Motor/Transmission question

[menesesjesse]

My cars PO changed out my 230SL motor for a 250SE motor.  The motor puffs oil but runs well with 140psi compression on each cylinder.  I have an opportunity to get a running 230sl motor with a 4 speed transmission.  I have an automatic and I was wondering about the flywheel.  Will I be able to just bolt up my automatic assuming I just use the flywheel off the 250?  I believe its a simple swap but wanted the opinion of some experts who know before I start tearing up something.  Is it smart to get a 230sl motor back in it or am I just wasting my time?  Thanks for your time.

[glennard]

Better the devil you know-----

[rogerh113]

I have a 250 engine in my 230, as the original engine rotted out (PO left it outside for years unused).  I liked the fact that there were more main bearings than the 230, yet did not have the 'thin' cylinder walls of the 280.  I've seen many posts on this board touting the relative benefits and drawbacks of each of the engines, and I have seen no clear winner.  

If you have a concours show car, then no doubt you will be driven to install a 230 engine, but it will no longer have matching numbers (if that is relevant on the SLs).  Perhaps there will be some impact on resale, having a 250 rather than a 230 in your car, but I am not sure that would be important unless the car is original in almost all respects.  I have a driver, and am very happy with the 250 engine.....

Regards -- Roger
1966 230SL

[waqas]

The 230sl flywheel is balanced to the crankshaft and the vibration damper in front. If you want to attach your automatic transmission to the 230sl engine with manual flywheel, then you'll need to also get a 230sl automatic flywheel.