wtb 107 M117 heads 72 thru 75 450sl - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

joedee · #1 12-24-2008, 01:12 PM

Looking for a set of heads that will fit my 75 450 sl. Tks, Joe R. Maryland.

Johnhef · #2 12-25-2008, 12:31 AM

I've got 2 each of ones from a 5.6 M117 if youre up for a challenge...

cth350 · #3 12-25-2008, 10:24 AM

I think this is where Tomguy chimes in and points out that a set of 3.5 heads will work too.

Also, you will need to replace the guides on any head you pick up. And likely have them skimmed. That's simply the nature of the alloy heads on a cast iron block.

My machinist insists on using factory guides on the older mercedes motors (at 9$@). He doesn't like the TRW and other after-market guides. Is he right? No clue, but he does dozens of mercedes motors every year. I know of nobody with more experience.

-CTH

daw_two · #4 12-25-2008, 11:35 AM

There's a 75 280C in the boneyard.......well, I thought I'd throw that out.

bwostosh · #5 12-27-2008, 11:29 AM

JoeDee,

wtb 107 M117 heads 72 thru 75 450sl

I have heads, (and block)
do you want them valve jobbed ?
or just the cores?
with or without cams and followers?

Brian O.

(CTH, I will be getting that M 100 trans soon)

joedee · #6 12-27-2008, 03:37 PM

Guys,

Thanks for all the info. First won't be going to Tennessee because I am in Maryland. I just want a set to take apart, clean up, and maybe install on my 75 450sl. I used to rebuild Corvair engines and just want to start learning about the MBs so I thought I would start with heads. Already did timing chain, cleaned injectors, center axle, shocks, and a few other things and continue to learn.

I was told that only 72 thru 75 would work but you all are saying that others are ok. Thats good info and thanks again. I am willing to spend a few bucks but not hundreds.

Keep the info coming......
Joe R.

Tomguy · #7 01-01-2009, 11:12 AM

Any heads from a CAST IRON m116 or m117 will bolt on but there are differences:

m116 and m117 heads up to 75 had mechanical ball studs, and matching cams (a more gradual lobe). The heads for m116 and m117 engines 76 and up had hydraulic ball studs, so if you switch you'll need hydraulic cams. Hydraulic cams from a m117 also have stricter emissions profiling so you will lose a crapload of power.

I put on heads from a 3.5 (from a w111 coupe) with matching cams, my compression went way up - so if you'd like more power, this is a great starting point.

FYI, no heads from an aluminum block engine will work. The bolt angle/pattern is different. That rules out heads from a 380, 420, 500 and 560. I was going to try 420 heads on my 4.5 for the newer-style combustion chamber, bigger valves and better flow but found out that they wouldn't fit so I junked the idea.

MB suggests to NOT plane the head unless it's very far out, saying that the torque of putting the aluminum head back onto the C.I. block, following the proper torque procedure, is more than enough to fix minor warping. I agree with this assertion.

Mercedes 3.5 and 4.5 (m116 and m117) head removal and installation pdf

Tomguy · #8 01-02-2009, 04:05 PM

I have at least 1 head from a 4.5. I might have a complete set, might not; I don't recall which I have, I want to say it's the passenger but do not quote me on that.

If you are interested let me know. I don't even know what it's worth - make an offer if you want it.