[socalsean]

Hello everyone. I mistakenly started this build thread in the W126 section and after numerous unanswered messages to mods asking to move it here I decided just to start a new thread.

I bought a 300SD off craigslist for $450. Nice straight body, very little surface rust, and a great interior besides the blown out dash. It had a rebuild transmission but the engine was knocking like crazy! It still ran and had lots of power (I drove it home from Santa Cruz to Monterey) but something is seriously wrong with the engine. I wasn't too worried about the engine as my dad will be using it in his Willys Jeep project.

I've never owned one of these cars (I'm a turbo brick guy) but I couldn't pass up the great deal on a car I would never have to smog in Cali. The plan for this project is a motor/tranny swap, wheels, suspension upgrades, minor interior changes, and just drive the snot out of it. Originally I had bought a 2jzge for it with the intention of turbo charging. Here are some photos when I first brought her home.




And the motor.

 

[socalsean]

After a lot of research I decided that sourcing a transmission that could hold the power I was planning on making with the 2jzge was going to cost too much for my budget. I ended up selling the Toyota engine and in it's place bought a 5.3 LM7 from a 2003 Yukon.






I'll run it NA at first just to get everything sorted out. Once it's turn key reliable I have a turbo I'll be installing. Should be a great daily driver. Looking for about 400whp.

 

[Josh]

What trans are you going to look at using?

 

[socalsean]

What trans are you going to look at using?

Funny you should mention that. Yesterday I picked up a rebuild 4l60e with a new torque converter off craigslist.

It's from an LT-1 Firebird (Gen II V8) so I'll need a spacer for the torque converter to mate up with my flexplate. It should play nicely with the LM7 wiring harness and PCM.

I wanted to do a T-56 but I don't want to spend the money on that right now. If anyone happens to have a manual pedal assembly for a W116 let me know! I don't think they were available in the USA.

 

[socalsean]

On my way back from picking up the transmission my room mate and I stopped at a near by Pick N Pull. I came across a euro spec 450 se that still had its bumpers and a usable passenger headlight lens.




Paid just $146. I was stoked.

 

[Nutz 4 Benz]

I'm diggin' it! Mostly because you took out the smoke belching clatter box.

 

[Josh]

You may be able to use a pedal assembly from a W123, but I'm not entirely sure.

 

[socalsean]

I'm diggin' it! Mostly because you took out the smoke belching clatter box.

I love modern diesels but this thing is far from it.

 

[socalsean]

You may be able to use a pedal assembly from a W123, but I'm not entirely sure.

Great suggestion. Next time I'm at the yards I'll compare pedal assemblies.

 

[Josh]

As far as I remember, the manual R107s such as the 280SL used a clutch pedal setup similar to that of the 116. There are some nuance differences, but other than a few small things, they are nearly identical. EPCs parts diagrams confirm the bearing brackets are identical as well.

Nutz may be able to add to this or correct me where I may be wrong. Finding a manual R107 will be hard, but you'll likely have an easier time than finding a manual 116.

 

[socalsean]

Picked up a 4l60e auto and a LS2 GTO front sump oil pan. I'll be ordering mounts this week. Just got to get the Volvo wagon out of the garage so I can start hacking into the engine bay of the Benz.

 

[socalsean]

The Dirty Dingo LSX mounts and gasket kit are on the way. Planning on hacking the engine bay apart in the beginning of March.

 

[Pirublues]

I wonder what happened to this

 

[socalsean]

Not much has been done on the project. I'm thinking of selling everything and focusing my money on my BMW 2002 project. Still can't make up my mind. LOL.

 

[Pirublues]

Where are you located?

 

[socalsean]

Where are you located?

Monterey, Ca.

 

[Pirublues]

Oh okay. I think i spoke to you on w116org

 

[socalsean]

Oh okay. I think i spoke to you on w116org

You probably did. That site kinda sucks.

 

[Pirublues]

You probably did. That site kinda sucks.

It's just slow and pertains more to the 6.9. Anyway, I'd love to pick up the LM7 and 4L60e but the finances don't line up for such a purchase at this time.