Author Topic: 250s engine in w113?  (Read 2891 times)

richard230sl

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250s engine in w113?
« on: October 25, 2016, 19:15:36 »
My original 230sl  engine with 4 speed manual is getting a bit tired and I am planning to take the time to take it apart, find the right parts for the overhaul and place it back into my car where it belongs.

In the mean time I would like to install a 250s  w108 engine (carburetors) with a 4 speed manual transmission in the car if it is not too much of an headache.
I happen to be  able to lay my hands on a good running engine and gearbox but I am not sure if the carburated version will fit in the 113 engine bay.

Is there anybody on this forum who has experience with this swap?
I know I will have to  swap the engine mounts but I am curious which other parts need to bolted from my 230 engine to the 250.

And does anyone know:
 if the carburetors and air filter will fit under the hood (or do I have to use smaller air filters?)
Is the speedometer drive of the same ratio so that the speedometer will work accurately?
Will the exhaust manifold fit to the rest of my exhaust system and will the other parts fit under in the engine bay?
Will the throttle linkage fit right away or do I need to alter it in some way?

I would like to install the 250 unit as complete as possible (complete with the 4 speed 250 gearbox and carburetors)


Any advise from people who did this swap before is welcome.
Thanks for your help.

« Last Edit: October 25, 2016, 19:25:57 by richard230sl »

Cees Klumper

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Re: 250s engine in w113?
« Reply #1 on: October 25, 2016, 19:50:38 »
If I were you Richard, I would plan the current engine rebuild well, and then do that within a couple of weeks' time, and save yourself a lot of extra work, expense and hassle of trying to drop in that 250S engine. Winter is coming anyway so unless this is your daily driver (probably not) there doesn't seem to be a real need.
I've not heard of people doing this swap before, although one of us (Walter Klatt?) has dropped in a diesel (!) engine in his Pagoda.
Cees Klumper
1969 Mercedes 280 SL automatic
1968 Ford Mustang 302 V8
1961 Alfa Romeo Giulietta Sprint Coupe 1600
1962 FIAT 1500S OSCA convertible
1972 Lancia Fulvia Coupe 1.3
1983 Porsche 944 2.5
1990 Ford Bronco II

Shvegel

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Re: 250s engine in w113?
« Reply #2 on: October 26, 2016, 01:17:36 »
If you look at at your car I think you will find that the tallest part of the engine is the valve cover add the intake is about 50mm lower. I think you will see it just isn't going to fit.

ja17

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Re: 250s engine in w113?
« Reply #3 on: October 26, 2016, 06:41:57 »
I've seen the carbureted engines in these cars before. Be sure to use the two aluminum engine supports. from the SL.
Joe Alexander
Blacklick, Ohio
1969 Dark Olive 280SL
2002 ML55 AMG (tow vehicle)
2002 SLK32 AMG (350 hp)
1982 300TD Wagon turbo 4spd.
1963 404 Mercedes Unimog (Swedish Army)
1989 flu419 Mercedes Unimog (US Army)
1998 E430
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1965 220SE Finback

cfm65@me.com

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Re: 250s engine in w113?
« Reply #4 on: October 27, 2016, 05:42:36 »
Hi Richard,
I would suggest you rather use a fuel injected engine.
Many years ago I bought a bad 108 model 280SE with a good engine. I fitted the 280SE engine and tranny in my 230SL, which was my daily driver at the time.  The engine and gearbox fitted eazily and coupled to the existing fuel injection, exhaust system  and electrics was a piece of cake.
I then rebuilt the original engine and tranny at my leasure before returning it to its rightful place.
A word of warning, the slightly more modern auto tranny of the 108 was a little longer than the original and I had to shorten the prop shaft by a few inches.  Make sure you shorten the 108 prop shaft and keep the original unmolested until you replace the 230SL engine and gearbox.
Regards
Chris
Cape Town
28 Ford Model A Pickup
29 Chevy Phaeton
67 E Type FHC
67 250SL 5 speed
83 911SC
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