Author Topic: Which camshaft should I use, and question on factory heads  (Read 2366 times)

john collins

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I had recently posted that I might swap a 250CE motor as a temporary solution while I rebuild the motor for my 65 230SL.  Instead, I stumbled upon a local Craigslist ad for a 1965 230SL block, head and all associated bits that had been sitting for 25+ years.  I inspected the lot, and bought it on the spot.  Now I have a correct spare to rebuild and swap for my original.  In the boxes of bits were two cams, and in reading through the various threads there is a lot of discussion on their relative merits.  Which cam should I use in my head - 130 051 78 01 (9)   or 114 051 01 01 (2)?

Also, did the factory peen the valve seats originally, or is this an indication that the head was alreadypartially rebuilt?  It is hard to tell, as the entire setup looks like it was in the middle of a complete rebuild when it was put away 25+ years ago, and someone had already cleaned the head, and started some reassembly.  Seeing that the valve seats were peened, I was wondering if it was factory or rebuild work. 

Thankfully, they had greased every bit and piece before they put it away, so everything is in fantastic shape.  I am not able to see why they even tore it down in the first place, as it does not show any wear beyond the 47K miles the seller claims was on it when removed from the car way back when.  It really looks like I could just put all of the existing bits back together, whithout any new parts, and start it up.
Take care,

John

1965 230SL  white/black leather - power steering, Becker Mexico, kinderseat, fitted luggage

ja17

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Re: Which camshaft should I use, and question on factory heads
« Reply #1 on: April 30, 2011, 04:13:16 »
Peened valve seats ?  Never heard of such a thing. Are you sure you are looking at the valve seats or valve guides?
Joe Alexander
Blacklick, Ohio
1969 Dark Olive 280SL
2002 ML55 AMG (tow vehicle)
2002 SLK32 AMG (350 hp)
1982 300TD Wagon turbo 4spd.
1963 404 Mercedes Unimog (Swedish Army)
1989 flu419 Mercedes Unimog (US Army)
1998 E430
1974 450SLC Rally
1965 220SE Finback