What would I need to convert my 1969 280SE AT with second gear start to a 1970 tranny with first gear start. I know the floor shifter pattern is reversed. Is there anything else I would need besides the tranny?

As someone who prefers a second gear start that seems like an awful lot of trouble to go to just to get slighter faster acceleration on an congenitally slow car.

Maybe too much trouble- that's what I'm trying to find out. I often shift it manually to get the first gear start because with only about 170 BHP it is somewhat sluggess other wise. I know some luxury car drivers like to start in second gear as a personal preference. I think it puts more stress on the tranny and engine. I've converted my Q45 to first gear start even though it has about 300 BHP but that just required reprograming the TCU. I need to get my tranny resealed and it had some metal in the pan so I thought about getting a 1970 tranny that's listed Ebay.

Do you have power windows? Are your window switches on the driver's door or on the console? If the switches are on the door, you have a K4A025 trans, and the swap would require adding all the linkage for the control pressure rod. The trans you want to install is a K4C025 unless it came from a 280SL.

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Thanks for the information. Yes switches are on door, Any rough idea as to what the control pressure rod and linkages might cost or would I be better off just rebuilding the tranny that I have. I can probably get the 1970 tranny for less than $200.

Both trannys are good. The K4A you have is fairly bullet proof. The advantage of the K4C is the variable control pressure while your tranny has only 3 settings. That is the function of the solenoid on the top of your tranny. If you want to convert, I would suggest getting the setup from a boneyard. As an aside if your trans clunks harshly on down shifts, that is easilly adjusted at the little switch on the air horn.

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