Pagoda SL Group
W113 Pagoda SL Group => Drive train, fuel, suspension, steering & brakes => Topic started by: Ahealey12 on January 07, 2024, 20:56:57
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Inheriting a 230sl and bringing it back home in next few months. Brakes went out a couple years ago and so it’s just been sitting. I remember when last driving it myself the auto transmission was not doing well.
With only 100hp I’d love to be able to swap out a 5 speed since i know engine swap would devalue the car quite a bit and trans already on way out.
Reading through forum a bit- w 230sl is it that i just reuse the flywheel from the auto and put in a pilot bearing? Is there anywhere i can get a bell housing?
Looking at this kit: https://drivenman.com/product/mercedes-280sl-5-speed-conversion-kit/
And yes I’d love to throw an ls and different rear end in but trying to make this fun as is and not upset the purists 😅
Also what model pedal assemblies would work?
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Looks like this kit is to convert a manual 4-speed to a 5-speed
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Welcome to the Group!
There has been a lot written over the years about transmission swaps, so keep using that search feature (and others will reply here) for further self-education.
Some people use a 4 speed manual, most a 5 speed. There are specific transmission models recommended. Some people with a factory 4 speed manual add an Overdrive unit. Some people just swap the rear differential to drop the RPMs. Some people swap out the whole rear axle for one from a 280 sedan, as they have a 3.27 diff, but then you have to do brake work as you would be changing rear brakes from drum to disk.
The 4-speed auto behaves like a 3-speed because the stump-pulling first gear is only engaged by the kick-down switch on the floorboard, or by putting the gear selector in "2". I never had a complaint about my auto in my 230SL. But, I don't mind the high RPMs relative to modern cars, or even US domestic cars of the 60's. My 230SL has the 3.75 rear axle ratio, so that helps some! ;)
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Available on our very own forum!!!
https://www.sl113.org/forums/index.php?topic=37500.0
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Has anyone installed the Driven Man Tremec kit on a 230SL? I've searched the forum, but can only find reference to the Bud's Tremec kit (I'd like to hear from someone that's done it themselves). Appreciate any counsel.
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Currently in process of replacing the 4 speed manual with a 5 speed Tremec from the Drivenman in Cookeville, Tennessee, along with some other mechanical work being done. Will advise how the Tremec 5 speed is working in a few weeks.
Alex
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Ahealey 12.
I recently replaced the auto box of my 250SL with a 5 speed Getrag transmission and loving it. It has transformed the Pagoda completely. It now nearly feels like a sports car. The 250 obviously has a little more oomph that the 230, but still not a ball of fire but I love it.
I have a spare Getrag which I am considering to install in my E Type.
Back to the Pagoda. It is quite easy to get the parts to fit the Getrag. There are a few guys who make up and sell ‘kits’ to install the gearbox. I collected a lot of parts from breakers and cobbled most of the rest together and installed the gearbox myself.
There are a lot of information re this conversion on the internet.
Good luck.
Chris
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Was there anything that needed to be changed with the balance if the auto engine? Or does it house a flywheel as well? I guess that’s what I’m mostly confused about. I’m used to small block fords and chevys that you just need to change a flywheel to match. Reading i have found a lot of people mention engine beefing to be rebalanced completely from auto to manual?
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On the 230is the crank and the flywheel are balanced as one unit.
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I took a chance not balancing the flywheel/crank assembly on my 250 and it worked out just fine.
Regards
Chris
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I took a chance not balancing the flywheel/crank assembly on my 250 and it worked out just fine.
Regards
Chris
I believe it does not apply to the 250 / 280.
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Inheriting a 230sl ... With only 100hp ...
It's 150hp when new.