5 speed from auto?

[Ahealey12]

Inheriting a 230sl and bringing it back home in next few months. Brakes went out a couple years ago and so it’s just been sitting. I remember when last driving it myself the auto transmission was not doing well.

With only 100hp I’d love to be able to swap out a 5 speed since i know engine swap would devalue the car quite a bit and trans already on way out.

Reading through forum a bit- w 230sl is it that i just reuse the flywheel from the auto and put in a pilot bearing? Is there anywhere i can get a bell housing?

Looking at this kit: https://drivenman.com/product/mercedes-280sl-5-speed-conversion-kit/

And yes I’d love to throw an ls and different rear end in but trying to make this fun as is and not upset the purists 😅

Also what model pedal assemblies would work?

[GM]

Looks like this kit is to convert a manual 4-speed to a 5-speed

[rwmastel]

Welcome to the Group!

There has been a lot written over the years about transmission swaps, so keep using that search feature (and others will reply here) for further self-education.

Some people use a 4 speed manual, most a 5 speed.  There are specific transmission models recommended.  Some people with a factory 4 speed manual add an Overdrive unit.  Some people just swap the rear differential to drop the RPMs.  Some people swap out the whole rear axle for one from a 280 sedan, as they have a 3.27 diff, but then you have to do brake work as you would be changing rear brakes from drum to disk.

The 4-speed auto behaves like a 3-speed because the stump-pulling first gear is only engaged by the kick-down switch on the floorboard, or by putting the gear selector in "2".  I never had a complaint about my auto in my 230SL.  But, I don't mind the high RPMs relative to modern cars, or even US domestic cars of the 60's.  My 230SL has the 3.75 rear axle ratio, so that helps some!   

[rwmastel]

Available on our very own forum!!!

https://www.sl113.org/forums/index.php?topic=37500.0

[lowpad]

Has anyone installed the Driven Man Tremec kit on a 230SL? I've searched the forum, but can only find reference to the Bud's Tremec kit (I'd like to hear from someone that's done it themselves). Appreciate any counsel.

[Alex D]

Currently in process of replacing the 4 speed manual with a 5 speed Tremec from the Drivenman in Cookeville, Tennessee, along with some other mechanical work being done.  Will advise how  the Tremec 5 speed is working in a few weeks.

Alex

[cfm65@me.com]

Ahealey 12.
I recently replaced the auto box of my 250SL with a 5 speed Getrag transmission and loving it. It has transformed the Pagoda completely. It now nearly feels like a sports car. The 250 obviously has a little more oomph that the 230, but still not a ball of fire but I love it.
I have a spare Getrag which I am considering to install in my E Type.
Back to the Pagoda. It is quite easy to get the parts to fit the Getrag. There are a few guys who make up and sell ‘kits’ to install the gearbox. I collected a lot of parts from breakers and cobbled most of the rest together and installed the gearbox myself.
There are a lot of information re this conversion on the internet.
Good luck.
Chris

[Ahealey12]

Was there anything that needed to be changed with the balance if the auto engine? Or does it house a flywheel as well? I guess that’s what I’m mostly confused about. I’m used to small block fords and chevys that you just need to change a flywheel to match. Reading i have found a lot of people mention engine beefing to be rebalanced completely from auto to manual?

[dirkbalter]

On the 230is the crank and the flywheel are balanced as one unit.

[cfm65@me.com]

I took a chance not balancing the flywheel/crank assembly on my 250 and it worked out just fine.
Regards
Chris

[dirkbalter]

I took a chance not balancing the flywheel/crank assembly on my 250 and it worked out just fine.
Regards
Chris

I believe it does not apply to the 250 / 280. 

[rwmastel]

Inheriting a 230sl ... With only 100hp ...

It's 150hp when new.