way.

Ya just never know till ya try.

There is a 1/4 mile track not far from where I live, which I suspect I will give a whirl on once I make a few modifications, just to see what the car can do. Not sure yet, but I prolly will. At that point, I'll let ya know.

Top speed, well, considering I don't need a $200 ticket, and there's no autobahn nearby to try it out, I doubt I will ever know. 80 mph will probably be the most I will ever do with it. Moreover, both of these cars will be living most of their lives in car shows and on trailers.... neither will be driven too much, and certainly neither will be abused.

As for your statement "that's just my opinion", it sounds as though you are worried about offending me. Please don't be. Everyone has their likes, and dislikes. No 2 people are the same. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, and as long as they are respectful with their opinion, and the person receiving their opinion is respectful of it, I see no harm in it whatsoever.

300SDog · #71 09-14-2004, 05:51 PM

Okay, I thought this black Benz *was* the purple monster with a fresh coat of paint and wire wheels. The one that I had recommended getting contemporary late 1960's street rod performance products such as Craeger mags, Hurst floor shifter, Daytona style air foil, raised suspension and even side pipes for. But now you are making a trailer queen out of the purple hotrod?? That strikes me as a crime against nature, but maybe the social aspect of car shows is more appealing for you instead of actually driving the car as it was intended. No shame there, lots of people would rather talk about cars instead of drive them.

What on earth do you drive everyday that makes you want to stash excellent old MB's into storage?

68_Mercedes · #72 09-14-2004, 06:49 PM

Well, first and foremost, the 68 was my dad's car, and was a project we started before he died. So it's a little sentimental, and I don't want it getting smashed.... I just want to show it off when done. Now don't get me wrong... we WILL be driving both of them.... a lot of the shows we go to have cruise nights and what not, and we'll drive them there alot. I just don't want them sitting in parking lots getting keyed, hit, and beat all to *****. Definitely not using them for driving to work every day either. Ya know... Of the 2, the black one will probably see the street more than the maroon one, since the maroon one will be the most radical conversion.... but hey, on Sundays when it's pretty outside, I can see me and the Mrs. taking out the "trailer queen" to enjoy the day in. Just bet we wont take it to Walmart to do our shopping in! LOL!

As far as our other cars, well, take your pick, lol....

1999 Chevy 1 ton Dually
1995 Chevy Conversion Van
1999 Isuzu Rodeo
1993 Nissan Sentra
1993 Ford F250
1995 Dodge Dakota 4x4
1995 Eagle Talon
1993 Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera

So, I guess you would say I have a couple of choices.... lol. Mostly, I drive the Dakota or the Cutlass.

Anyway, a "trailer queen"? LOL! I guess that's better than making it in to trailer trash. LMAO!

Sidepipes, now if it wasn't for the ground effects, you MIGHT have caught my interest with that one....... lol. NOT!

As far as the highways... there's some good highway out here to reach top speeds, I just dunno if I will or not. Just not my thing to see how fast it can go. Ya know... I'm sure it will go faster than what it originally did tho... and honestly, I have no care to hit speeds of over 120 MPH ...... lol......

Tomguy · #73 09-14-2004, 08:24 PM

I'm surprised that the 250's tranny can handle the 350's power... am I the only one whi thinks such? Or is the 350 a weak engine (compared to, say, the 4.5)?

But I DEFINETLY like the idea of a higher rear gear... I rarely drive my 4.5 above 80, nevermind the top speed (and I'm quite sure I know what the top speed of mine is... and it's a good 7/8ths on the speedo...

) A little faster oomph off the line is better to me than the top speed, and really, I'd probably get BETTER milage since I like to be heavy off the line, I'd need less throttle to do so (or is it that all the people in my area accelerate like they have an egg for a gas pedal

)

68_Mercedes · #74 09-15-2004, 12:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tomguy

I'm surprised that the 250's tranny can handle the 350's power... am I the only one whi thinks such? Or is the 350 a weak engine (compared to, say, the 4.5)?

That question has already been pretty much answered in this thread:

Quote:

The 68 Benz had a hp of less than 160 hp at 5500 r/m

The 81 corvette had a hp of 190 Net@4200 RPM and had a net torque of 280 Lb - ft. Net@1600RPM

(this is a Vette with a 350, and is also geared a little more for high performance)

However, the 350, depending on what you do to it, can be bumped up above 400 hp. In such a case, yes, I'm sure it would be a problem. But in this case, the motor feels to be very close to stock, so I doubt the 30 extra hp are going to make a big difference, especially since I don't plan on gunnin the car all the time or racing it. Even if we did tho, I suspect the Mercedes transmission would still hold up pretty well since the motor is pretty much stock.

68_Mercedes · #75 09-15-2004, 01:51 PM

Need some help here:

I used that "Mother's Polish" to try to clean up the trim on the car, and it didn't do much good. There just seems to bee too much oxidization for that stuff to clean it up. Outside of the oxidization, the trim is in perfect condition.... no dings, dents, etc etc. So what can we do to clean the trim back up? Thanks for the help.

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