originality and stealth modifications

[jeffc280sl]

this new category has prompted me to think about upgrades to our cars.  a comprehensive list of upgrades is of interest to me so i put this matter to the group for consideration.  i hope this topic is of interest  to original purists.

i'm going to toss out some items to get others interested in contributing.

1)  rotary a/c compressor
2)  vented front brake rotors and calipers from v8 models
3)  sway bar transplant
4)  flash to pass on wiper stalk
5)  coil springs
6)  123 ignition
7)  other ignition mods
  3,27 rear axle

categories to consider

a) reversible
b) hard to spot (stealth) upgrades
c) improvement value

[FGN59]

Switching to LED lights probably fits in your ‘reversible’ category too

[awolff280sl]

Hi Jeff,
Now you've opened up the can of worms:
-55 amp alternator w/ electronic voltage regulator (14.5v)
-retractable seat belts
-cruise control
-intermittent wipers
-headlamps "on" warning buzzer
-screw on oil filter
-Kevlar brake pads
-progressive & sport springs
-central door locking
-trunk popper
-electric coolant fan (aux) for AC
-heater core bypass w/ electric water pump (aux)
-tire pressure monitors

[WRe]

Hi,
everything that supports driving and engine optimization and can be reversible:
- 123ignition
- wiper intervall timer with VW relay no. 72: https://www.pagodentreff.de/diskussionsforum/threads/einfache-billige-nachr%C3%BCstung-von-wischerintervallschaltung-und-wisch-wasch-automatik.3694/
- speed/cruise control: https://www.sl113.org/forums/index.php?topic=29534.msg213608#msg213608
- foldaway middle arm rest: https://www.pagodentreff.de/diskussionsforum/threads/klappbare-mittelarmlehne.11380/
- light warning buzzer: https://www.pagodentreff.de/diskussionsforum/threads/lichtwarnsummer.4476/
- electric radiator cooling fan: https://www.sl113.org/forums/index.php?topic=27865.msg200623#msg200623.
...WRe

[wjsvb]

Bundt wheels...

[Peter]

Hi Jeff,
Now you've opened up the can of worms:
-55 amp alternator w/ electronic voltage regulator (14.5v)
-retractable seat belts
-cruise control
-intermittent wipers
-headlamps "on" warning buzzer
-screw on oil filter
-Kevlar brake pads
-progressive & sport springs
-central door locking
-trunk popper
-electric coolant fan (aux) for AC
-heater core bypass w/ electric water pump (aux)
-tire pressure monitors

Suggest you buy a Tesla.

[awolff280sl]

Suggest you buy a Tesla.

if you buy my tools and lift

[jeffc280sl]

interesting comments.  thanks

lets see if we get some more feedback.   lets think about what to do with tech data for upgrades.   

[hauser]

On my car we did the following.

multi blade fan added a shroud

braided brake lines

Carbotech brake pads

upgraded A/C spal blower, rotary compressor original Fridgeking shell with new hardware

LED lighting

console with integrated armrest

ATS bundt wheels 15x7 et 25 with Michelin 205/65/15 HR (also have MB 15" along with 15" steel w/ hubcaps)

HUB audio system from Germany with Retro sound pinstripe radio

55 amp alternator

123 ignition



Makes driving a bit more enjoyable.

 



 

[ghenne]

A stiffer compensator spring reduces nose dive when braking - it really helps the car feel more secure.

[Pawel66]

On my car we did the following.

console with integrated armrest

HUB audio system from Germany with Retro sound pinstripe radio


Makes driving a bit more enjoyable.

Curious how the console and audio look like...

[JamesL]

Since I've had my car we've gone with
123 ignition
Retrosound DAB with a subwoofer under the left seat and a pair of tweeters in the centredash
Aluminium steelies
Stainless exhaust
Pool noodles
Beeper for when I leave the lights on
Separately switachable electric aerial (reduces wind-noise when I listen to my iPod)
Foil insulation under all the carpets to reduce heat (this is not stuck down)
Wiper relay for intermittent wipe
LED rear lights
MPH and KPH speedo (See Colin Ferns)
Immobiliser...
Triple ciggie lighter/USB charger on top of the tunnel under the dash
Lower ratio rear-end (not that I'd want to undo that!)

[jeffc280sl]

ill compile a list of all these updates over the next 2 weeks.  i kind of like the list of improvements with a link to the details.  we'll see if anyone asks for help to install an upgrade and go from there

[450sl]

Hi Jeff,  For me i would be curious about your number2   ; vented front brake rotors and calipers from v8 models........


Can you be more specific which models that are interchangeable with the late 280 ?

Thanks
Mark

[114015]

Hi Jeff,  For me i would be curious about your number2   ; vented front brake rotors and calipers from v8 models........
Can you be more specific which models that are interchangeable with the late 280 ?

