It started out as a simple hypothetical question proposed on the internet in early 2006.
It turned into a personal challenge and an internet flame war. I think it was the phrase “lamest of all SL’s” that pissed me off.
Initial thread form another site where question was proposed:
Thread: Engine Swap Questions M120 into 380SL
View Single Post
#17
03-21-2006, 09:44 PM
Roncallo
88Black560SL Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: CT
Posts: 1,371
Quote:
Originally Posted by duxthe1
Sorry but I don't have pictures of someone else's car. The area in question is near the idler arm, that I am sure of. And yes the 5.0 was offered but there was more room engineered into that area for those cars, which yours is not. I'm not trying to B/S you. I am a 10 yr M/B tech. On any given day i can be working on both 107's and V12 cars. Heck, there is a 380 SL in my shop sitting without an engine in it. I know exactly how much room you have. I also mentioned the idea around the shop (mercedes only independant) and everybody chuckled and then agreed, "no way in hhell"
I'm sorry that I'm the only voice of reason here but I am trying to tell you that you have no idea what it will take to put a m120 into a w107. I can promise you it will exceed any notion you have by an enormous percentage. As a rough guess I'd bet you'll have to re-engineer at least 50% if not 75% of the entire car. If it were even remotely feasible don't you think someone would have done it by now? Hell, I've seen V12's stuffed into a C-class but you're talking about a 6 figure price tag on the conversion. Are you really serious about dropping that kind of scratch on one of the lamest of all SL's?
My response
Sorry I dont mean to start a flame war here. But so far you have given me no useful information. If you want to help give me the number in inches or pounds that you feel is going to knock this project out of the realm of practicality. I have also worked on MB for 10 years from 1978 to 1988 so I have never seen an M120 engine except in pictures. I have done some challenging engine swaps including Chevy 350 into a Ferrari 308 GTS and Ford 302 into a Pinto. I have recently seen an article on the web of and M100 6.3 iron block engine installed into a 113 280SL. I'm sure that engine is much heavier than the M120 and the car is smaller than the 107. I am now an Aerospace engineer and quite well accustomed to such challenges. I also have a full machine shop at my house.
Numbers please, "no way in hhell" is not a number
John Roncallo
It became apparent that any real useful information would required the purchase of an SL600 and hands on evaluation.
A 1996 SL600 with 45,000 miles was purchased at an insurance auction. The SL600 engine is run for evaluation using a surrogate radiator. Engine measurements are taken, the situation is carefully evaluated. Conclusion was that the engine was in good shape and would fit. At this point the project is considered a go.
It turned into a personal challenge and an internet flame war. I think it was the phrase “lamest of all SL’s” that pissed me off.
Initial thread form another site where question was proposed:
Thread: Engine Swap Questions M120 into 380SL
View Single Post
#17
03-21-2006, 09:44 PM
Roncallo
88Black560SL Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: CT
Posts: 1,371
Quote:
Originally Posted by duxthe1
Sorry but I don't have pictures of someone else's car. The area in question is near the idler arm, that I am sure of. And yes the 5.0 was offered but there was more room engineered into that area for those cars, which yours is not. I'm not trying to B/S you. I am a 10 yr M/B tech. On any given day i can be working on both 107's and V12 cars. Heck, there is a 380 SL in my shop sitting without an engine in it. I know exactly how much room you have. I also mentioned the idea around the shop (mercedes only independant) and everybody chuckled and then agreed, "no way in hhell"
I'm sorry that I'm the only voice of reason here but I am trying to tell you that you have no idea what it will take to put a m120 into a w107. I can promise you it will exceed any notion you have by an enormous percentage. As a rough guess I'd bet you'll have to re-engineer at least 50% if not 75% of the entire car. If it were even remotely feasible don't you think someone would have done it by now? Hell, I've seen V12's stuffed into a C-class but you're talking about a 6 figure price tag on the conversion. Are you really serious about dropping that kind of scratch on one of the lamest of all SL's?
My response
Sorry I dont mean to start a flame war here. But so far you have given me no useful information. If you want to help give me the number in inches or pounds that you feel is going to knock this project out of the realm of practicality. I have also worked on MB for 10 years from 1978 to 1988 so I have never seen an M120 engine except in pictures. I have done some challenging engine swaps including Chevy 350 into a Ferrari 308 GTS and Ford 302 into a Pinto. I have recently seen an article on the web of and M100 6.3 iron block engine installed into a 113 280SL. I'm sure that engine is much heavier than the M120 and the car is smaller than the 107. I am now an Aerospace engineer and quite well accustomed to such challenges. I also have a full machine shop at my house.
Numbers please, "no way in hhell" is not a number
John Roncallo
It became apparent that any real useful information would required the purchase of an SL600 and hands on evaluation.
A 1996 SL600 with 45,000 miles was purchased at an insurance auction. The SL600 engine is run for evaluation using a surrogate radiator. Engine measurements are taken, the situation is carefully evaluated. Conclusion was that the engine was in good shape and would fit. At this point the project is considered a go.
. What an awesome car. The pics you've posted in other threads make it LOOK like it's factory. THANKS for a look behind the scenes - Stan
