[W126 Coupe] Conversion 380 to 500euro

[attila13 at bellsouth.net]

Here is one further thought, Dick. I went to Crane Cams (Daytona)
and went through their entire tech and manufacturing area, about
two years ago. My 500SEC is a true AMG. Both camshaft ends have
'AMG' stamped on them. In about 2 months I will be removing the
camshafts and taking them to Crane to replicate both sides. 
At the time they said around $100 to $150 per side (they are different). 
Renntech wanted $3,200 for both. Yeah. Crane will copy the originals 
by computer. I was also thinking of increasing the duration (versus
lift) on both intake & exhaust, which should not adversly affect spring 
travel or increase spring fatigue. SO, while you're in there, if you can 
wait, or do it later. Others here want the same upgrade. How much 
additional hp do you think it will make?



> 
> From: Dick Spellman <spell.yy at verizon.net>
> Date: 2006/02/19 Sun PM 06:45:10 EST
> To: "mbcoupes at mbcoupes.com" <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
> 
>