Hi Mark,

Although I am not Jeff      I can also tell you something about this conversion because I did that on my 230. 
Yes, you can exchange the existing solid (thin) front brake rotors by vented ones (part no. A109 420 0005), which are of course thicker because those are vented.
Together with these disk rollers you need the corresponding brake callipers because those need to be wider as well in order to accomodate the wider brake rotors.
Both expensive from the dealer but reasonable on the aftermarket (Teves, etc.)

Problem is also the disk roller protective shields which are "vented" as well. Those are also terribly expensive. But at least theoretically you can go/continue with your existing ones as well.

Good luck with the conversion - works very well!


Achim

(P.S. For the 230ies the conversion is not as easy because the existing W110/111 steering knuckles assemblies  (which host the kingpins, the brake disks and the wheel bearings)  need to be replaced by the ones from the W108 in order to move the brake calliper further away from the hub center. This is because 230ies have the oridinary W110/111 253 mm (diameter) brake disks whereas 250/280ies have got the larger W108  273 mm brake disks. While the regular (ATE) brake callipers are identical, the steering knuckles are not. The W108 ones have the mounting points/thread holes for the (same) brake callipers one centimeter further out from the center point (wheel hub) )

[jeffc280sl]

hi mark,

The front suspensions of the sedans and W113 is exactly the same except for the coil springs. So the suspension will take the extra braking forces with no problem. Your original wheels will fit and work fine. The V8 wheels had a lot of additional cooling holes for air flow but not a real issue.  Any W108 sedan will have the same exact brake calipers and discs as the ATE equipped W113 cars.  The  V-8 W108 sedans, as discussed, would have the vented discs and wider calipers and can be installed on any W113.

i purchased affordable reconditioned brake calipers.  The only mod required on the 280SL was to slightly flatten the rain/dirt guard plate.  The new rotors were wider and needed the extra space.  I would imagine that the sedan plate would bolt right on.  I don't believe there are any additional forces in effect here.  If I recall the pads were the same size as provided in the factory setup.  Therefore brake surface area is the same.  The main benefit is cooler rotors which improve braking some and extend pad life.

setup has been working great for 15 years.  while thinking about braking you may want to look at brake system maintenance,  upgraded pads, stainless steel flex lines.  dont forget about the brake bias part.   i have suspected this component of failure for many years.  i replaced mine with an adjustable brake bias device.

[mrfatboy]

Maybe add the following to the list

- Manual CSV activation button
- Kill Switch. My PO connected the coil to the the under dash light switch. Very stealth.  Sometimes I forget it's there😜

[jeffc280sl]

good suggestions.  keep them coming

[450sl]

Hi Jeff,

So if apart from the venting , the pistonsize is the same , (i was just redoing my calipers) i will use my old calipers with new braided steel lines.
Can you recommend a softer carbon pad brand?


About mods ; i run a twin fuelpump setup.

Mark

[jeffc280sl]

hi mark,

its been a while but i believe the caliper piston diameters are the same for v8 w108 and w113 models.  i can't help with softer brake pads.  i would do a search on this website for information. 

[Benz Dr.]

Hi Jeff,

So if apart from the venting , the pistonsize is the same , (i was just redoing my calipers) i will use my old calipers with new braided steel lines.
Can you recommend a softer carbon pad brand?


About mods ; i run a twin fuelpump setup.

Mark

I think the calipers are different on a 4.5  Vented rotors are wider so the calipers have to account for that.

[Benz Dr.]

My car is very stealthy.
1966 230SL

ZF 5 speed ( original equipment )
early 230SL header pipes
22 mm front way bar
visco fan clutch
early 230SL cam shaft
cam timing advanced with offset key
ported and polished cylinder head
balanced crank assembly
late 280SL oil pan
300SE dual point distributor
power steering added
280SL seats
280SL flywheel and pressure plate
ceramic coated header pipes
cox racing bushings
limited slip diff 3.92 gearing with rear disc brakes
82 liter fuel tank
synthetic lubes throughout whole car

engine uses about 10 liters per 100 km

[jeffc280sl]

Dan is correct.  The calipers are different (wider rotor) on the V8.

I believe Pad sizes are the same and I think caliper piston sizes are also the same. 

[Aaron h]

For those of you looking to upgrade your brakes to vented rotors don't forget that the very late W108 280S/SE/SEL, late W109 2.8, 3.5, 4.5, and 6.3, as well as the late W111 coupe` and cabriolet 3.5 and 2.8, also had the vented rotors.  So if you're in a junk yard or buying used parts elsewhere keep an eye out for late model W108 6, 3.5 and 4.5, late W109 2.8, 3.5, 4.5, and 6.3 cylinder cars and W111 coupe`/cabriolet cars....3.5 and 6 cylinder. And before someone makes a joke, yes, a 3.5 coupe`/cabriolet and 6.3 does occasionally end up in a junk yard. haha  You never know! 

[Benz Dr.]

I have a 6.3 in my bone yard.