[Ctskip]

I just got a clean 1980 450 SL with a bad motor. I have a chance to get a 1985 500 motor out of a low mile four door sedan SEL I believe. I’ll get numbers come this Monday and post them. I understand there are two versions of this 500 motor, a 116 and a 117 one being exclusive for America and the other not. I’m not sure I like what I read about the American 116 500 motor.
Any input would be helpful. I hoping to have it up this December

 

[Aussiemerc]

It would be good to get the transmission too.

 

[cwmoser]

This is an interesting project you are pursuing.
I've long dreamed of doing a 500SL clone too but don't have a lift or the R107 "victims
Keep us informed on how you progress.

 

[Ctskip]

Thanks.
Why the transmission?
I’m more concerned about the speedo.

 

[roncallo]

I was not aware that the 500 was ever offered in a 116? Nothing wrong with a 116 engine unless it has a single row timing chain.

 

[rowdie]

Thanks.
Why the transmission?
I’m more concerned about the speedo.

I don't think the '80 trans will bolt to the 5.0.
You are right to be concerned with the speedo. The 450 is manually cable driven. The '85 will be electronic.

 

[Ctskip]

I was not aware that the 500 was ever offered in a 116? Nothing wrong with a 116 engine unless it has a single row timing chain.

As I understand It, the 500SEL made two versions, one for America and the UK, with the 116 going to America, having lower compression and less HP, while the UK got the 117 with more HP with higher compression. I may be wrong as it was late and my mind is losing more than it absorbs lately.

 

[roncallo]

As I understand It, the 500SEL made two versions, one for America and the UK, with the 116 going to America, having lower compression and less HP, while the UK got the 117 with more HP with higher compression. I may be wrong as it was late and my mind is losing more than it absorbs lately.

My understanding is that the 500 was only offered in the SEC not the SEL. I thought is was a 117 engine defiantly lower compression than the Euro 117. As far as I know all US spec engines 116 or 117 were both lower compression than the Euro counterparts. I thought the largest 116 engine was the 4.2 liter from the 420SE, which was available in the US or 420SL euro only.

 

[Ctskip]

I reread the tech sheet from Wikipedia . It states that the first 1985 SEL sedan Has a new V8 all aluminum block with silicon sleeves as opposed to iron sleeves and iron block.
MB put out a smaller 3.8 116 destined for USA while the 5.0 117 was destined for the UK.
I also understand 85 SLs were the first to get both a three speed auto and late 85 models got a four speed auto.
My GLE has a nine speed auto. Unbelievable

 

[roncallo]

I reread the tech sheet from Wikipedia . It states that the first 1985 SEL sedan Has a new V8 all aluminum block with silicon sleeves as opposed to iron sleeves and iron block.
MB put out a smaller 3.8 116 destined for USA while the 5.0 117 was destined for the UK.
I also understand 85 SLs were the first to get both a three speed auto and late 85 models got a four speed auto.
My GLE has a nine speed auto. Unbelievable View attachment 2649587

I believe that picture you are looking at is a Euro 500SEL. If it is, it would be the most powerful version of all the M117's except for the RUF or AMG versions. If you are going to do a swap of such the Euro 5.0 engine would be the way to go. Also you should check the differential. It may have a 2.65 gearing.

 

[roncallo]

According to Hagerty there is a US 500SEL but its a dog. Go for the Euro or go for the 5.6.

Your definitive 1979-92 Mercedes-Benz W126 S-Class buyer’s guide - Hagerty Media

Classy as ever.

www.hagerty.com

 

[Ctskip]

Having power available when you want is always nice. I just want power when I need it. No dogs in my kennel. As long as it’s reliable is what I’m after. I’ll check into the transmission to see if it’s good or needs maintenance.
Is there anything I should do while changing the motor? Like cradle bushings and see if the recall has been done on the cradle? Any more expensive bushings or ? I’m planning on having a Indy do the swap while I do the brakes and hoses. The fuel tank is beOmg drained as the vehicle hadn’t been on the road since 03. Id like to put on 15 wheels with some nice tires and Bilsteins all around. The Indy is one of the best around and is really busy so he’s letting me work on the 80 in the back with my parts car alongside and the 85 just outside. Ive got a list, only I’m not really sure what should be done while the motor is out and she’s on a lift and a pro is at hand. Radiator is being flushed, as is the condenser. The Speedo goes all the way to 85 mph. Look out world here it comes, excuse me.

 

[Mirv]

I did a swap with a 117 out of an 85 500SEC. Pretty straightforward. Had to change the engine mounts, oil pan, oil filter base and exhaust manifolds. Engine is wider than my 3.8 so I had to modify the exhaust a little. Had overheating issues with it at first so I had a bigger core put in the radiator and had to go with an 85 degree (I believe) thermostat.

 

[RaceDiagnostics]

This web page is useful for seeing the various engines that were available in what regions as well as the derivatives.

http://mbepc.net/1/m/m/#gsc.tab=0

 

[Ctskip]

I did a swap with a 117 out of an 85 500SEC. Pretty straightforward. Had to change the engine mounts, oil pan, oil filter base and exhaust manifolds. Engine is wider than my 3.8 so I had to modify the exhaust a little. Had overheating issues with it at first so I had a bigger core put in the radiator and had to go with an 85 degree (I believe) thermostat.

Thank you, I knew about the oil pan and the oil filter mount. Having the radiator flushed and gone over, so that's good to know. The speedo concerns me. I feel sure Jose knows the trick there.

 

[Ctskip]

This web page is useful for seeing the various engines that were available in what regions as well as the derivatives.

http://mbepc.net/1/m/m/#gsc.tab=0

thank you very much. Interesting data here.

 

[Ctskip]

thank you very much. Interesting data here.

 

[Ctskip]

It so happens the motor is a 117

 

[Ctskip]

 

[Ctskip]

Now my concern would be the instrument cluster.
every cluster I see in a 80 450 the speedo goes to 160. On mine it goes to 85???? Time to change the cluster! One with a clock and 160 speedo. And comments I can handle em.