Changing from Manual to Automatic Transmission question

[OregonRuby230]

I have finished metal work on my aforementioned "basket Case" 1966 230sl. Since this project car did not come with a power train, I located a 2.8L long block and the appropriate 4-speed automatic transmission. My question is this: Is there a different cutout/position for the shifter coming through the transmission tunnel manual v. auto? See attached photo. My 1966 was originally a 2.3L with a manual transmission. I probably should have asked this question before but I'm ready to remove the body from the Rotisserie and any mods would be easier while it's still on it.
Thank you in advance,
Kirk

[ja17]

Hello Kirk, I believe the openings are the same for standard or automatic.

[OregonRuby230]

Do you know if the same can be said for the 2 piece drive line?

[rwmastel]

There's a lot of discussion about transmission conversions.  I searched once and found a few links in a few seconds.  We've been on-line for 20 years and most things have been discussed.  I'm sure there are many, many more threads about it that can be found with various search terms.

https://www.sl113.org/forums/index.php?topic=37156
https://www.sl113.org/forums/index.php?topic=13826
https://www.sl113.org/forums/index.php?topic=35694
https://www.sl113.org/forums/index.php?topic=17355
https://www.sl113.org/forums/index.php?topic=4399

And, from what I recall reading over the years, you would need a different length driveshaft.  And, I believe on a 230SL there's some deal with the flywheel??

[ja17]

The front half of the driveshaft are different lengths depending on the different transmission types. Rodd is correct about the flywheel. With 230Sls all the crankshaft assembly (front counter weight, crankshaft and flywheel are balanced as one assembly and the separate parts are counter-balanced. Most likely you will have a severe vibration and imbalance if you just swap flywheels without dealing with the counter-balance situation.

[Benz Dr.]

The front half of the driveshaft are different lengths depending on the different transmission types. Rodd is correct about the flywheel. With 230Sls all the crankshaft assembly (front counter weight, crankshaft and flywheel are balanced as one assembly and the separate parts are counter-balanced. Most likely you will have a severe vibration and imbalance if you just swap flywheels without dealing with the counter-balance situation.

I agree but he's using a 2.8 which won't have that problem.