Author Topic: Convert to euro spec  (Read 3168 times)

billhon

  • Guest
Convert to euro spec
« on: September 03, 2018, 00:37:44 »
Is it difficult when rebuilding engine to convert my to 250SL to Euro spec engine with about 30 more horsepower?

Benz Dr.

  • Vendor
  • Platinum
  • ******
  • Canada, ON, Port Lambton
  • Posts: 7219
  • Benz Dr.
Re: Convert to euro spec
« Reply #1 on: September 03, 2018, 03:18:44 »
I was always under the impression that a 250SL uses the same parts whether it's Euro or not. Where did you hear about 30HP more?
« Last Edit: September 11, 2018, 18:57:31 by Benz Dr. »
1966 230SL 5 speed, LSD, header pipes, 300SE distributor, ported, polished and balanced, AKA  ''The Red Rocket ''
Dan Caron's SL Barn

1970  3.5 Coupe
1961  190SL
1985   300CD  Turbo Coupe
1981  300SD
2013  GMC  Sierra
1965  230SL
1967 250SL
1970 280SL
1988 560SEC

MikeSimon

  • Full Member
  • Platinum
  • ******
  • USA, OH, North Royalton
  • Posts: 2476
Re: Convert to euro spec
« Reply #2 on: September 03, 2018, 12:45:02 »
Maybe he is thinking of 250SL vs 280SL and got confused.
1970/71 280SL Automatic
Sandy Beige
Parchment Leather
Power Steering
Automatic
Hardtop
Heated Tinted Rear Window
German specs
3rd owner

billhon

  • Guest
Re: Convert to euro spec
« Reply #3 on: September 03, 2018, 16:32:11 »
The European version 280 is about 180 hp I believe? Can a 280 engine be installed in to a 250sl with relative ease?

MikeSimon

  • Full Member
  • Platinum
  • ******
  • USA, OH, North Royalton
  • Posts: 2476
Re: Convert to euro spec
« Reply #4 on: September 03, 2018, 17:39:25 »
It depends on what rating specification you look at. DIN and SAE are always a tad different. I think DIN on the 280SL was 170hp.
« Last Edit: September 03, 2018, 18:09:09 by MikeSimon »
1970/71 280SL Automatic
Sandy Beige
Parchment Leather
Power Steering
Automatic
Hardtop
Heated Tinted Rear Window
German specs
3rd owner

billhon

  • Guest
Re: Convert to euro spec
« Reply #5 on: September 03, 2018, 19:09:30 »
Thanks.  Any idea what the horsepower is on an American version to 250SL?

neelyrc

  • Full Member
  • Platinum
  • ******
  • USA, AL, Birmingham
  • Posts: 1238
Re: Convert to euro spec
« Reply #6 on: September 03, 2018, 19:57:51 »
Billhon, this information is available in the Technical Manual on this site.  Take a look under “W113 Model Data” in the Technical Manual.
Ralph

1969 280SL, 4 Speed Manual, Dark Olive (291H), Parchment Leather (256), Dark Green Soft Top (747)
1972 Mercedes-Benz 280SEL 4.5
1988 Mercedes-Benz 560SL
2007 BMW 328xi (E90)
Italy
2004 Toyota HiLux D4D Pickup
2008 BMW 330xd Futura Coupe' (E92)

Ulf

  • Associate Member
  • Gold
  • *****
  • Denmark, Fredericksberg, Rungsted Kyst
  • Posts: 838
Re: Convert to euro spec
« Reply #7 on: September 11, 2018, 13:41:04 »
There should be no or very little difference in engine outputs as most Pagodas predate the emission control laws (pls correct me if I'm wrong), but most US cars had a different final drive ratio making them a bit more revvy at highway speeds vs their Euro-spec counterparts.
The 280's differs slightly by having 170 bhp vs. the 150 for the 230/250 SL, but this is mostly negated by increased weight :-)

Br

Ulf
1965 230 SL in silver (DB180)
1982 Land Rover Series III SWB
2008 Jaguar XF 3.0
2005 Mini Cooper

Benz Dr.

