[W126 Coupe] Engine "Swap"

[Mdefran at earthlink.net]

Dick,

The smaller Momo not only looks good, is smaller making it a little easier to get in and out of, but actually tightens the steering as well due to the fact that when you turn the smaller wheel it equates to more distance traveled on the larger wheel.

Back to the "real" question at hand. As we all know the Euro 500 has higher compression than the US 500. This would give you a little more available kick. Max hp per the AMG book is around 270 hp as I recall. The 560 as I recall can be pushed well passed the 300 mark. I am putting out about 300 from mine just by doing some headwork, euro manifolds and true dual exhaust into a Remus muffler. Than combined with 2.65 gears and my 0 to 60 is about 6.2. The reason I chose the 560 over the euro 500 was because it was a known good engine and transmission combination, I still had to pass smog a couple of times - being in California and more downline potential. The fuel economy from the 560 is better than the 500 also. This may not hold true with the euro engine because it has the same compression as the 560.

If you are going to do the R & R, then maybe the euro is the way to go or if you are trying to avoid an extra $3 or $4K of expenses. My neighbor has an 82 380SL and we are going over the same issues.

To be continued..............

Mark D.
Stealth