I am currently in the process of engine rebuild on my 280 SL Euro. Our forum has been of enormous help. I have now checked most specs, and also the valve to piston clearance, which seems to be at .9mm. I am thinking of shaving the tops of my pistons to help reinstate correct compression ratio (9.5 - 1), as my head is at or marginally below min spec. I am using a new cam chain, and timing marks seem good.
My pistons are 87.5 mm with stepped crown. It would be relative easy to shave .25mm (10thou) off the higher side of the crown, without shaving the stepped section. Would this removal affect the balance of the piston, or am I being obsessive?. If I am to shave the lower step, it would probably have to be done using a milling machine, whereas I can shave the high section with a lathe.
If all goes well, I will post all measurements etc on the forum, as I am trying to maintain all original parts where I can.
Declan