Originally Posted by sublettd

Dr Benz,

My mechanic said there was no part # on the camshaft, but I checked anyway. He was the service writer at the local MB dealership for many yrars and really knows his stuff. Good guy!

We did have to bore the one cylinder and put an oversize pison in it. Fortunately the piston came from Benz and had the rings installed. Sent the block to a specialty speed shop in Miami--RennTech--to have it done. And you are correct about the conditioning of the cylinder walls. They did all eight of them. Can't tell any noticeable effects from having one over-size piston in the car. It's running well--now.

The rings were a special order and it was RennTech which told us the outer surface that contacts the cylinder wall had to be chrome. Had ordered rings from German Auto that were NOT chromed and returned them. Benz OE rings were about a thousand bucks. The special order was about $350.00 as I recall.

My mechanic bought the plate and guides--over $600.00--in order to drill and tap the bolt holes. He figured it would be needed again at some point, so was willing to purchase it. The holes are drilled at an angle and I think you would be foolish to tackle that job without the plate. Since I did my block and it came out well, I have since done a second block for my mechanic/friend.

Rebuilding the engine is not cheap, nor is it an easy job. I was fortunate to have a good friend with the smarts and willingness to oversee me while it was done.

Don