Changing to 230SL headers on a 10/65 built 230SL

[perry113]

I am slowly chipping away on my new barn find project a 10/65 built 1966 230SL 4 speed which hasn't been driven since 1982.
See picture file here:
https://picasaweb.google.com/111355593055710048515/1966MercedesBenz230SLBarnFind

According to available build data this car was the 13th built 230SL with the later cast manifolds.
As much as I believe in keeping my cars as original as possible I am inclined to install the earlier header set up on this car so its like  1965 230SL. I just feel that these early headers are another icing on the cake advantage of the early W113. I just love the way the 65 sounds. To boot I just bought a fully restored set of headers so its either use them or sell them.
I am curious to hear forum members opinions on whether you agree with me on converting it.

[DaveB]

If you have the headers yes. There are some differences between the throttle linkages that may or may not hinder the swap. Early is to the right and late to the left of this photo.

[Benz Dr.]

I have those early headers on my car and they do sound better than cast iron manifolds and I think they give more mid range torque.
The throttle linkage ls different and you will need to get a flat metal side cover plate instead on the aluminium one with a pin. There is a small bracket that goes on the plate and two threaded screws that you can make in your shop. The rod coming from the firewall is also a different length but you should be able to make it longer or shorter as required. The hard part will be finding the bracket that goes on the side cover plate.

 The early 230SL engine produces more HP per liter of displacement than a 250 or 280SL. This is probably done through cam timing, distributor advance, and exhaust headers. In my opinion, early 230SL's should be as coveted as 280's.

[DaveB]

The part number on that bracket is 127 070 24 40 so it's probably 230SL-specific, but may also be on the 220SE. Or you could snap up this bargain, which has the bracket!: http://www.beverlyhillscarclub.com/1965-mercedes-benz-230sl-c-5059.htm

[perry113]

I have those early headers on my car and they do sound better than cast iron manifolds and I think they give more mid range torque.
The throttle linkage ls different and you will need to get a flat metal side cover plate instead on the aluminium one with a pin. There is a small bracket that goes on the plate and two threaded screws that you can make in your shop. The rod coming from the firewall is also a different length but you should be able to make it longer or shorter as required. The hard part will be finding the bracket that goes on the side cover plate.

 The early 230SL engine produces more HP per liter of displacement than a 250 or 280SL. This is probably done through cam timing, distributor advance, and exhaust headers. In my opinion, early 230SL's should be as coveted as 280's.

I believe these are all of the part numbers needed aside of linkage rod size adjustments.

180 015 07 05 cylinder side cover qty 1
180 015 08 21 Gasket qty 1
180 072 01 81  Threaded Pin qty 2
127 070 24 40  Support Bracket qty 1
127 070 16 22 Lever qty 1
006799 007001 clip qty 1
000934 006006 nut qty 2

Doctor Benz. I cannot agree with you more on the collectability of the 230SL model.

[perry113]

If you have the headers yes. There are some differences between the throttle linkages that may or may not hinder the swap. Early is to the right and late to the left of this photo.

Thanks for your input and picture. I have a 1964 230SL parts book but it does not cover the later style linkage for the later manifold cars.
Can you see if the boomerang shaped pivot lever arm part #'s (the lower one that either affixes to the small bracket early or affixes to the alloy plate cover late) are the same or different between the 2 set ups?
Many Thanks.

[DaveB]

Although the part looks identical in both books the number in edition C is 127 070 19 22.
I guess a close examination of your two cars will reveal any difference.

[DaveB]

By the way the car looks really nice! What is the hardtop/hubcap paint code?

[Benz Dr.]

I can't tell for sure but those pics look like the parts you would find on the top of the intake manifold and not lower down on the side of the engine.

[perry113]

I can't tell for sure but those pics look like the parts you would find on the top of the intake manifold and not lower down on the side of the engine.

408 body color 181 hardtop and hubcaps