Putting an M104 3.2L in where a M103 3.0L came from advice please
 

Okay boys and girls time to teach me something.

I have on order this fantastic little engine called an M104 3.2L 24v, and i plan on putting it in my 300ce 1988, which previously had an M103 3.0L 12v.

Now what conversions do i need to make, obviously i need to put in a computer to deal with the Electronic Fuel Injection, or the HFM what ever it has. But do i also need to put in fuel pumps or higher pressure lines, i plan on putting in the gearbox from the later model to deal with the power increase and the torque increase but will i need to change the driveshaft, and the diff center?

If so can you please tell me what differential my car currently has and what i need to put in it so that it can deal with the power increase, and the different ratios. Or should i keep the current diff center to have a better take off and 0-60 time.

Top end speed with me isn't a big thing, like i would love to be able to pull 100mph maybe 125mph but thats not necessary as you all may know.

The engine block is the same as i have discovered so therefore i shouldn't need to change mounts or anything, the gearbox selector looks different nbut thats all just cosmetics i can fix that later. what i really need is a plan on how to do this conversion as quick as possible.

I have three mechanics and an auto electrician, and IMHO i'm pretty good at being a DIYer so i hopefully won't have any lack of man power, but i do need brain power i can think of the main things i may need but there are always somethings you forget and its best to know about them before you have one engine out the other half way in and all of a sudden its like

"ah, dude, i think its like the wrong way around, maybe, i dunno" (worst case senario, i don't think even i'm that dumb)

anyway your input would be greatly valued thanks in advanced.

mike

Which M104 engine do you have ?

Have you thought about radiators and cooling? Also, do you have cruise control? I'm pretty sure cruise will require some modification.

Sorry that I don't have any technical advice that will help you, but I was just thinking what a sweet conversion this would be for a W126 300SE. That would really be one of a kind. You would then have a 300SE with more HP than a 420SEL!

Mike, do you plan on taking pictures and perhaps making a step-by-step webpage? I commend you for taking this on! Good luck and keep us posted.

Mike,

You are talking about a seriously involved job. Whilst the M104 is derived from the M103 there are some big differences, especially as it appears that you are talking about a 3.2 with HFM rather than the 3.0-24 which has KE-Jetronic like the M103. The M104 3.0-24 might be a better option. Easier still, sell the 300CE and buy an E320 coupe, 320CE or even a 300CE-24.

I also notice you are in Sydney. Are you a club member. If not, you should consider it. See:
http://www.mercedes-benzclubnsw.com.au/

Greg

I'm no professional, but I say if Mr. Tummala (mbcoupes.com) can stuff a 5.0L M119 in a W126 SEC, anything's possible!:cool:

sure its involved but no more than some other jobs are.

-i mean there is no cutting or grinding to be done,
-there is no need to adjust the engine mounts,
-the gearbox will fit straight in,
-the wiring harness dimensions will all be similar,
-i already have a brand new radiator,
-the weight difference won't require a major brake upgrade(ABS accounts for fade),

so what could possibly be so hard.

-yes the cruise control will be something i have to consider,
-the cooling should be fine, i plan on putting another electric fan on the back of the radiator instead of the viscous fan.

greg the power difference between the two engines 3.0-24v and 3.2-24v is big like almost 1000rpm earlier peak BHP and a lot more Nm so the HFM is the go over the HFM besides they will cost me around the same, and there is always gonna be extra work to be done. even with essentially the same motor(3.0-24v)

so i might aswell go all the way.

besides in AUD i have only spent about $23000, and my car has a brand new paint job, the 17in rims, rebuilt box, full sound system. so why would i sell it for say 26000 and then invest another 25000 atleast into a car that i can make mine into for about 1/6th the price. besides i like the experience and there are bound to be guys out there who are interested in learning how to do it for there own cars.