280se Engine in a 230SL

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Hi Guys:

I recently purchased a 1967 230sl with a frozen engine, my preference is to get this engine running. Should this become impossible, I plan to replace the engine with a 280se engine that came out of a sedan that I once owned. The big question is, how feasible is it to use the 230sl 4 speed manual transmission with the 280se engine? I really like the idea of the manual transmission.

Thanks, in anticipation of any help.

Augustin

[ja17]

Hello Augustin,
This is not that difficult. The 230-SL crankshaft is counterbalanced and it's flywheel is also counterbalanced. The whole assembly  of counterbalanced parts is balanced together.

The 280-SE cramkshaft is balanced as a separate item as is it's flywheel. So you will need a 280-SE standard flywheel. You also need to order the longer flywheel bolts for the standard transmission. Order a crankshaft centering bearing and cover so the standard transmission mates to the 280-SE engine. Everything else should be fine.

If you are sure you will never use the 230-SL flywheel again you can take it to a speed shop and have it balanced. They will cut the counterweight off. The bolt holes in the 230-SL flywheel will need to be drilled out slightly larger fo the 280-SL standard bolts to fit through.








Joe Alexander
Blacklick, Ohio

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Thanks Joe for your help.

Augustin