Convert to euro spec

[billhon]

Is it difficult when rebuilding engine to convert my to 250SL to Euro spec engine with about 30 more horsepower?

[Benz Dr.]

I was always under the impression that a 250SL uses the same parts whether it's Euro or not. Where did you hear about 30HP more?

[MikeSimon]

Maybe he is thinking of 250SL vs 280SL and got confused.

[billhon]

The European version 280 is about 180 hp I believe? Can a 280 engine be installed in to a 250sl with relative ease?

[MikeSimon]

It depends on what rating specification you look at. DIN and SAE are always a tad different. I think DIN on the 280SL was 170hp.

[billhon]

Thanks.  Any idea what the horsepower is on an American version to 250SL?

[neelyrc]

Billhon, this information is available in the Technical Manual on this site.  Take a look under “W113 Model Data” in the Technical Manual.

[Ulf]

There should be no or very little difference in engine outputs as most Pagodas predate the emission control laws (pls correct me if I'm wrong), but most US cars had a different final drive ratio making them a bit more revvy at highway speeds vs their Euro-spec counterparts.
The 280's differs slightly by having 170 bhp vs. the 150 for the 230/250 SL, but this is mostly negated by increased weight :-)

Br

Ulf

[Benz Dr.]

The 230 and 250 are rated at the same HP but the 250 has more torque so it should be slightly faster. If you have a 3rd engine version 230SL with stepped pistons it will not be as fast as version 1 and 2; a 280SL with stepped pistons will also be slower than the standard version with flat top pistons. A Euro version 280SL should have about 10 more HP due to a hotter camshaft. A LSD will help your car with 0 to 60 times.

If your engine is rebuilt and the top of the block was decked properly, then you will have a faster car than one where that procedure was omitted. Compression is HP on a 113 engine.

Rear axle ratio makes a big difference on our cars. Even as little as 200 RPM will affect acceleration. Anyone who thinks that driving 65 MPH at 2200 RPM and well out of the torque band is fooling themselves. 

There are a lot of reasons why two cars of the same model can have different performance traits. These were just a few of them. 

[MikeSimon]

Then again, what does it really matter? Are there really any people out there who are looking for a performance car and consider a Mercedes Pagoda SL?
I find this annoying in the motorcycle community. There are some who have a 1970s Superbike and try to get it faster - as if they could ever outrun a modern 600cc repli-racer on it.
I have a motorcycle that was the undisputed "King of the Road" in 1982/83 and I have absolutely no desire to match it against a 2018 sport bike of any brand.

[A Dalton]

 >>>Anyone who thinks that driving 65 MPH at 2200 RPM and well out of the torque band is fooling themselves.  <<<<


  Agree.

 I'll wager I am the only guy here who did the 3.27 swap  many years  ago... [ .way before it was  " THE  THING  "  to do,  ] .... only to wind up going back to factory spec.  and  learned how to enjoy the drive.....

But, I am a Driver, not a Cruiser .


W113.043
Euro/Manual

[66andBlue]

 

... A Euro version 280SL should have about 10 more HP due to a hotter camshaft. A LSD will help your car with 0 to 60 times.
....

Will both together beat the 1 1/5 seconds speed record? 

[billhon]

Great information, thanks!

[Tyler S]

The euro 250sl also uses an 18z injection pump that has a slightly richer 3d cam profile. Im assuming because of the non existent emissions regs. My car does drive a bit different with the Zed injection pump installed.