From 1971 to 1991 MB made a large V8 (117) and a small V8 (116). All the 117s use the same timing chain and all the 116 do the same (except for a couple years 81-83 where they used a single roller chain).

The motors are basically the same for most instances. specifications would be the main difference and through the years the fuel and ignition systems changed, but for a given year the ignition and fuel systems would be the same (with some different parts) for both the 117 and 116 engines of the day.

A 380 will have different fuel and ignition systems from a 560, but a 420 (116) would be similar. So most repair techniques will be the same but the actual specs might be different.

BTW all the early 350/450 engines were iron blocks while all the rest are aluminum blocks. All had aluminum heads. The 71-75 engines had adjustable lifters all the rest were hydraulic.

__________________
Steve Brotherton
Continental Imports
Gainesville FL
Bosch Master, ASE Master, L1
33 years MB technician