Conversion of 1969 280SE AT to a 1970 tranny with first gear start?

[Q45Denver]

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?

[deanyel]

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.

[Q45Denver]

Originally Posted by deanyel

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.

[autozen]

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.

[Q45Denver]

Originally Posted by autozen

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.

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.

[autozen]

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.

[clubbcustoms]

im pretty sure that the transmission you are talking about from ebay is mine.... the idiot that won the auction is refusing to pay now because he didnt understand that shipping a transmission in a wood crate would cost about 100 bux. anyway... 200 bux for the tranny shipped to almost anywhere in the US if your still interested....

Brandon - Clubbcustoms@yahoo.com

[Q45Denver]

Someone Said The Updated Tranny Was Longer And I Would Need A Different Drive Shaft And I Am Not Sure Rear Trans Mount May Not Be In The Same Place? Mine Might Just Need A Reseal, But Once Its Apart Probably More Cost Effective To Get It Rebuilt. It Does Seem Pretty Robust And I'm Amazed It Still Functions Even After Letting Get Low On Tranny Fuild Many Times. Any Recommendations For A Good Tranny Shop? I'm In Denver.

[autozen]

All the 108s should accept either trans. The drive shaft may be different. I don't know. The SL series continued the K4A series until the end in 71, because there was no room in the tunnel to accept the K4C. I would search for a good tranny shop in your area, and please don't go to Ammco or however you spell the name of that place. Your best bet is to go to an MB shop that installs rebuilds from a shop that rebuilds only German trans. There is only one in rebuilder in the Bay Area that I trust and buy from, But there must be others in the country. Good luck.

Peter

[Q45Denver]

Originally Posted by autozen

All the 108s should accept either trans. The drive shaft may be different. I don't know. The SL series continued the K4A series until the end in 71, because there was no room in the tunnel to accept the K4C. I would search for a good tranny shop in your area, and please don't go to Ammco or however you spell the name of that place. Your best bet is to go to an MB shop that installs rebuilds from a shop that rebuilds only German trans. There is only one in rebuilder in the Bay Area that I trust and buy from, But there must be others in the country. Good luck.

Peter

Actually mine is a W111 if it matters. So the SL never had the first gear start even though a sports car.

[autozen]

This is exactly why most of the pros have gotten pissed and left this site. Most of the newer posters here seem to have an obsession with keeping the year and model of their car a closely guarded secret. They also don't want you to know where they are located on the planet. Your first post said you have a 280SE which means you have a 108.01 series. I have tried to provide help based on that info. Now you by the way spring the info on me that you have a 280SEC which is a whole other animal. I've wasted my time which could have been better spent. I'm getting burnt out, and will no longer answer any posts that don't provide full info about the car and where you live. Actually I may screw with you for my amusement and send you down a wild goose chase. If you think I'm an A hole, look around and see how many pros are left. I receive many private emails thanking me for my time. I know who they are, and I am always open to their questions. I spend time here, because I enjoy helping people, and I do learn from them. I am getting rather tired of the ME generation that doesn't have the time to say thanks for the help. Their only concern seems to be "see me in my MERCEDES". Remember when you reach the end of life, the best things in life are not things.