Author Topic: W108 with M103 engine transplant  (Read 11891 times)

66andBlue

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W108 with M103 engine transplant
« on: July 06, 2014, 05:12:00 »
I am curious what you experts on engine transplantation (GGR, shvegel, justininia, stickandrudderman) think about that combination?
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Mercedes-Benz-200-Series-/191229960597
Alfred
1964 230SL manual 4-speed 568H signal red
1966 230SL automatic 334G light blue (sold)
1968 280SL automatic (now 904G midnight blue)

GGR

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Re: W108 with M103 engine transplant
« Reply #1 on: July 06, 2014, 22:26:33 »
Well, it's an improvement over the carbed version of the 280. If the k-jet is an early version it's quite simple and bulletproof, much less troublesome than the dual carburetors. Hall Ignition is also trouble free, no points to replace. Set it once and forget about it. Hydraulic lifters also save you time as you don't have to adjust the valve clearance regularly. And 188hp is also a significant power increase over the 280S motor.

Advantage is less over a 280SE motor as difference in power is less significant, Mechanical injection is much less troublesome than the carbs and a Pertronix ignition will get you rid of the points. You will be left with valve adjustments but hey, that's less work than an engine transplant.

So if you have a 280S with a blown engine and an M103 lying around, why not. But then why not going for an early 5.0L euro M117 motor: More displacement, lighter engine, better car balance, more power, as simple and as little maintenance as the M103 engine, for similar transplanting work. More bang for the buck.

stickandrudderman

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Re: W108 with M103 engine transplant
« Reply #2 on: July 08, 2014, 22:38:39 »
I really like the M103 for its performance and simplicity but if you're going to do a transplant then as GGR says, it may as well be with the V8.

66andBlue

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Re: W108 with M103 engine transplant
« Reply #3 on: July 09, 2014, 02:54:28 »
Gents,
thanks for your replies. Personally I have no desires to do any transplantions but I was talking with a friend who has the itch do do something like that with his old W108. I'll pass your wisdom on to him.
Alfred
1964 230SL manual 4-speed 568H signal red
1966 230SL automatic 334G light blue (sold)
1968 280SL automatic (now 904G midnight blue)