Pagoda SL Group
W113 Pagoda SL Group => General Discussion => Topic started by: Kenneth Gear on February 05, 2005, 11:10:21
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Did anyone see a show on public television this morning called "Auto Motor and Sport TV". (WHUT in Washington, DC)
They had an piece on Mechatronic in Germany which restored and modified a beautiful silver 230SL. All the mechanics in the shop were previously employed by AMG. They specialize in installing modern drive trains (engine, tranny, rear-end), suspension, cooling system and brakes into older Mercedes. From the outside the car looks stock and original -- except when you peak inside and see a modern shifter.
Under the hood its modern. Two set ups available 160hp or 240hp.
The cost= 220,000 francs which I believe in about $150K.
Ken G
1971 280 SL
Silver/red
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Ken,
I missed that show but sure would like to see it. Anyone record it? I just installed the suspension from Mechatronik.
Best,
Tom
1971 280sl Tunis Beige Metallic (restored & enhanced)
1971 280sl Tobacco Brown (low mileage stock)
1970 280sl Deep Red (Project Car)
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Tom,
Sorry I didn't tape it. It was about an 6-8 minute segment with interviews of the Metroniks shop owner who is a suprisingly young guy.
Ken
Ken G
1971 280 SL
Silver/red
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Tom,
What bits are different to stock on the Mechatronic suspension? [:(!]
naj
65 230SL
68 280SL
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Naj,
The Mechatronik Suspension consists of a set of progressive rate springs and a set of adjustable shocks/struts. The shocks in the rear restrict/dampen forward dive in the front. We know from our own experience that progressive springs also reduce forward dive. So the combination of the two enhancements should take a big bite out of the forward dive.
I visited the Mechatronik company in September and drove one of the cars that had the suspension set-up. It handled better than my car which had progressive rate springs from John Olsen and stock Bilstien shocks.
In terms of handling, I later installed a 30mm sway bar and that made a big difference in handling. The ride is a bit stiff though. Mechatronik recommends keeping the stock swaybar, so I am reluctantly going back to stock (for now) on the swaybar. I say reluctantly as anyone that drives our cars with a 30mm swaybar understands how remarkable the handling is with that swaybar. I understand the Ken G has the 30mm swaybar and the Olsen progressive springs-an identical set-up to my car prior to going to Mechatronik.
Here is a picture of the new Mechatronik suspension installed in my car.
Download Attachment: (http://images/icon_paperclip.gif) Mechatronik Installed.jpg (http://www.sl113.org/forums/uploaded/Tom/200526101242_Mechatronik%20Installed.jpg)
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1971 280sl Tunis Beige Metallic (restored & enhanced)
1971 280sl Tobacco Brown (low mileage stock)
1970 280sl Deep Red (Project Car)
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Your recollection is correct about the set up on my car...Olsen progessive rate springs and 30mm sway bar.
You're welcome to drive it to directly compare it to your new set up when you get ot back if it would be useful to you.
Ken G
1971 280 SL
Silver/red
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Ken, Glad to hear you're happy with the set up on the 280SL you bought from me. Aside from the progressive rate springs, larger sway bar and new shocks, it also has a complete set of Polyurethene bushings instead of the factory rubber. I don't remember if I told you that when you bought it. I'm in the middle of a body off restoration of a very early (08/67 production date)4 speed, Euro 280SL. I'm doing the same color combo as your car Silver DB180/Red leather interior. I'll post pictures soon of the body, chassis, etc. work as it progreses. Mark-Seattle
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Hey Mark -
Nice to hear fron you. I am enjoying the car very much. Can't wait to see those pics on your latest project.
Ken G
1971 280 SL
Silver/red