Author Topic: Differences between Engines in US '71 280SL and US 280SE sedan?  (Read 2846 times)

GGR

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Hi all,

As the title says, is there any difference between a US '71 280SL motor and a US 280 SE sedan one out of a W108 for example? If yes, which ones? Compression ratio? Camshaft?

Thanks !  
« Last Edit: October 30, 2012, 09:24:48 by 280SL71 »

ja17

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Both are M130 engines.  Basically the same in most respects. Most W113 engines had a camshaft unique to the SLs which accounted for about 10 more horsepower. There is some debate that some USA W113 cars were equipped with the tamer emission camshaft. The aluminum engine side supports on the W113 cars is different from the sedan supports (allows the engine to sit about 3/4" lower for hood clearance of the SLs).  The W113 engines had a mechanical tachometer drive which was not used in the sedans. ( this tach drive can be added to the sedan engine). The front crankshaft  pulley  arrangement is often times different diameters  on the W113 engines.  Most other items are simply bolt on items or minor plumbing differences.  (eg. alternators, AC brackets, possibly the distributor, linkage pivot on block,  etc.

It is basically a straight forward and easy swap.  It is a bit more work to make it exactly correct.
Joe Alexander
Blacklick, Ohio
1969 Dark Olive 280SL
2002 ML55 AMG (tow vehicle)
2002 SLK32 AMG (350 hp)
1982 300TD Wagon turbo 4spd.
1963 404 Mercedes Unimog (Swedish Army)
1989 flu419 Mercedes Unimog (US Army)
1998 E430
1974 450SLC Rally
1965 220SE Finback

GGR

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Thanks !