I have been throwing around alot of ideas for getting more power out of my 450slc and have been thinking about putting a turbocharger (or 2) on it. I was wondering if anyone on here has tried this on any of their SLCs or SLs. I know I would probably have to get some custom headers machined for this. If anybody has had this done before any info would be appreciated.
If the turbo is not an option any other suggestions you guys have for squeezing some more hp out of these 4.5L V8s would be great cause i dont think 190 is enough for me. So far i've been thinkin about a new exhaust and axing the catalytic converter, moving the intake location, and playing around with the brain and maybe even puttin in a new one.
As far as I know, performance upgrades for these cars are limited and the results of making special headers, head porting, compression increases and induction modifications, etc., would be marginal, at best. In addition, they would be expensive. The car is heavy and lumbering, and could stand a substantial improvement in the chassis/suspension/brake area. Further, I'm not sure the 3 speed transmission would be up to the task of a quantum increase in HP. If keeping it "stock" is not an issue, the 4.5L engine is rather large in size and I'm sure the engine compartment would handle a modern day firebreather, quite nicely; which would also give you some better transmission options -- with the added bonus of better gas mileage when you don't have your foot in it! Crate motors, from various manufacturers, are a lot less expensive than anything MB has to offer, you can be sure of it, and the performance increase would satisfy the most demanding desire for speed. At first glance, grafting in an engine does not seem to be that big of a deal on this car -- though such action may be seen as a sacrilege by some. The bottom line: it's only a matter of money.
I've pondered the same ideas myself, not being as impressed as many by the "superior German engineering" mantra, but have opted to keep my car original and stock. There is something very endearing and classic about this car, the older it gets. I have several other 'toys' which have undergone the "treatment," and allow me to satiate my wreckless moments.
There are dozens of things you can do to a 450 Sl,and the chassis is one area where fou don't need worry too much.Despite the comments about" heavy and lumbering" ,once you are making real horsepower the car will feel light and nimble.
To get power quickly,import a Euro 560 SEl engine and bolt that in.....or find a M-119 engine (plus donor car) .
Or do this....A 350SL with a Chevy in it.
It was imported into Australia by a Friend of mine.Apparently this conversion was done decades ago ,and cost the owner a small fortune because of the hassles ,especially the sump location of the chev.
Or this,My favorite. A genuine AMG 6.3 conversion....
The question posed, as I understood it, was what could be done to improve power/performance of the 4.5l engine he has in his car. If you know of dozens of things to do to improve this engine, please let us in on it. I, for one, would like to know and I'm sure many on this forum woud share this interest.
The possibilities with engine conversions are limitless, be it from the MB line, or from other sources. The "other" sources being more economically feasible, in my opinion, offering a greater range of options in terms of performance products at substantially lower costs. And let's not forget about transmission options, and so on.
I think that going with a freer-flowing exhaust system is a very good start. An engine that breathes better will perform better. It's also relatively inexpensive to do.
I would stay away from turbos unless you know EXACTLY what you're doing. Turbos present a whole set of problems with complexity and especially heat. The W107 family already has issues with underhood temperatures, so, unless there is some HD intercooling involved, I would think turbo(s) would do a lot more harm than good.
Another matter are superchargers. I've seen numerous fairly succesful installations of those on M117s. The heat is less of an issue with supers, but I would make real sure the engine itself is healthy enough to accept a blower. Depending on how much boost you run, you might need to lower the compression ratio, you also might need to play with cams.
In short, I'd start with the exhaust and go from there.
__________________
Felicita e un bicchiere di vino con un panino.
To your knowledge, is anyone offering headers or performance exhaust systems for this engine/car? I've searched the web, to no avail, looking for these particular items. I can't recall where I read about modifying Ford headers to fit, and can't say which Ford engine either, 302in/5.0L/5.8L or the 4.6L.
Changing the exhaust is going to be one of my first changes, I will most likely change it over to dual exhaust and scrap the cat. If I did pursue turbocharging I would definately throw a large intercooler in with it but I think I will have problems with gettin custom headers. I dont think I wanna shell out for a crate motor and new tranny unless I blow this one but if that did happen it would not be for quite a while until I finish school. A supercharger would be interesting I have thought about it but I already have a car with a supercharger (buick riviera)and I want more top end and I dont feel like losing anymore fuel economy.
Has anyone ever put high compression pistons on one of these or any similar models, I don't have any knowledge of the gains associated with this upgrade.
This is somewhat on the same line of thinking as myself. Short story is I am a Hot rodder under the skin. I want a light car with lots of low end power and really good handling. Maybe even drag race it. That said I don't need an old ford body and I think Mercedes has pretty good handling. My buddy has offered me his rusted old 76 SEL saloon 4.5 litre to chop up. So far I see the front and rear ends as a good start. The rest of the drive train might not fill the bill but I am not throwing it out yet. I need a good shop manual or some source for specs; like gear ratios, rear end ratio, steering ratio, etc. I know this is a wild project but I have a small budget at the moment and I need to get into a car again for the fun of build ing it. I am wondering if the fuel injection on this engine is the best way to go for low end power. Any ideas will be much appreciated.
I have a german version 1977 350slc with the 4.5L in it i have had the exaust replaced to the headers. It has been replaced with a dual 2in through a magnaflow and it sounds great. later i removed the old air intake filter housing because if you notice how hot it gets when you have been driving around. I put in a holly freeflow which fits rather nicely in mine. I removed the blanket from the front of the car past the air filter going along the naturle body lines. Honesty I have also put alot of thought into turbos but a [b]INTERCOOLED[b] cintrifical super charger is porbably your best option because of heating isseus. my thought is it would fit nicely where the a/c is or isn't, but be carefull with hood crealence. I love my car and the engine feels so much happyer now. I don't know exactly how much more power i'm getting out of it but i can drift in it. You'll notice that the top end is alot higher, but if you want a good take off i suggest hold the brake and give just alittle gas but don't hold it past 13 on the tach. Just a suggestion I tried zmax and it helped clean it out and restored some power.
The AutoGuide.com network consists of the largest network of enthusiast-owned enthusiast-operated automotive communities.
AutoGuide.com provides the latest car reviews, auto show coverage, new car prices, and automotive news. The AutoGuide network operates more than 100 automotive forums where our users consult peers for shopping information and advice, and share opinions as a community.
Linear Mode
