Can I swap transmissions and how... - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

crhenkel · #1 12-14-2007, 05:40 PM

I have a 1986 190e 2.3-16v car with an auto matic transmission in it, factory. I like it that way, really. the dog leg 5 speed never excited me.
In any case, the transmission is likely ready for an overhaul, a rebuild, etc. It flares, slips and sometimes slides. I moves very fast from 2 to 3 and if I accelerate hard, it will quickly redline in 2nd and not shift at all until I completely let up on the accelerator. I often find myself manually down shifting into 1st at a stop because I like the acceleration pattern better, SO, I have been considering a transmission swap to a 1992 or 1993 190E auto transmission that came from the factory with 1st gear start. My question is this...
Can I easily mount up a 722.xxx transmission to my 86 190e 16v with a 722.441 ( i think) auto transmission? Can I use any 722... from 92 93? Do I need to use the torque converter from the donor car and can I use the trans and converter from a 190E 6 cylinder car in my 16v 4cylinder car? Basically can I put the tranny from a 93 190E 2.6 in my 1986 190E 2.3 16v auto trans car and if so how? ( not step by step how, i know how to swap a tranny, but what if anything do I need to do special)

M.B. Doc? You are the man for this I think...

crhenkel · #2 12-15-2007, 10:26 AM

My main question is simply can I use the transmission from a 6 cylinder 190E without and troubles if I put it in my 1986 2.3 16v four cylinder car. I am not sure if the fact that it was "designed" to work with the 6 cylinder engine would cause any issuse in my 4 cylinder car. Both cars are automatics and both are using the 722.xxx transmission so they will bolt up fine, just not aware if the shift points or vac control, etc from two diff engines will cause issues.

david s poole · #3 12-15-2007, 10:32 AM

being that they are both 722.4 will fit with no trouble.the 6 cyl will not give you any probs but may shift earlier because of higher torque.you could swap the govenor while out and this should make it imperceptively diff.

deanyel · #4 12-15-2007, 11:04 AM

The .4 is important, it's considerably smaller than a .3

crhenkel · #5 12-15-2007, 02:36 PM

Deanyel,
I dont think I understand your information. How is it larger? Shouldnt the overall length be the same, allowing the use of the same driveshaft?

crhenkel · #6 12-15-2007, 02:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by david s poole

being that they are both 722.4 will fit with no trouble.the 6 cyl will not give you any probs but may shift earlier because of higher torque.you could swap the govenor while out and this should make it imperceptively diff.

Govenor...are you taking about the modulator valve? I am not sure.

crhenkel · #7 12-16-2007, 01:28 PM

bump

mbdoc · #8 12-17-2007, 08:17 AM

Chris,
Any of the 190E transmissions will work..however you can overpower the early 2.3 versions with that engine. I would use the later versions, BUT the governor from a 16V trans should be used as it will allow for higher shift points.

There are adjustments that can be made to allow for the engine to stay in it's power band.

crhenkel · #9 12-17-2007, 11:21 AM

Doc,
What I am wanting to do is get the 1st gear start that was in the 92 and 93 190E cars. I have a donor tranny from a 93 2.6 190E. Will it work?
Can you explain the govenor I need to swap? I dont know much about trannys other than how to remove one.

mbdoc · #10 12-17-2007, 11:53 AM

Yes, the 1993 2.6 trans will work fine.

IF you keep the 16V trans, you can try the trans for a while w/o swapping the governor, if the trans is shifting too soon, than swap the governor.

crhenkel · #11 12-17-2007, 05:48 PM

Doc,
I will be keeping it while I "test" the new one for a while first.
What and where is the govenor for the transmission? I know about the vac modulator, the bowden cable, and the valve body, but I dont know what the govenor is. What and where is it?
Thanks
Chris

mbdoc · #12 12-18-2007, 08:06 AM

The governor is under the round 3" cover on the DRIVERS side of the transmission.

As the transmission goes faster & faster the governor allows pressure to work against the control pressure & modulator pressure in the valve body.

crhenkel · #13 12-18-2007, 05:33 PM

Is the govenor behind the 3" panel that is held in my a "c clip"? Is it a straight forward, "open, remove and reinstall" or is it under pressure or take any special tools?

Can I reuse my own torque converter from my Original 16v auto tranny with the tranny from the 93 2.6?

Thanks Doc

crhenkel · #14 12-19-2007, 04:44 PM

is there any benefit from reusing my 16v torque converter with the 93 2.6 auto tranny or should I use the one from the 93 donor car?

mbdoc · #15 12-19-2007, 05:01 PM

Not really. Use the 1 that has been in the trans pump & has wear marks to that pump already.

The snap-ring that holds the cover is easy. Just depress the cover & the ring will come out.
The governor requires a pair of right angle snap-ring pliers IF you remove it in the car.