I NEED ADVICE ON RESTORATION

[JoshSteiger]

I have bought a Mercedes Pagoda 280SL Manual from Spain and only recently got it back to the UK. Once stripped down we realised the engine is in fact from a 280SE. I would really appreciate some advice on where to buy an original Mercedes W113 engine or how a 280SE engine would affect the value of the car? I would prefer to restore the car with an original Mercedes 280SL engine as I am a big fan of true authenticity, however, are there many 280SL engines going around? I would love to enjoy the car as a good driver as soon as possible?

[Garry]

How did you identify the engine as one from a 280se?

[Khurram Darugar]

Hi Josh, does your engine number stamp have '983' some where in the middle of it?  If so its a 280sl engine.
Many 280sl's used have 280se head on them.  These heads are marked '280se'.  However this isn't a sign of a replacement engine.
Good Luck
Kay

[stickandrudderman]

When you say "we have stripped it down", who is the "We"? Is this something you're doing yourself or are you employing someone? If the latter then you should worry that they are not able to give you that advice rather than you looking for it here.
Of course, if you are doing it yourself then you will get plenty of help here.
The first thing to do would be to research this site thoroughly for much of the usual questions have already been asked many times before. Getting a data card would be the second.