1969 280sl engine block numbrs

[Finmad]

I have a 1969 280sl with a replacement block. there is no engine number stamped onto the face under the spark plugs. how can I tell if it is infact a period correct block?

Here are a few pictures of the block.

[Benz Dr.]

The casting number on the block is helpful but I'm more familiar with cylinder heads. What you have is a 280 block but I can't tell if it's early or late.

[Cees Klumper]

'Period correct' I think would refer to oval or square type cylinder head - I'm not aware of other distinguishing features in the 280-series. And this unmarked engine is your opportunity to make it a matching numbers car!

[ja17]

Hello,

All versions M130 280 injected blocks are basically the same on the exterior. If you take a picture of the top deck, I can tell you if it is the early or late version (square or oval combustion chamber).  Also, sedan blocks did not have a mechanical tachometer drive gear.  Mechanical tach drive gears can be installed in a sedan block however.

[Finmad]

Here is a shot of the top

[ja17]

Thanks for the picture.  This is the later block. Some refer to it as having "oval combustion chambers".  The earlier engines had more "square" shaped combustion chamber. I believe that 1969 was the year that the change occurred. You would need to check your Vin. number next to find out if yours originally came with the early or late M130 engine. You can do this on the EPC yourself if you like, or you can post your Vin # here and we will look it up for you. 

[Finmad]

Thank you all for your help. I will look up the VIN and check. It just makes me feel better that this is a period correct engine.