|
I've been dreaming of a daily driver with a 2010+ Camaro V6 powered 380SL. It's got to be easier to put in a V6, and that engine and trans could get 30 highway MPG in the Camaro and deliver 300 HP. No supercharger, turbocharger, nothing exotic. Given the MB's 1960's aerodynamics and drivetrain components, 30MPG wouldn't happen but I'll bet 20 city/25 highway (and 300!)HP would.
I think the big killer on a more modern engine in an SL is the narrow area for the engine. You just aren't going to find a 90 degree V(anything) with 4 valves per cylinder that will fit easily, and old-school small block cheby/fords seem to have big problems with the steering box anyway. Converting to rack and pinion is big money and risk IMO unless you are an automotive engineer with lots of R+D money and a machine shop. Another problem is the transmission tunnel, which is pretty narrow - many modern automatics won't fit. Widening this involves fooling around with something very structural.
I wish that someone would make a kit with R/P conversion, motor mounts, driveshaft adapter, and exhaust. It sure would be nice to have an engine where customizing is easy (on the wallet also) and even the worst mechanic can fix it with a hammer.
|