[johnvan8]

Hello everyone, new member here. I have a 72 250C with the stock 2.8 (now with webers after the zeniths died) and 4-speed automatic. I've been wanting to put in a newer generation engine with fuel injection and exploring different options.
I came across a SLK230 (supercharged 4-cyl) stickshift with low miles for cheap. Has this swap been done before?
If I wanted to keep the existing ECU, can the whole drivetrain be swapped over? I realize engine/transmission mounts will need to be fabricated and driveshaft be custom made. Any help/suggestions will be greatly appreciated. I'm located in SoCal.
Thanks

 

[Grubeguy]

Anything new can go into anything old, as long as it fits and you don't have clearance issues. Even then, if you have fabrication skillz, clearance issues won't necessarily be an issue.

Keep in mind however that the SLK230's engine control unit may require inputs from speed control devices, traction control (if equipped), ABS sensors and much more. You may need to have a Mercedes engineer on paid staff to help... I don't want to rain on your parade, but there are some pretty hefty technical considerations to overcome. Have you considered a modern V-6? There are tons of aftermarket places that sell engine/tranny control modules, and they're even available at the dealerships. I'm contemplating a Chevy small block into my 300SEL at some point, mostly because the aftermarket support is so stout ...

 

[johnvan8]

Thanks Grubeguy for the insights. I'm certainly not against any modern engine. Just looking for a modern powerplant that I can just start like any fuel injected car without stinking up my garage while the carbs settle down. I read somewhere that Ford made the narrowest V-8, is that correct? Also, Can you run such engines with standalone ecu (like Megasquirt or such)?

 

[patrykrebisz]

I presume you want to do the swap because you feel the car doesn't have the pep... in that case you have to tune those carbs.

 

[johnvan8]

Actually, it is quite peppy now as I have converted the Zenith to Webers. I'm just thinking I would enjoy the car way more if it had a modern drivetrain in it where I can get in, crank the key, put my seatbelt on and go. Modern fuel injection.

 

[patrykrebisz]

Actually, it is quite peppy now as I have converted the Zenith to Webers. I'm just thinking I would enjoy the car way more if it had a modern drivetrain in it where I can get in, crank the key, put my seatbelt on and go. Modern fuel injection.

This is exactly what i do with my carbed car? What's the issue?

 

[bfrymire]

John

I put a C230 motor in my 1966 W110. I used megasquirt for the ECU. Tuning is really the hard part. I used the 6 speed manual trans and it was too big for the tunnel and had to cut the floor to get it to fit. I have a build thread here on benzworld.

-- brett