6 speed conversion - value impact

[NewToW113]

My 230 has the original motor and 4 speed, I think maybe even the original clutch.  4 speed is heavy and really agricultural feeling, probably could us a rebuild is my guess.  Anyway,  I have been trying to decide on whether or not I should just take the dive on 6 speed conversion:

 http://www.2040-parts.com/new-6-speed-manual-transmission-gearbox-for-mercedes-230sl-250sl-280sl-pagoda-i1646448/

I use the car almost daily half the year, on the highway often, and I feel like 5 gears would be a nice addition, plus and the thought of smoother, quicker shifts sounds enticing.  I agree the 6th cog is totally unnecessary as pointed out in other posts and I would probably rarely use it, but since the price of this 6 speed is 1/2 the cost of a proper ZF 5speed, I thought I might try it. 

Do you think pulling the 4 speed out, rebuilding it and installing the 6 speed would significantly devalue the car?  If I sold it I would obviously include the original 4 speed. 

[FastWgn]

On a perfect, Pebble Beach car, yesm, anything not original will decrease value.
For a nice, even very nice, driver, and the original 4 speed included - zero impact. If anything the new owner is  likely to appreciate it. I would.

[Bonnyboy]

Unless you bought your car as a museum piece, I would go for it and do what makes you happy.  It may actually increase its value even without including the old tranny.   

I see these cars as a toy - a large toy that happens to have significant value but still just a toy.   Go play with your toy and if that means putting in a new tranny to get more enjoyment out of it go and do it. 

Personally I really enjoy the buzzyness of the engine - its one component of what makes the Pagoda different than a boring Japanese SUV or my Dodge 4X4 on the highway.  Even after 16 hours of straight driving on mostly empty highways from Vancouver to Alaska, that engine is still music to my ears. 

[zak]

I agree with Bonnyboy and Fastwagon , Your personal enjoyment of the car is paramount. Plus the trans swap is reversible.
I am afraid to drive my 4 spd pagoda at over 4500 rpms at any speed, so I would enjoy a 5 spd. on the highway.
For me driving at any rpm over 3000 gives the car a lot of pep and response. Enough for me , anyway.

Ian, you are a brave man - 16 hours north to Alaska in your 113. What was your average cruising speed and MPH ?

jz

[Fred Verboon]

I made the conversion to the 6 speed from Gertrag, aka AnnaThom.
Drives really great. However, a 230sl installation is not without its challenges. This particular gearbox is made for a M130 only!! And you need to widen the transtunnel and replace the drive shaft  Please contact me on fredverboon@gmail.com is needed.

[NewToW113]

Thanks and agree with the comments on enjoyment - although if widening the trans tunnel is a requirement for my 67 230sl I live with 4500 rpms!