280sl euro / US => mechanical differences?

[Erics]

Gentlemen, sorry if this has been done to death but could not find anything on the subject.

I would like to find out what are the mechanical differences between a 280sl euro and us?

I am under the impression that the us version is slightly detuned.

I also noticed that euro restorers can bring back a us spec car to euro specs. What are the parts needed and costs associated? Got my eyes on a very good us car.

Also where is best to source a pair of euro headlights and euro door pockets? Cost? I hear original mercs are super expensive.

Thanks in advance,
Eric.

[hkollan]

Hi Eric,

That question cannot be answered without knowing the US model  year and possibly the specific VIN number.
The assumption that US is US cannot be made in this case, since some signifcant changes where made during the production years of the 280, especially regarding emission control.  Take a 1971 model,  for a start it would need a euro throttle body and distributor to get rid of the US emission control stuff. Then the camshaft and I believe also pistons are different,at least on the later model years.
A US 1968 model would be much easier task, since it lacks most of the emission related stuff found on later cars.

Regards,

Hans

[Erics]

Hi Hans, late 1969 car is the answer.

I still owe you a phone call!

 

[Flyair]

Eric,
Besides the emission control the difference can also be in ratios in the differential, which obviously means that there are slightly different pieces in that mechanism.  
You can check on that here.
http://www.sl113.org/wiki/TransmissionClutch/Ratios

Otherwise, the most important change is in the electrical systems, but that's another chapter.

[Erics]

Thank you Stan. Are they very different to drive? I only ever drove European versions which i loved. US cars are meant to be slightly detuned but is it really noticeable?

[Bonnyboy]

I have driven both and all I can say is that I would take a properly sorted US spec car over an average euro car anyday.  Its the whole package to think about and the engine is only one of the factors that make these cars special.

My late 69 has 1 less solenoid on fuel injection pump and when ordering parts I have had to send small things back because they were slightly different.  Apparently my cam is different and there doesn't seem to be a listing for my rear end in the "system".   

My advise - if you have a US car - mechanically fix it up as a US car - stick the pretty headlights on if you want, put on bumpers without over riders, block out the side marker lights and put hard pockets in the doors but don't mess with the engine.

[Flyair]

Ian,
and that's exactly what I did with my Pagoda

[Erics]

Ian, that is more or less what i had in mind.. Many thanks for the info!