Engine Swap

[Keen01]

I have a 1964 220 SEB 2 door Coupe. Having owned the car for a number of years, I am considering the possibility of switching out the underpowered original engine for something a little bit more robust. First thing comes to mind would be a Mercedes V8 possibly the AMG variant. The other consideration would be an LS3 swap which seems quite popular. I wondered if I may ask for some thoughts on the matter as I remain conflicted. Has anyone done similar swaps? The pros and cons of both approaches. Thank you in advance for any insight you may offer. Wishing all the members a wonderful holiday season.

[cth350]

good luck with anything that has a rear sump like a chevy engine. If somebody suggests a rack & pinion conversion, walk away quickly.

A benz v8 will fit if you avoid the M119 engine.

No matter what you do other than a similar vintage straight 6, you are looking at a lot of customized engineering and loosing value in the car. If the car isn't very pretty and original, don't worry about the value loss.

wiring, drive shaft, exhaust, ignition. Lots of details to get right.

Probably your most cost-effective swap starts with finding a running M103 car (ie 300se or 300E) or an M104 car (320se, e320) and puzzling out what to do with the fuel injection system.

-CTH

[Todd Miller]

I purchased a '67 W111 Coupe with 4 on the floor and electric sunroof, and an in tact cognac leather interior, on the super cheap, because it needed an engine. I could have easily rebuilt the original, because it had a spun crank bearing. But there was a W108 in the local wrecking yard with a 280SE. They wanted $500 for the complete, ready to drop in and fire up, engine. So that's what I did. I kept the 280's tall engine oil cooler, and made a couple brackets that mounted it off to the side of the radiator fan blades. The car ran perfect, looked correct, and had all sorts of power. When it was done and ready to sell, the buyer was stoked to have the 280 engine in it.

[Frank Reiner]

Originally Posted by cth350

good luck with anything that has a rear sump like a chevy engine. If somebody suggests a rack & pinion conversion, walk away quickly.
A benz v8 will fit if you avoid the M119 engine.
No matter what you do other than a similar vintage straight 6, you are looking at a lot of customized engineering and loosing value in the car. If the car isn't very pretty and original, don't worry about the value loss.
wiring, drive shaft, exhaust, ignition. Lots of details to get right.
Probably your most cost-effective swap starts with finding a running M103 car (ie 300se or 300E) or an M104 car (320se, e320) and puzzling out what to do with the fuel injection system. -CTH

Although the 108/109 chassis will (obviously) accept a 90 degree V engine, the 111 engine bay is too narrow. Moving, or removing, sheet metal is to engage in changes to structural components.
More recent 60 degree V engines, however, do offer possible options. The base GM 3.6L V6-60 produces 300HP, as does the Ford equivalent.

[Tony H]

A member that used to frequent this forum (Gael) installed a 450SL 5.0 engine in his early W111. He had to beat up the frame rails for the exhaust to fit. You could use more finesse and cut/weld the frame rails or build custom exhaust manifolds.

[subforry]

I bought a w114 250 sedan without an engine because someone put in some high power toyota inline 6. There are some small/narrow v8s. Maybe a buick 215. Ford 289 must be narrow because it fits in a Sunbeam Tiger.

As for my 250, I have a 280 carb engine with a manual. I will do what I can to improve intake and exhaust flow. Eventually get hotter cam for it.

[germanophile]

It has been done before and it would be interesting to have some additional info on what, and how, & by whom.

Not sure about this one, but looks LS.

[Tony H]

A 6.3 will fit in a W111 coupe so what is the problem?

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1964-mercedes-benz-220se-5/

Lots of detailed pictures for your conversion.

[cth350]

the problem would be that he probably doesn't want to spend 3 arms and 5 legs on it.
I certainly wouldn't.

My spare 6.3 engine is sitting comfortably in the garage waiting for the right car to come along.

-CTH

[Tony H]

I was being humorous but depending on resources and desire there is a way. I saw a Volkswagen Beetle with a radial airplane engine in it. probably not a daily driver...
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/442056519644452236/
It's only 7 cylinder

[engatwork]

The ultimate air cooled VW.

[alabbasi]

The M130 should be pretty robust but maybe not the most powerful. An M104 motor should fit. If it's the early car with CIS, it would be simpler.

Someone mentioned a long time ago that the late Drew Tibken had a 300SEL with an M104. Other MB veterans might know more.