[W126 Coupe] Conversion 380 to 500euro

[Shayegan, Richard]

What could be the downside? I see none. And according to Jim Novak, a
supercharged 500 euro can get close in power to a supercharged 560. Let
me know how it goes, because this is my plan for once I finish
school...and grad school.
Richard 

-----Original Message-----
From: mbcoupes-bounces at mbcoupes.com
[mailto:mbcoupes-bounces at mbcoupes.com] On Behalf Of Dick Spellman
Sent: Sunday, February 19, 2006 6:45 PM
To: mbcoupes at mbcoupes.com
Subject: [W126 Coupe] Conversion 380 to 500euro

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