108 auto tranny in a Pagoda

[cfm65@me.com]

Hi Guys,
Do we have consensus that the later model 108 auto tranny will fit in a 113?
The torque converter in my 250SL is leaking and I am considering a later 108 box.
Regards
Chris

[drmb]

I have fitted a 108 trans to 3 cars,biggest challenge is making a shifter rod that will clear everything,also the rear mount needs to be modified.The wiring also has to be modified for the different inhibitor switch,and the pressure control rod.A donor car is always handy.

[cabrioletturbo]

Another torque converter, instead? Have new, PM me.

[Shvegel]

I welded around the rivited hub and around the rivets. Problem solved.

[ja17]

Interesting "drmb",  that later transmission is typically smoother and some versions start off in first gear.

[cfm65@me.com]

Thanks Gents,
Much appreciated.
I just hate the ‘3 speed’ gearbox in these cars. I will start collecting bits and pieces to fit a 5 speed Gertag some or other time. Obiously a lot of work going from auto to fitting a BMW tranny.
In the mean time, I’ll have the torque converter rivits welded and live with it for a while.
Thanks for your advice and ideas.
Regards
Chris
Cape Town

[Shvegel]

Chris,
Also weld the hub to the converter.  The hub is the part the rivits attach to.

[cfm65@me.com]

Thanks Shvegel,
I never gave the hub a second thought, I would only have had the rivits done by a pro welder.
Much appreciated.
Chris

[cfm65@me.com]

Hi Guys,
I have been offered two interesting options, 1. A complete 108 manual, floor shift tranny with shifter, flywheel, clutch, etc  and 2. A modern 108 auto box. I have not seen either but are very interested and unsure which way to go.
Question, is the shifter similar to the Pagoda or does the ‘modern’ 108 auto use the ‘modern’ shifter with P forward and then R, N, D, etc?
Regards
Chris

[drmb]

You can retain the original shifter,just need to make up a rod from shifter to the box.

[cfm65@me.com]

drmb,
Did you modify or widen the 113 transmission tunnel in order to fit a ‘modern’ 108 auto tranny?
Regards
Chris

[drmb]

The tunnel size is OK

[cfm65@me.com]

TKS

[Klaus Pieper]

Hi Chris,
When I bought my 1965 230 SL it had a W108 280SE motor and automatic gear box.  The tunnel had been widended, possibly with a heavy hammer, on the left hand side and the opening for the gear change lever had been altered - all fairly easy to reverse.  The propshaft was also shortened.  With a bit of luck I might be able to find photos and if you are interested I could send them to you.  I refitted the 230 SL motor and automatic gearbox a number of years ago and in my (maybe subjective) opinion the 280 SE gearbox resulted in much higher revs and hence a much louder interior with no increased performance compared with the current set up.
Regards, Klaus

[cfm65@me.com]

TKS Klaus,
 Many years ago, I also fitted a 108 280SE engine and gearbox in my 230SL, in order to  keep my SL on the road while rebuilding the engine and gearbox. It must have been a first generation 108, which only required the front section prop shaft to be shortend. It was ten years before the restored engine and gearbox was returned to its rightful place.
I also do not remember any remarkable performance or other mind blowing diferences after either of the swops.
Regards
Chris