Author Topic: gearbox conversion  (Read 10765 times)

Flyair

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gearbox conversion
« on: December 22, 2012, 12:43:06 »
I just found an interesting item on e-bay: a gearbox conversion from either manual or automatic to a 6 speed gearbox. it could nicely accompany engine conversion for those who like to put a new soul in the classic body.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Mercedes-SL-6-SPEED-GEARBOX-230-250-280-SL-W113-4-Gear-Sifter-Automatic-/251201985183?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item3a7cce1a9f&vxp=mtr
Stan
1971 280SL
2011 SL550 AMG
2011 GL
2015 GLA

Jack Jones

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Re: gearbox conversion
« Reply #1 on: December 23, 2012, 02:16:15 »
There was a seller in the US trying to move these in 2011. I contacted him but after one response that he was going to get me some additional information, I never heard from him again. The seller in Poland refers to these as rebuilt but my understanding is that this is a new transmission. Still interested but would prefer a seller on this side of the pond.
Jack Jones                                                                                                   
1970 280SL 4 Speed
1984 280SL 5 Speed

jmbour

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Re: gearbox conversion
« Reply #2 on: December 24, 2012, 10:13:20 »
Interesting, but not cheap !
A new ZF 5 speed would almost the same price, would be more original and would fit.
More information on the gearbow (new or rebuild, what origin ?) and the modifications needed would be welcome.
But : 60 MPH (or 100 KM/H) @ 2000 t/M in a Pagoda, what a dream !

JMB
JMB

1971 280SL US
1973 280CE
1987 300 E
2005 C230

Garry

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Re: gearbox conversion
« Reply #3 on: December 24, 2012, 12:11:31 »
At 7800 Euro a new ZF gearbox is about twice the cost of this one.  However it does not explain if new tail shaft is also needed that would add to the cost.

When I fitted my 280SL with a Getrag box, I had already fitted a 3.46 rear end and the revs were around 2200 at 100kph (62mph)

It was nice and quiet but had very little torque given that the power in the Pagoda does not come into its own until at least 25-2700rpm.  To be honest, it was almost too low but a real highway cruiser with an overdrive.
Garry Marks
Melbourne/ Kyneton, Brisbane. Australia
1969 MB 280SL 5 speed RHD SOLD.
1965 MB 230SL Auto RHD Lt Blue 334G, Top 350H, 213 Leather, Tourist Delivery.
1972 MB 280CE Auto RHD 906G Blue Grey
2005 MB A200.
2006 MB B200
2019 Izuzu DMax 4x4 with Slide-on camper.
2022 Volvo XC40 Twin Electric

GGR

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Re: gearbox conversion
« Reply #4 on: December 24, 2012, 13:04:41 »
At 7800 Euro a new ZF gearbox is about twice the cost of this one.  However it does not explain if new tail shaft is also needed that would add to the cost.

When I fitted my 280SL with a Getrag box, I had already fitted a 3.46 rear end and the revs were around 2200 at 100kph (62mph)

It was nice and quiet but had very little torque given that the power in the Pagoda does not come into its own until at least 25-2700rpm.  To be honest, it was almost too low but a real highway cruiser with an overdrive.

That's the thing.  Best staying in the torque range otherwise it's not really enjoyable.

Jack Jones

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Re: gearbox conversion
« Reply #5 on: December 25, 2012, 16:16:25 »
My recollection is that this is a new Getrag box converted to fit the 113 chassis. I discussed this with a seller from the US in January 2012 and shortly after he dropped off the radar. Remember that this is a 6 speed box and 5th gear is very similar to the ratio on the ZF transmission. You can use sixth gear only when conditions are optimum, i.e. when traveling through the mid west where it is so flat at night you can see your own tail lamps. ::)
Jack Jones                                                                                                   
1970 280SL 4 Speed
1984 280SL 5 Speed

jmbour

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Re: gearbox conversion
« Reply #6 on: December 25, 2012, 19:30:04 »
Isn't a 3,46 rear end the best and simplest solution ?
JMB

1971 280SL US
1973 280CE
1987 300 E
2005 C230

Garry

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Re: gearbox conversion
« Reply #7 on: December 25, 2012, 22:35:04 »
If I had my time again the best solution is to do either the gear box change leaving the 4.08 rear in place or doing the 3.46 conversion but not both.  Many here have done a 3.27? conversion but I assume that they are doing that conversion with the Auto gearbox. can someone else confirm that?
Garry Marks
Melbourne/ Kyneton, Brisbane. Australia
1969 MB 280SL 5 speed RHD SOLD.
1965 MB 230SL Auto RHD Lt Blue 334G, Top 350H, 213 Leather, Tourist Delivery.
1972 MB 280CE Auto RHD 906G Blue Grey
2005 MB A200.
2006 MB B200
2019 Izuzu DMax 4x4 with Slide-on camper.
2022 Volvo XC40 Twin Electric

BaronYoungman

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Re: gearbox conversion
« Reply #8 on: December 26, 2012, 15:49:29 »
I have done that conversion with a auto and it is GREAT on the highway.. slower off the line but never my concern with this car
Bob
If I had my time again the best solution is to do either the gear box change leaving the 4.08 rear in place or doing the 3.46 conversion but not both.  Many here have done a 3.27? conversion but I assume that they are doing that conversion with the Auto gearbox. can someone else confirm that?
Bob "Baron" Youngman
1971 280 SL silver  1 car 0 boxes
1983 500sec Wheeler Dealer AMG Widebody
1985 500sec Paris Autoshow AMG coupe
1994 320sl wifes car
1988 560sec  Japan "Yakuza Car"

pagoden

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Re: gearbox conversion
« Reply #9 on: January 16, 2013, 20:01:20 »
I had a 4.08 in my 280SL.  I feel that the experienced owners and restorers who counseled me against buying a Pagoda with that rear end ratio were right to do so, but the rest of the car was pretty much what I wanted.  So what to go to for the back axle ratio?  Using the 4.08 ratio as a starting point for the math, I found that the 3.27 gave a ~20% reduction in revs, the 3.69 was very close to 10% lower than the 4.08 and the 3.46 fell right in the Goldilocks middle with an approximate 15% reduction in revs across the board.  Mine is a standard shift car and I too feel that the 3.46 is ideal for it.  I could have fun with the 3.69 but they seem to've been vacuumed up by previous generations of Pagoda owners, and they're still a bit short-legged for highway cruising.  I imagine that the 3.27 is especially nice in an automatic Pagoda with modification to give first-gear starts.  I also speculate that it sounds and feels particularly right to those whose youthful automotive experiences were with/in V8s.
1968/69 280SL, just+100k mi, manual 4, 3.46, both tops, 717/904