[W126 Coupe] Engine replacement for 1983 500 SEC

[Axel Wulff]

The cooling issues with my M119 engine are finally resolved.
 
It only took three years, three radiators, four different fan combinations, coolant system flushes, etc., but who's counting.
 
The final element was the custom aluminium shroud with dual 12" Spal fans from Ron Davis Radiators. Even with the aux fan out of commission, the engine temperature stayed reasonable (with an M119, 100 C is normal and anything less than 110 C is fine).
 
The most annoying thing when the cooling system was not doing its job was to have to turn the AC off and the defrost on at max heat in 90 F weather to avoid overheating.Regards, Axel J. Wulff610-731-5453 Cellular610-572-4611 Home



From: mramay at att.bizTo: mbcoupes at mbcoupes.comDate: Tue, 12 Aug 2008 08:56:14 -0700Subject: Re: [W126 Coupe] Engine replacement for 1983 500 SEC



Andy,
The steering has been beating up on me for a long while now but I just might get it resolved this week. The LS6 block just touched the MB steering gearbox and I used that as the logic to go to a R&P. Probably should have left the MB stuff in there but I'm too stubborn.
 
There are a couple of M119 SECs running around and they turned out great. The good news is that the SEC is still all MB and has around 325 HP. The bad news is that at least one of them (Axel's) still is running a bit too hot and I understand that it's pretty tough to get over 325 HP.
 
I have a custom wiring harness for the LS6 that is *supposed* to be plug-n-play. That will hook up all the engine sensors to the ECM, then around seven wires need to be hooked into the SEC. Simple (sure, he says tongue in cheek!!). 
Later,Mike 
 

----- Original Message ----- 
From: Andrew Sporner 
To: Mercedes Coupes Mailing Lists 
Sent: Tuesday, August 12, 2008 8:46 AM
Subject: Re: [W126 Coupe] Engine replacement for 1983 500 SEC

Hi Mike,Don't get the wrong idea.  I am agnostic about thiskind of thing.  I know what I would do, but it doesn'tmean that that is what somebody else should do.In any case I looked up the motor and it looked very intriquing.  I saw somebody made an upgradeto M119 and wondered with a non-MB motor howmuch more complicated it would be.I had a similar idea myself, but have decided insteadto sell my '82 anyways.  There are too many newproblems cropping up.CheersAndy
On Tue, Aug 12, 2008 at 4:29 PM, Mike R. <mramay at att.biz> wrote:


Andy,
There was nothing wrong with the M117 motor or the 722.3 tranny that I removed to start this project. 
 
This is being done because:
1. I want to.
2. I'm tired of everything (!) MB in the engine compartment leaking something
3. This is by far the easiest way to get LOTS of HP
4. This is the easiest way to upgrade from an engine/tranny designed in the '70s
5. This will, while doubling the HP available, increase the fuel mileage of the car.
6. This will provide a cruise control that doesn't die/surge (FYI, $85 for the CC unit).
7. No more concern about the MB Classic Center tripling the price of parts for the expensive lumps in the car.
8. Once this is done, if the LS6 doesn't provide sufficient power, then the LS7 (427ci) is the exact same size, a bolt-in replacement.
9. I get to enter MB car shows AND Corvette car shows
10. It pisses off the purists to put a better engine and tranny in there than MB provided (remember, this is lighter, double the HP, and gets better fuel mileage)
11. It likely costs half of any MB upgrade
12. I get rack & pinion power steering
Later,
Blasphemous Mike 


----- Original Message ----- 
From: Andrew Sporner 
To: Mercedes Coupes Mailing Lists 

Sent: Tuesday, August 12, 2008 7:07 AM
Subject: Re: [W126 Coupe] Engine replacement for 1983 500 SEC


General question.
 
Is this something people are doing because they can -- or is it a case that
Mercedes parts are impossible to get a hold of to make the original motor 
work?
 
Greetings
 
 
AndyThe MB Coupes Website!W126 SEC Mailing ListPostings remain property of MB Coupes, L.L.C.



The MB Coupes Website!W126 SEC Mailing ListPostings remain property of MB Coupes, L.L.C.
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