Pagoda SL Group

W113 Pagoda SL Group => Wanted To Buy => Topic started by: 280sld on May 25, 2019, 17:11:09

Title: WTB 113 with engine swap, Los Angeles
Post by: 280sld on May 25, 2019, 17:11:09

Hello,

I have been tinkering around with the idea of owning a 113 or a 190sl with an engine swap and using it as a daily. My commute is very short and the car will stay garaged. This might also improve reliability, maintenance costs, etc.

Let me know if you have anything available. Im cash ready.

Title: Re: WTB 113 with engine swap, Los Angeles
Post by: m300cab on May 26, 2019, 18:03:52

they are very reliable to begin with
just switch to pertronix electronic ignition
and you are pretty maintenance free, change the oil, grease chasis, the usual
less headaches than a computerized car in my opinion

Title: Re: WTB 113 with engine swap, Los Angeles
Post by: cydways on May 31, 2019, 19:24:21

what kind of engine/trans swap are you looking for?

Title: Re: WTB 113 with engine swap, Los Angeles
Post by: Bonnyboy on May 31, 2019, 21:29:30

I wonder why you would want to swap the engine from a perfectly good car - the whole car is designed to work together and taking out an engine and replacing it with a (brand X- you choose) could cause you more headaches than you want.  If you are doing this as a hot rod thing than fill your boots but a well sorted pagoda should serve you well.   Unless you have had one of these you may not understand how well they are built and I was one of those who grew up with british cars, but those guys and gals in Mercedes Land did an amazing job with these cars.  This is not a simple plug and play like a GM-350 in a Jaguar sedan sort of swap.

I have found my time spent on fixing my car is due to switches that don't switch, perished rubber components like motor mounts and bushings and brake lines, fuel issues / rust .....but none of my issues so far have been "engine" related (touch wood).   Just for the record I have enjoyed 100% success on fixing items or replacing maintenance items.   

I put about the same mileage on an annual basis on my Mercedes that I do on my 2005 Dodge Ram and I spend more time diagnosing and fixing my Dodge Ram (camshaft sensors, egr valves, etc).   

Title: Re: WTB 113 with engine swap, Los Angeles
Post by: MikeSimon on June 02, 2019, 23:45:15

I believe the OP is thinking about putting a more recent/modern engine in a Pagoda or 190SL in order to make it more "reliable" and use it as a daily driver.
Biggest issue we all have with our cars is parts availability. May I remind the audience that currently, there are no head-gaskets available for later M130s. Just one example.
I know a guy who enjoys a Jaguar XJS as a daily driver because he fitted a Chevy V8 in it.

Title: Re: WTB 113 with engine swap, Los Angeles
Post by: JamesL on June 03, 2019, 18:18:08

I'm guessing the clue is in the name - plans a diesel lump in a Pagoda...  ;)