Newbie with some General 113 Q's

[DJC996]

Hi all - Just joined this Group - looks great, lots of key information.
Ok, need some counsel.  I just picked up a '66 230SL. it's in reasonable shape and I'm looking forward to fixing her up and bringing her back in shape. Now, knowing that one can pour a fortune into one of these, I have a couple of foundational questions:
Upon closer review i see that a'66 250SE motor has been installed. What does this fact mean for any restoration project?
Also, while originally (& presently) equipped with an automatic trans, i would much prefer the 4-speed manual. Would this type of swap-out devastate any restored version resale value?
Thanks in advance! I welcome all thoughts & comments.
Dan

[Ulf]

"Upon closer review i see that a'66 250SE motor has been installed. What does this fact mean for any restoration project?"

I hope you knew that before buying as it will certainly have an effect on the value/originality of the car although probably not a lot unless you're planning a full rest to concourse standard, but merely want a nice driver. You just need to be certain that you are getting the right spares for such an engine.

"Also, while originally (& presently) equipped with an automatic trans, i would much prefer the 4-speed manual. Would this type of swap-out devastate any restored version resale value?"

I too prefer the manual as it makes the 230 a little more of a sports car, and while the conversion from auto to manual might be easier than the other way around, it includes a lot of small, but expensive items - perhaps it would be an idea to find someone that wants to convert their manual to an auto and then swap...

But congratulations with your new car!

[DJC996]

Thank you Ulf!
To be painfully honest, I got the car at a ridiculously low price and the engine (which runs) inspection was of minimal concern as one sometimes must 'strike when the iron is hot', no?

Well, given your thoughtful comments I will likely simply restore it to a nice driver, leave the trans as is.  Perhaps another 113 is in my future.

I just read another post of yours that struck me as funny, and true :-|   something like - not all of us are wealthy, or liquid ... that is Precisely the case.  I suspect that many of us are 'stuff-rich' and cash-poor  :-D   ... just sayin'

Best,

Dan
PS - working on a 107 too but the 113 just 'popped up'

[KevinC]

Dan,

Welcome to the group! I live in western Mass and I know there are at least two active members on the Cape in Chatham and Dennis/Yarmouth I believe. 

As Ulf suggests, the engine you have now would not have as much impact on "value" as say someone with a 283 Chevy Malibu swapped the engine with a 396 big block in attempt to pass it off as a higher cost "Super Sport". I would also leave the transmission as is as the money you'll "save" in the swap will likely go to other projects along the way  .

Post some pics when you can. Use the heck out of the Tech Manual and Search Tool here, too.

Kevin 

[J. Huber]

There is a Pagoda near me in Nevada City that was converted from Auto to 4-speed. My former mechanic did the job -- I am not sure of the costs. There were some issues but as far as I know, it was successful. She has joined us in local drives, and I had to step on it to keep up! 

And for what its worth, after 30 years of driving an 230SL automatic euro-spec -- I wouldn't trade it for anything. My car can be as quick and sporty as any I think. Depending on my mood, I can work it like a stick -- or just cruise with plenty of power. And I can hold my Starbuck's and drive at the same time...

[ja17]

Hello and welcome! 

What leads you to believe that your car has a 250SE engine in it?  Does the engine block have the mechanical tachometer drive?  Did you check the engine number on the block below the spark plugs ( not thecasting  number on the head below the spark plugs). ?

Lots of work changing to a four speed. Find a parts car with all needed parts before you begin. Some of the more difficult parts to locate will be the flywheel, shifter assembly, driveshaft half and the W113  std. trans. You will need the hydraulic clutch system and the entire clutch assembly, pedal assembly and lots of bits and pieces.

[w113dude]

I'm currently working on a 66 250se auto, the car drives amazing with lots of power. (has a rebuild cylinder head) the coupe is a much bigger and heavier car than the sl. I also have a desirable 5 speed coupe that I drive all the time I must admit for someone who loves driving stick every now and then I wish I had an auto. ( It's very difficult to smoke a cigar while driving a stick! )

Good luck,

[71Beige280SL]

I agree with James. I shift my automatic like a stick all the time. It can really be sporty. I think the only complaint of the automatic is the high revs at 60mph. It can be pretty noisy but, it is one of the endearing qualities of the Pagoda.

[mbz.280sl]

Hi Dan and welcome,
Where are you on Cape Cod?
I'm in South Yarmouth close to Bass River.
I know there are lots of SL's on the Cape and there 2 others who are members here.

BTY I have a 280 SL with a 4 speed.

[DJC996]

Hello to all again!

Well, I must start with ... Wow!  You guys are great!  Didn't expect the feedback and really appreciate it!  I have done quite a bit of work on Ducati's and have used worldwide lists before but .. again I must say that I am wowed.

Ok, to get to it:  first, I am in Falmouth MA on Cape Cod in MA (yes, I am aware of the effects of salt air on vehicles).  The '66 230 has a '66 250SE motor in it.  I do not know why someone would replace a '66 with a '66, but there it is.  The motor has a large '250' casting, upon seeing this (with disappointment) I twisted & craned to see actual motor number on the block.  Unfortunately, I do not have my file with me now but:  I located the number, looked it up and determined that it is a '66 250SE.  I will repost when I can get the actual number.  Where is the mechanical tach drive located?

Now, a couple thoughts:
Given all the great comments, I will keep the factory auto in it.  VIN indicates an auto so is it safe to assume that I still have the orig auto? 
The previous owner tells me that the car is a Euro version.  I believe the headlights support this but what else should I check?
I am seeking a particular throttle assembly linkage part but cannot find any diagrams to point to and it is not on eBay, Craig's, etc.  It is a rather large, thick steel support - broken in half!  Any suggestions as to - what it is, where to look, get?

Note to my Cape colleagues - should you want to talk 'offline', I would love to learn more about this cool car!

Thanks to all!

Dan
PS - how's this for a 'solution' to my chassis/motor problem?  obtain a rear badge from a 240 D, remove the 'D' and replace with 'SL'.  Then I would have a 240SL! 230 w/ 250 motor!

[Lars G]

Hello
I am a newbe in posting comments but have followed the site for over three years during my renovation  .

You can check the serial number on your auto and compatre it to the number on your data card. The data card is the source for alot of information about your car.
Regarding the question if its a euro version or not, you can also find that information at the data card. If you dont have a data card you can order it from Mercedes classic center.They need the VIN and some proof of that you are the leagal owner.
Maybe you can find the missing part here. http://www.sls-hh-shop.de/index.php/cat/c3_Mercedes-Benz-230SL-250SL-280SL-Pagode--R113-W113-.html

Good Luck
Lars