1966 230sl Transmission

[n/a]

Is there an automatic transmission (with overdrive) that is a compatible swap for the original automatic in my 1966 230sl?  I would love to turn less than 4k RPM on the highway.  

Thanks,

Dennis Marth "Lars Mars"

[A Dalton]

You can put in a 3:27 differential from a 280se 4.5
This also will give you a rear disc brake upgrade.  
 Mostly recommended for stick trannies , but a few w/auto have done it with OK results.

[rwmastel]

quote:Originally posted by A Dalton

Mostly recommended for stick trannies , but a few w/auto have done it with OK results.

Because the Auto starts in 2nd gear unless you control it manually.  Click on the "Search" link in the top right corner of the screen and look for related information, i.e. "Axle swap", "diff swap", "diff exchange", or other related terms.

Rodd
Powell, Ohio, USA
1966 230SL, Euro, Auto, Leather, both  tops
1994 E420

[waltklatt]

I have done this axle swap with a 1968 280SEL which had the original 4.08 rear end for a new limited slip(sperrdiffrential) 3.27 axle from a 280SE 4.5 and it come out with surprising results.  Spireted manual shifting of the automatic gave good acceleration and excellent fuel economy.  Of course this was my first conversion from a gas to diesel change.  The economy went up from a 15-20 mpg to a 28-35 mpg ride, with the diesel and rear end change.
So you can expect similiar results with a rear end swap, but you will need to goose the gas a bit more to start in first for a manual.
Walter
1967 230SL-diesel
1963 230SL-for sale