Manual gearbox replacement

[BRDownes]

I want to replace my 4 speed manual gearbox with a 5/6 speed manual gearbox on my 1971 RHD 280sl. Purpose is to reduce the revs for higher road speed. I have approached the SL Shop in UK and they have a conversion kit which includes parts for the conversion from automatic to manual. They say that converting a manual to a 6 speed will require the full kit and do not split the kit, but this does not make sense because my car is a manual. The kit also highlights with an asterix those parts for the auto conversion not required for the manual conversion. However, they will only sell the complete kit.
Does anyone know of another supplier from where I can get a 5/6 speed gearbox to convert my 4 speed manual?

[707dieseldean]

These folks seem to be the only viable option at this time. Buds Benz is not doing the "Raymond" 5 speed set up at this time. The Polish 6 speed is too much for our cars!

https://drivenman.com/product/mercedes-280sl-5-speed-conversion-kit/

Kit runs about 5k USD. The nice part is the base transmission has global parts availability. You also have the option of choosing the overdrive gear from .73 or .63 

[Peter h]

I don't know if I would build it into a pagoda. Which gear is it? It all looks a little wrong. Peter

[707dieseldean]

I believe that the base transmission is a Tremec T5.

[gordon]

There are lots of previous posts on fitting a Getrag 5 speed gearbox in a Pagoda, ( as fitted to Jaguar, BMW and GM ) If you want a reconditioned box with mechanical speedo drive let me know.

Gordon (UK)

[lagolag]

I'm on the same route.
Check www.w113.org (German), from here you can get all you need for installing a 5 speed Getrag 265/6.
https://w113.eu/Shop/Roadbook%20Shop.html Google translate works well.
The gearbox, Getrag 265/6, can be found att Breakers, many available in Germany.
There is several earlier treads in this matter on this site, but they are a bit out of date.
I have got the gearbox, installation kit and the needed shafts, waiting for a Bell house to keep the original gearbox intact.
So I'm about to start the job.

[NewToW113]

I was thinking about a conversion for my 230 4sp for the same reason,

I was thinking about this one: 
http://www.2040-parts.com/new-6-speed-manual-transmission-gearbox-for-mercedes-230sl-250sl-280sl-pagoda-i1646448/

The seller claims no mods are needed although I have heard that maybe tunnel work needs to be done on the 230 cars.  Is this what you guys are referring to as the polish one? 

Seems like the ratios are close to the stock 5 speed, I agree 6 is too high (esp for my 230) but then again you wouldn't have to use it? 

[Chris Long]

I'm doing the conversion currently - the kits (mrfiat, 2040, SLS etc) are actually from the same supplier based in Poland/Germany - Anna Thom.

You can buy directly from them - please feel free to contact me if you want more info. rgds

[chuen teck]

Hi Chris,
can you please email me the contact details for Poland/Germany - Anna Thom.
Thanks
chuenteck@hotmail.com

[Chris Long]

Emailed - FYI looks like i received a bad box; First gear didn't work so trying to get a replacement from them... Will advise on how that process goes.