[W126 Coupe] Conversion 380 to 500euro

[Dick Spellman]

Any opinions on the following that is under consideration at this time???

I plan on removing the 380 motor and keeping the new tranny on the 83 
SEC.  I have a 500euro motor that I am planning on having completely 
rebuilt before transplanting into the 380 chassis.  Since I have the 
entire 500euro MB with all electrics, fuel management, controls etc. 
they are available for a complete transplant with a minimum of fuss. (I 
hope)

Any reasons I would not want to go this route?  Costs of the rebuild 
with a few changes to piston bore and cams are in the $4-5k range.  
Transplant is in the $1k range.

Just asking if there is any downside to the effort described.  I know 
that a zero clocked 500euro motor with 10:1 compression ratio and more 
horsepower along with a period of minimal service once the engine is 
reworked is the benefit.

I had weighed this against a dual chain conversion on the 380 motor.  I 
have no plans on doing the dual chain work which comes very close to the 
above costs (approx $4-5k).  It would seem easier to just off-load the 
380 motor for a few dollars and gain the better MB engine for this car.  
Of course I'd love to spot a 560euro but, think that very unlikely.

I am attaching a really crunched photo of the project SEC I have been 
working on for a while now just to help you appreciate why I'd keep the 
380SEC at all!

Regards,

Dick
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