Pagoda SL Group
W113 Pagoda SL Group => General Discussion => Topic started by: Kenneth Gear on December 21, 2004, 16:01:45
-
Because we're getting to the dog days of winter when many of us in colder climates don't get to drive our cars as often as we'd like I thought I would generate a little discussion on which enhancements you all feel are worthwhile.
I love the look of a stock car and don't particularly like seeing "obvious" enhancemnets (i.e. aftermarket stereos, etc) however, I do appreciate enhancements that give a "better' driving experience and improve reliability. So at the risk of offending the purists, here's a few that have been made to my car and others that I can think of, which have you done? Which if any you do regret and which can't you live without?
Upgraded to larger anti-sway bar
Cox racing bushings.
Stainless Steel exhaust
Stainless steel brake lines
Progressive rate springs
Passenger side mirror
Nardi steering wheel
Cocoa mats
Others which I haven't done...
Electronic ignition
Period correct fog lights
Retractable seat belts
High efficiency radiator
Switch from US to Euro headlamps (I prefer the US look but I know others strongly disagree)
Hidden stereo
Ken G
1971 280 SL
Silver/red
-
Ken,
What people are doing this winter:
www.sl113.org/forums/index.php?topic=2483
What people think about upgrades:
www.sl113.org/forums/index.php?topic=2278
You could also search on some of your key words like "exhaust", "nardi", "cox", "progressive", etc. and find lots of posts containing opinions, technical instructions, experiences, and more.
Rodd
Powell, Ohio, USA
1966 230SL, Euro, Auto, Leather, both tops
1994 E420
-
Het Ken,
Like your list.
I've done thye progressive springs, passenger mirror, hidden stereo and amp and electronic ignition. I'm doing the dash now. Sent the heater core out for cleaning and testing.
I've done poly bushings on the old sway bar. Would like to get the heavier duty 230SL version. Is that what you have? Where diod you get it and how much?
Thanks
Jeff C.
1970 280SL 4-speed
-
One thing I would love for winter is a good heater :( , actually I am starting to suspect my thermostat.
Anyway what about intermittant wipers ?? I sure get a pain in my a55 switching on and off. Most of you probably dont drive in the rain though, still maybe it would make these famous multi switches last longer ??
Regards,
Ben in Ireland.
'64 230SL 4sp.
-
:D :twisted: :twisted:
Yep, intermittent wipers has been one of my thoughts too!
I can imagine me selling the car "oh no, only used in the summer and never taken out in the rain. But I did have these intermittent wipers fitted, er, just in case"
-
I didn't mean to be duplicative by starting this post, I was just trying to get a generic post about enhancements going.
As for the sway bar, the prior owner installed it. Let me check the receipts and get back to you with the details.
Ken G
1971 280 SL
Silver/red
-
quote:
Originally posted by Kgear
I didn't mean to be duplicative by starting this post, I was just trying to get a generic post about enhancements going.
As for the sway bar, the prior owner installed it. Let me check the receipts and get back to you with the details.
Ken G
1971 280 SL
Silver/red
Ken,
Hi. I wasn't trying to nag you about duplicate posts, I was just trying to refer you to posts that might provide you some answers to your questions. Sorry it came across as a negative.
Rodd
Powell, Ohio, USA
1966 230SL, Euro, Auto, Leather, both tops
1994 E420
-
quote:
Originally posted by Ben
I sure get a pain in my a55 switching on and off.
Ben,
;) Is this some new AMG model? ;) I would like to see a 5.5 liter V-8 in an A-Class!
Rodd
Powell, Ohio, USA
1966 230SL, Euro, Auto, Leather, both tops
1994 E420
-
quote:
Ben,
Is this some new AMG model? I would like to see a 5.5 liter V-8 in an A-Class!
...........very good Rod :) ! Didn't they make one with two engines at one point, I think for David Coulthard ?
Seasons Greetings to all !
Regards,
Ben in Ireland.
'64 230SL 4sp.
-
Ken,
I will have completed all of the enhancements you noted when my car gets back from Gernold, except the fog lights-don't want to drill my bumper. Note that the euro lights give you more light than US. Couple of notes:
I had the stainless exhaust and removed it. Too noisy and not an enhancement in my view. I had the stock exhaust "Jet Hot" coated (ceramics) which will preserve the system and enhance performance.
For your Christmas list, another enhancement is to replace the 4.08 rear with a 3.27 rear end. Several Group members have done this and like it. I am having this installed now. Gernold is mounting a supplemental kick down button on the shifter that will allow me to activate the kickdown by pressing that button. This allows me to more easily start out in a lower gear to address the slow start in 2nd gear with the 3.27 rear. I could just start out in 1st and manually shift, but I am too lazy.
Another enhancement is putting in a rotary A/C unit-less vibration, less pull on the engine resulting in lower running temperatures. Getting that done as well.
Finally, I am experimenting with the Mechatronik suspension to see if it will provide further handling and ride enhancements. Will report back when I get the car back.
My justification to my wife for doing all of this to the car is that I don't have a boat (more $$$$$) and my infatuation with this car is one of the safer "infatuations" I could adopt.
Happy Hollidays
Tom
1971 280sl Tunis Beige Metallic (restored & enhanced)
1971 280sl Tobacco Brown (low mileage stock)
1970 280sl Deep Red (Project Car)
-
Yes, but Tom
You have the wife, the mistress, the concubine and the girlfriend
That's some infatuation! 8)
-
Hi Tom what is the "Mechatronik suspension"
-
Tom, I can't wait to see you cruising around town when the car comes back from Maine. I'm interested to see what you think about the enhancements particulary the rear end and suspension.
Rodd -- no offense was taken but thanks for the note, I did follow the links provided and learned alot as I always do on this site.
Happy Holidays everyone!
Ken G
1971 280 SL
Silver/red
-
Tosh: I have few infatuations, but when the bug bites, I go head over heals!
Norton: Go to this site and click on "special offers" for information on the suspension:
http://www.mechatronik.de/english/buy_and_sale.html#
Best,
Tom
1971 280sl Tunis Beige Metallic (restored & enhanced)
1971 280sl Tobacco Brown (low mileage stock)
1970 280sl Deep Red (Project Car)