Where Do I Sign Up To Join The 5 Speed Club?
 

I went to Pull-A-Part to look for a piece of diesel injector line to make a pump timing tool. I didn't find any, but I did find some other stuff there.

There were a few Euro-spec Mercedes in the yard. The first car I saw was a Euro W116. I took the manual window regulators and velour door cards to install in my 300SD. It had the same saffron interior color as my car but the window cranks were missing. Someone also took the wooden switchless console piece, but at least I have one already. I got a wooden SLS switch housing. Why, I don't know. Maybe I can be creative and put something else in it. I took the velour headrests. The front seats were structurally good but the fabric was shredded. Someone had already taken the rear seat. I took the rubber trunk triangle holders so I can install my trunk triangle. The car had headlight wipers, but I didn't get them because it would have taken too long to remove the wiring harness. I might go back for them later, though.

There was a 450SLC there as well, but I didn't see anything I needed on it. The next car I saw was a W123 240D. It had a saffron interior like my 300SD and it had the matching window cranks, so I got those also to go with the W116 regulators. After that there was a W126 560SEL. I didn't see anything I needed on that one.

After that I saw a Euro W123. It had vacuum-adjust Euro lights, a black cloth interior, rear headrests, and a manual sunroof. I removed the entire sunroof assembly to convert my 300SD's power sunroof to manual. I looked down at the shifter and noticed it was a manual. Then--I couldn't believe it--it was a 5 speed! Yes, a 5 speed--Getrag 717.400. I pulled the transmission, shift linkage, and pedal assembly. I also removed the VIN and options plates.

What a haul! At first I thought I was going to sell the 5 speed transmission, but now I am thinking it would go well in my 1980 W116 300SD behind my 5 cylinder turbo diesel. That's a gear for every cylinder! It's going to have manual windows, sunroof, and heat, so a manual transmission wouldn't be out of line. I have my doubts that the pedal assembly will work and I still need a 617 flywheel, but I am seriously considering doing the swap. The automatic transmission leaks, takes at least 5 minutes before the car will move, and it shifts too late, so it may be on its way out anyway.

So, I take it a Getrag 717.400 5 speed is fairly uncommon? :P

Here are some of the other goodies I got there:

welcome to the club.

You sign up right here. Ship me the tranny so I can issue a cerificate that you sent me a genuine five speed transmission.:D Nice find.

Wow, what a find? you scored, Iam envious.

Did you read the write up Bruce Kennedy did on swaping in a manual sunroof?
http://www.peachparts.com/Wikka/W123SunRoof

Did you cut out the little ramps that makes the roof pop up?

Charlie

Oh, awesome, thanks for the link! I actually took the entire assembly, frame and all, so the ramps are still attached to it. I do happen to have a set of ramps from another manual sunroof as well as the handle, so I guess I have enough to do 2 cars.

You didn't have time to pull headlight wipers yet you pulled a transmission???

Sixto
87 300D

wow, look a the condition of the gearbox! That is really an impressive find! What are the ratios on a 717.400?

The wiring harness for the motors goes inside the cab and I would have to remove the dashboard, etc. I might go back for them. I didn't mess with them much because I wanted to see what else was in the yard and then when I saw the 5 speed I had to have it.

If you change your mind about installing the 5 speed put me on top of the list of people that will take it off your hands! Cheers.:D

a getrag tranny without a dogleg first. huh. you'd want to avoid that if you plan on tracking your non-6.9 w116 anytime soon

the important thing now it to figure out what kind/weight of flywheel to use

WOW!!! Nice score!!:)

So, I guess you are looking for a flywheel, huh?

5spd Manual...3.82-2.20-1.40-1.00-0.81 R3.71, originally posted by "Forcedinduction"

Was the flywheel on the original car? If so, worth grabbing it. After testing my 5-speed for a while, I am more and more convinced that a heavier flywheel in 5th gear would be useful even on the 240.

I am working on rigging up a heavier one on the same type of swap squiggle dog is talking to the turbo motor. I have a feeling that the turbo motor may be unhappy in 5th gear with a light flywheel, but I have nothing to support that theory.

Okay. :)