w115 230.4 V8 Conversion
 

hi,
I have just acquired an early 70's 230.4 mercedes. The 4 cyl motor & auto trans are buggered, so I am looking at a v8 conversion. Has anyone done one or seen one done to one of these???

Also, Im also wondering what the diff ratio should be in this car (its a sedan and has an independant rear if that makes any difference)

Any help would be appreciated,

Steve
defektive@optusnet.com.au

Steve:

All MB cars have had a fully independent rear suspension since 1953. The ratio is probably 3.73 or 4.0.

A Ford 302 will squeeze in there, and you can actually shoehorn an M117 Benz V8 in, but I believe that requires extensive body work. Chevy engines are much harder, because they have a rear sump, same location as the fron suspension crossmember. I don't recommend a custom suspension, it's too likely to drive horribly.

You can also squeeze a Ford in line six in there if you modify the steering.

Peter