M100 machine shop recommendation

[J. Huber]

Hello. I have a friend who needs machine work done on his engine for a M100 (6.3 SEL). Engine is out of the car and disassembled. Anyone know a reputable machine shop in the California Bay Area and/or Sacramento region?

Thanks
James

[mdsalemi]

Metric Motors??

They’d be my first and probably last call even if outside the general area…

[lreppond]

Hands down: Metric Motors.  Can’t say enough good things about Mike Elias and his team.  Not inexpensive but workmanship of the highest caliber.

[J. Huber]

Thanks. I will pass it along. I am certain he knows about Metric -- me too -- but didn't know if they do smaller jobs. Versus selling an entire short block.

And by the way, a fully refurbished Pagoda from Metric is still a great deal (compared to the 6.3 for example). Just saying.

[Benz Dr.]

What kind of work needs to be done?

[J. Huber]

Well, he needs a re-bore to next repair size, magna flux and check deck mating surface. He’s having new pistons made. Thanks

[mdsalemi]

Thanks. I will pass it along. I am certain he knows about Metric -- me too -- but didn't know if they do smaller jobs. Versus selling an entire short block.

And by the way, a fully refurbished Pagoda from Metric is still a great deal (compared to the 6.3 for example). Just saying.

Nothing on an M100 is "small". It's a project and a talk with Mike Elias would serve your friend well.
My own opinion is if one is "having pistons made" and has the engine in pieces, he should probably have all the machinery and know how to put it all back together perfectly. Wait, what? He doesn't? Hmm...and that's why I rely on the experts. Make no mistake, Metric will not steer your friend wrong.

[Benz Dr.]

There are three different M100 engines. Which one is this one?

[J. Huber]

Dan, its the 6.3

Michael, I respectfully reject the premise that every mechanic has or should have his own machine shop equipment to work on his vehicles. Here in California at least, plenty of people “farm out” various jobs. I’ve had extremely competent mechanics send my brake drums, my radiator, etc to other shops they like to use.

I also have to take issue with your presumption that my friend
“doesn’t know how to put it all back together again perfectly.” I’m pretty sure he does. Besides the fact that he owns and has maintained 2 beautiful 108s and a 107 for a dozen years, he is methodically restoring the 6.3 that he rescued from the woods of Nevada County. It’s coming along nicely.

We have a machine shop here in Grass Valley that many car enthusiasts use — I have too. He has too. They see mostly American muscle cars (kind of a thing around here). In chatting about the rebuild, I offered to ask “the Pagoda guys” if they know of others in our region who might have more MBZ experience. That’s all.

Thanks though.

James

[Benz Dr.]

I have two 6.3 engines here and I've rebuilt a couple of them over the years. If you know older MB engines then a 6.3 isn't that much harder to do. Lots of parts and they are quite different in some ways but it's not rocket science.

[George3]

I wanted to update you guys who were kind enough to respond to my friends inquiry. I ended up joining the group sometime ago and wanted to write something myself. The m100 block was magna fluxed and surfaces were check and needed minimal re surfacing. Crank was arrow straight and line boring was not needed. The bad cylinder dictated we needed a rebore. I opted to have them made by Mahle motorsports. I did this because buying 6.3 Mercedes pistons originals are silly money. Also going to Mahle I felt comfortable. I sent them a piston and connecting rod for their measurement purposes. They now have the specs, so anyone now can have m100 pistons made at whatever size needed. At a surprisingly competitive price of $1850 including rings and wrist pins. Rated to 800hp. Then I picked up the block and fitted new main bearings, all clearances were checked using caliper and dial bore gauge. Crank was standard size. Plastigauge was also used to double check. As for rotating assembly. Rods were end to end balanced and rotating assembly balanced. This was needed due to the drastically lighter Mahle forged pistons that were made. Each Weighing in at 300 grams lighter than original. I was not happy with the rod clearances so I had them re sized to give me the required clearance. All small end bushings were replaced and honed. All piston protrusions were checked and fell nicely in the middle of the factory manual requirements. Which will give optimal quench. Fortunately the Classic Center is now stocking the head gaskets by elhring. Next up, the heads will need a lick on the mating surfaces and I want to replace all guides and seals. I agree with Dr Benz. The 6.3 shares a lot with other engines. Doing it yourself is of course a huge project but at the same time extremely interesting and satisfying. I think the main thing I take from this whole endeavor is to seek out from the vast knowledge out there and to do your homework. Above all, be patient.
Thanks J.