Swedish 280SL, 160 or 170 hp?

[Sweden_Mike]

Hi Everyone,

I'm trying to understand the engine specification for my 280SL -71. I understand a Euro speced 280SL is 170 HP. My car, sold new in Sweden by "Philipsons", is specified as 160 HP in the original registration papers, including the first registration back in Sept 10, 1970. The engine number starts with 130 983, which I believe is correct. The head's casting number is 130 016 11 01 and then "280SE".

The IP's type is PES6KL 70B 120 24 N. The number is 0408 026 030. These numbers point to a 280SE pump. However, the technical manual on the site says that this specific IP type was used in "280SL/8 Sweden Version Model Year -71".

I'm wondering if anyone has a clue if it was really 160 HP specifically for the Swedish market in 1971? The physical engine is one thing, but the weird detail is the registration document clearly stating "160 HP". It's also weird there was a specific model of the injection pump dedicated for the Swedish market for one model year, adding up to perhaps a few dozen cars.

Sorry for sounding like a kid whining over 10 lost HP, but any insight is deeply appreciated!

--Mikael

[Tyler S]

Have a look at your data card and see if code "473 low compression engine (low octane areas)" is there. Another explaination would be if it had a different then common camshaft installed for some reason. That injection pump number seems to trace back to (compared) low compression engines, however I have seen contradictory info on different Bosch pump spec sheets.