Mercedes engine conversion

[JimmyC]

Has anyone here transplanted a more powerful Mercedes engine into their W113?  I am aware of the 3.5V-8 that Hatch & Sons has done and read the info on their website and aware of the work that Mechatronic has done in Germany at immense cost, but has anyone on the forum actually done a conversion or have some experience with someone who did one?   I really would like a 50hp increase on a daily driver 280SL -- I don't want or need an enormous power increase -- but I really want more than just a 10 or 15hp.

[stickandrudderman]

Use the "search" function and you'll find loads of info.

[GGR]

I know a professional who fitted two Pagodas with Euro 5.0 M117 V8s. I saw one of them. I also know of someone who is fitting a 5.6 in a Pagoda but I didn't see the car. I have myself fitted a 5.0 M117 in a W111 Coupe that shares a very similar chassis with the W113. I am also considering fitting a euro 5.0 with a manual trans in my Pagoda and the experience I gained with the Coupe will be very useful.

The alloy block M116 and M117 are not heavier than the M130. The M117 may be a tight fit, especially when it comes to hood clearance. but the M116, 3.8 and 4.2 will clear easily. If you want to go that way I can share some info with you.

[JimmyC]

Thanks you very much for your offer of help,

After I do my research, I may be back to you.  I presume the 3.8 and 4.2 M116 engines are larger versions of the ones that Hatch & Sons successfully put in their cars. 

[GGR]

Thanks you very much for your offer of help,
I presume the 3.8 and 4.2 M116 engines are larger versions of the ones that Hatch & Sons successfully put in their cars.  

They are. They have the same overall external dimensions. But they also have an aluminum block instead of cast iron, so they are a lot lighter. The M117 is also the same engine, but with higher block decks due to longer stroke. They are around half an inch higher and an inch wider overall compared to the M116. They also use slightly bigger diameter exhaust manifolds, so the clearance with side rails is limited, but it clears. The alloy block M117 is 43kg lighter compared to the iron block M117. I would imagine the alloy M116 to be around 5 to 10 kg less than the alloy M117. The alloy M117 is around the same weight compared to the M130. So the M116 will be lighter. Further, the center of gravity of the engine is lower and more backwards, so it improves the car's overall balance.

Hatch& Sons claim the iron M116 is only 29lb heavier than the M130. I think it's heavier than that. May be 30 kg. They also made some specific engine arms. I would use the stock 3.5/4.5 engine arms, like I did on the Coupe. They do bolt on the alloy block. Smeone in Danemark fitted a 3.5 in a Pagoda keeping the stock engine arms, he was pleased with the result. I don't know why H&S made some specific arms.