Author Topic: Reliable Engine and Transmission Rebuild (Read 5056 times)

thomas4444@live.com · « **on:** April 24, 2021, 20:33:32 »

Do anyone know a reputable Pagoda shop in the SouthEast where I can get an engine and transmission rebuilt? I've seen Buds Benz in Atlanta and Palm Beach Classics in Florida, but both have mixed reviews. Any recommendation would be greatly appreciated. Tom

lreppond · « **Reply #1 on:** April 24, 2021, 20:43:44 »

I have dealt with Buds Benz on numerous occasions and can attest to their helpfulness, honesty and integrity. I have not however had them rebuild a transmission nor engine but they have much experience doing both. I have never dealt with Palm Beach Classics other than ordering one or two parts.

I have read scathing reviews on various sites about all sorts of retailers and mechanics. Sometimes I think peoples’ expectations just aren’t realistic. I tend to look through all the reviews and root out those that seem disgruntled unless those sentiments are repeated over and over.

Garry · « **Reply #2 on:** April 24, 2021, 23:03:56 »

I believe Joe Alexander JA17 does engine rebuilds. You may care to try there.

I wouldn’t touch Palm Beach Classics with a barge pole unless you are a risk taker..

wwheeler · « **Reply #3 on:** April 25, 2021, 00:13:34 »

You want to have your Mercedes engine rebuilt by someone who has done many, many of these. Joe Alexander is one such person. These are not Chevy 350 engines and require someone who knows the ins and outs of the Mercedes injected engine. I agree with Garry!

thomas4444@live.com · « **Reply #4 on:** April 25, 2021, 00:44:37 »

very much appreciated, thanks guys!

dirkbalter · « **Reply #5 on:** April 25, 2021, 02:22:18 »

Is it a manual or an automatic transmission?

MikeSimon · « **Reply #6 on:** April 25, 2021, 14:53:55 »

Quote from: wwheeler on April 25, 2021, 00:13:34

These are not Chevy 350 engines and require someone who knows the ins and outs of the Mercedes injected engine.

Funny that, Wallace. Most Chevy 350s are fuel injected and at least as complicated (if not more) than a Mercedes inline SOHC six.
"Engine rebuild" is quite a term and can mean lots of different things. If you just look at cylinder block and head, it is not rocket science and many good rebuilders can do it.
Nissan used a knock-off of the Mercedes 6 and these engines are being rebuilt all the time.
It is a slightly different story if you look at rebuilding the FI pump and other accessories which are out of production and parts and mechanics' skills are sparse.

thomas4444@live.com · « **Reply #7 on:** April 25, 2021, 15:11:58 »

Its a Manual Transmission with about 90k miles

wwheeler · « **Reply #8 on:** April 25, 2021, 16:23:30 »

Quote from: MikeSimon on April 25, 2021, 14:53:55

Funny that, Wallace. Most Chevy 350s are fuel injected and at least as complicated (if not more) than a Mercedes inline SOHC six.

The Chevy 350 Cu. in. engines I was referring to were from the 60/70s, not the later FI engines. Those all had carbs and very simple. I am rebuilding a Mopar 440 engine now. Yes, the basic short block is a similar deal whether it be Chevy or Mercedes. The head and fuel/induction system is where they diverge.

merrill · « **Reply #9 on:** April 29, 2021, 12:13:13 »

hi
many restorers send the engine to Metric Motors out in California.
https://mercedesengines.net/

not sure if sun valley transmission rebuilds manual trans, give them a ring
https://www.mercedesdismantlers.com/index.html

hope this information helps

mdsalemi · « **Reply #10 on:** April 29, 2021, 13:41:49 »

Quote from: wwheeler on April 25, 2021, 16:23:30

The Chevy 350 Cu. in. engines I was referring to were from the 60/70s, not the later FI engines. Those all had carbs and very simple. I am rebuilding a Mopar 440 engine now. Yes, the basic short block is a similar deal whether it be Chevy or Mercedes. The head and fuel/induction system is where they diverge.

Doesn't really matter which GM/Chevy 350 you are talking about. They probably made more of those in any given year than all of MB's engine production for a decade...so there are an astounding number of parts suppliers and a breadth of engine expertise across North America for that.

wwheeler · « **Reply #11 on:** April 30, 2021, 02:59:56 »

Yes, that is the point that every engine shop in the US knows Chevy 350s. Baseball, hotdogs, apple pie and Chevrolet, right? So the Mercedes technology is not known to many, although they may want to try to take a stab at it at your expense. Yes, go with someone who knows and rebuilds Mercedes engines.

thomas4444@live.com · « **Reply #12 on:** April 30, 2021, 15:40:42 »

thank you!

H K Skyler · « **Reply #13 on:** May 15, 2021, 01:32:10 »

Hello,

Do't know if you're still looking for a good place to have your transmission rebuilt, but I just had a very positive experience working with
Sun Valley Mercedes Transmissions for my 71 280SL. The owner Marc Silverstein was fantastic to work with. They provide photo documentation on what the interior of the transmission looked like when it was dismantled. Marc sent me these photos and then went over them with me on the phone. As well as a complete parts list of what was replaced as part of the repair. The transmission was crated and shipped to Sun Valley by my local shop and returned and installed. The transmission is performing flawlessly.

Regards,

dirkbalter · « **Reply #14 on:** May 15, 2021, 03:26:52 »

Quote from: H K Skyler on May 15, 2021, 01:32:10

Hello,

Do't know if you're still looking for a good place to have your transmission rebuilt, but I just had a very positive experience working with
Sun Valley Mercedes Transmissions for my 71 280SL. The owner Marc Silverstein was fantastic to work with. They provide photo documentation on what the interior of the transmission looked like when it was dismantled. Marc sent me these photos and then went over them with me on the phone. As well as a complete parts list of what was replaced as part of the repair. The transmission was crated and shipped to Sun Valley by my local shop and returned and installed. The transmission is performing flawlessly.

Regards,

I second your opinion on Sun Valley but I don't think they do manual transmissions.

john.mancini · « **Reply #15 on:** May 20, 2021, 02:47:41 »

Just sent my 230SL engine to Metric Motors.

roberhofer · « **Reply #16 on:** May 30, 2021, 00:07:41 »

I second metric motors. When I got the engine rebuild, my shop sent the block to metric motors. Very happy with the results.

thomas4444@live.com · « **Reply #17 on:** July 19, 2021, 23:36:20 »

thank you

john.mancini · « **Reply #18 on:** July 20, 2021, 00:49:44 »

I sent mine to Metric Motors. They just finished its and shipped to Pierre Hedary who is going to put it back into my 230SL. Both are great to work with.

Shvegel · « **Reply #19 on:** July 20, 2021, 03:01:49 »

Thomas,
I am curious as to why you think you need a rebuild at 90K miles? It seems a little low to be rebuilding your engine. If it is consuming oil a couple things come to mind. The first being they do consume more than a modern engine and the second is that many consumption issues can be solved by rebuilding the cylinder head only. Most of us drive our cars sparsely and if you think about it how many of us will see another 10,000 miles on their car. Given the particularities of your engine block you may be better off not rebuilding it and waiting until it really needs doing.

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Author Topic: Reliable Engine and Transmission Rebuild (Read 5056 times)