Off Topic: 240D engine swap

[George Davis]

I recently became the (confused, deranged?) owner of a 1974 240D 4-speed with seized engine.  Two questions, if anyone can help:

1.  Any idea where I can find a good used engine?  Seems wrecking yards crush everything older than 1985...

2.  An info on easy engine swaps?  I'm thinking a Ford v-6 mit slushbox, for example.  I know you guys hate this kind of thing, but the car is too cute to part out and scrap.

Thanks!

George Davis
'69 280 SL Euro manual

[Cees Klumper]

There ought to be places where you can find old engines sitting around. In the last two years or so, I have bought 14 M129 and M130 engines by checking out Ebay (Germany) and other sites, and some want ads. I find them in garages, yards, sheds, cellars etc. Same should apply to the diesel engine you are looking for I would imagine.

Cees Klumper in Amsterdam
'69 white 280 SL automatic

[TheEngineer]

I'm getting lots of parts from Benz Friendz in Seattle on Flora St. Roger handles the warehouse. The whole warehouse is full of engines, transmissions and other good stuff.

1969 280SL,Signal Red, A/T, P/S, A/C, Both tops.    Ret. engr. 1967 230SL - Sold

[George Davis]

Theengineer, thanks for the info on Benz Friendz!  I've found a possible source here in Portland, but if that doesn't pan out, I'll call BF.

Cees, the reason you find all these engines is because you don't NEED one.  When I NEED things, they are nearly impossible to find.  As soon I buy the only worn-out lump of scrap I can find, they will sprout like weeds!  I hate that.

George Davis
'69 280 SL Euro manual

[Malc]

YOu could try an buy an engine in Europe/Asia/Australia and import it if economic
If you want to stick with Diesel concider a 6 cylinder BMW diesel from a range rover or any diesel BMW (5-series)
For real power how about a GM 6.7 V8 diesel you will be able to pull tree stumps out with that!
Malc

[n/a]

My father put a Ford 351 Windsor with a big Holley 4 barrel in a mid-70s 250C. Cut and mated the drive shafts so he used the original diff. It would spin tires like a top fuel dragster! It was a real brute. Ended up putting some large diameter tires on the back. I blew a hot rodded Nova off the line with it. Quite an experience sitting in nice leather, looking at the real wood dash and stomping your foot into some serious Detroit cubic inches! Then again, I like my SL.

Shawn Rock
Philly, PA USA
1968 280 SL 4 speed

[George Davis]

I've seen pictures of small-block Ford v-8's in 240D's, but really I'm not looking for monster power.  If I can find a used running original diesel, that's what I'll put in.  But if I can't, something like a v-6 would give adequate power and hopefully be easy to fit.  

I'm somewhat torn, actually. The original type engine would be easier to install, plus it's, well, original.  But having more than 67 horsepower sounds pretty appealling, too.  We'll see, I haven't been able to do any serious searching yet.

George Davis
'69 280 SL Euro manual

[Malc]

George,
Does MB sell any of their modern turbo diesel engined cars in the USA?? If so maybe you could get an engine from a scrap / crashed car /write off especially if it's been shunted up the back
If possible if you have the room / time / permission buy the whole car get what you need and resell the remains. That way your using MB parts
good luck
malc