Author Topic: Differential Changover  (Read 3263 times)

Tom Berg

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Differential Changover
« on: February 17, 2016, 20:21:20 »
Does anyone know how I can get my differential changed to a higher ratio?  3000rpm at just 60mph is really low.  I'm in the Seattle area.

Rolf-Dieter ✝︎

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Re: Differential Changover
« Reply #1 on: February 18, 2016, 02:41:17 »
Hi Tom,

Did you try/use our Search (top line after Tech Manual).

You will find a lot of info there.

You can refine the search, give it a go

Check here ---> http://www.sl113.org/forums/index.php?topic=773.msg3615#msg3615

Dieter
« Last Edit: February 18, 2016, 02:49:31 by Rolf-Dieter »
DD 2011 SL 63 AMG and my 69 Pagoda 280 SL

jameshoward

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Re: Differential Changover
« Reply #2 on: February 18, 2016, 09:34:22 »
As Rolf says, there's a ton of info about this on the site. It's been discussed many times. It depends on whether you're prepared to do it yourself, which is a quite a bit of work but not by any means impossible, (http://www.sl113.org/forums/index.php?topic=18228.50) or whether you want someone else to do it for you.

In either case, you'll need to confirm what diff you have now, and then figure out what you want to change it to. Again, all the info is here on the site. (Your diff ratio is stamped on a machined surface at the base of the diff on the rear casing, and is on the data card if you have a copy).

Note that there are pros and cons of changing the diff. Again, I'd suggest a few hours trawling through the myriad posts on the site. 
James Howard
1966 LHD 230SL

Cees Klumper

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Re: Differential Changover
« Reply #3 on: February 19, 2016, 07:56:34 »
Changing to a higher rather than lower ratio should be cheaper than vice versa, since that's what most people want, so there should be axles available. I had this done many moons ago (around 2002 as I recall) for about €750 all-in, so including the cost of the other differential (they did keep mine).
Cees Klumper
1969 Mercedes 280 SL automatic
1968 Ford Mustang 302 V8
1961 Alfa Romeo Giulietta Sprint Coupe 1600
1962 FIAT 1500S OSCA convertible
1972 Lancia Fulvia Coupe 1.3
1983 Porsche 944 2.5
1990 Ford Bronco II