  • Vendor
  • Platinum
  • ******
  • Canada, ON, Port Lambton
  • Posts: 7219
  • Benz Dr.
Re: Convert to euro spec
« Reply #8 on: September 11, 2018, 14:50:20 »
The 230 and 250 are rated at the same HP but the 250 has more torque so it should be slightly faster. If you have a 3rd engine version 230SL with stepped pistons it will not be as fast as version 1 and 2; a 280SL with stepped pistons will also be slower than the standard version with flat top pistons. A Euro version 280SL should have about 10 more HP due to a hotter camshaft. A LSD will help your car with 0 to 60 times.

If your engine is rebuilt and the top of the block was decked properly, then you will have a faster car than one where that procedure was omitted. Compression is HP on a 113 engine.

Rear axle ratio makes a big difference on our cars. Even as little as 200 RPM will affect acceleration. Anyone who thinks that driving 65 MPH at 2200 RPM and well out of the torque band is fooling themselves. 

There are a lot of reasons why two cars of the same model can have different performance traits. These were just a few of them. 
1966 230SL 5 speed, LSD, header pipes, 300SE distributor, ported, polished and balanced, AKA  ''The Red Rocket ''
Dan Caron's SL Barn

1970  3.5 Coupe
1961  190SL
1985   300CD  Turbo Coupe
1981  300SD
2013  GMC  Sierra
1965  230SL
1967 250SL
1970 280SL
1988 560SEC

MikeSimon

  • Full Member
  • Platinum
  • ******
  • USA, OH, North Royalton
  • Posts: 2476
Re: Convert to euro spec
« Reply #9 on: September 11, 2018, 18:52:22 »
Then again, what does it really matter? Are there really any people out there who are looking for a performance car and consider a Mercedes Pagoda SL?
I find this annoying in the motorcycle community. There are some who have a 1970s Superbike and try to get it faster - as if they could ever outrun a modern 600cc repli-racer on it.
I have a motorcycle that was the undisputed "King of the Road" in 1982/83 and I have absolutely no desire to match it against a 2018 sport bike of any brand. 8)
1970/71 280SL Automatic
Sandy Beige
Parchment Leather
Power Steering
Automatic
Hardtop
Heated Tinted Rear Window
German specs
3rd owner

A Dalton

  • Guest
Re: Convert to euro spec
« Reply #10 on: September 11, 2018, 20:19:07 »
 >>>Anyone who thinks that driving 65 MPH at 2200 RPM and well out of the torque band is fooling themselves.  <<<<


  Agree.

 I'll wager I am the only guy here who did the 3.27 swap  many years  ago... [ .way before it was  " THE  THING  "  to do,  ] .... only to wind up going back to factory spec.  and  learned how to enjoy the drive.....

But, I am a Driver, not a Cruiser .


W113.043
Euro/Manual




66andBlue

  • Full Member
  • Platinum
  • ******
  • USA, CA, Solana Beach
  • Posts: 4733
Re: Convert to euro spec
« Reply #11 on: September 11, 2018, 21:12:24 »
 
... A Euro version 280SL should have about 10 more HP due to a hotter camshaft. A LSD will help your car with 0 to 60 times.
....
Will both together beat the 1 1/5 seconds speed record?  ;D ;D
Alfred
1964 230SL manual 4-speed 568H signal red
1966 230SL automatic 334G light blue (sold)
1968 280SL automatic (now 904G midnight blue)

billhon

  • Guest
Re: Convert to euro spec
« Reply #12 on: September 11, 2018, 22:37:25 »
Great information, thanks!

Tyler S

  • Associate Member
  • Platinum
  • ******
  • USA, CA, Encinitas
  • Posts: 1613
Re: Convert to euro spec
« Reply #13 on: September 12, 2018, 03:51:46 »
The euro 250sl also uses an 18z injection pump that has a slightly richer 3d cam profile. Im assuming because of the non existent emissions regs. My car does drive a bit different with the Zed injection pump installed.
1968 (67) 250sl. 4 speed manual. DB180 Silver
1955 220 Cabriolet A. White Grey
2019 E450 Wagon. Majestic Blue
1936 Ford PU Flathead V8. Creme on tan interior.
1989 Volkswagen T3 Westfailia Campmobile. Dove Grey (blue)