[W126 Coupe] 560 SEC cracked engine block

[kirk erichsen]

Keep in mind this chap is in South Africa, not the US. While a GM motor will probably still be reasonably easy to find, its not quite the same availability. You'll sooner find a GM motor in an old Opel, Vauxhall or imported Holden.

The M117 is a very solid motor and the mechanical fuel injection system with which it is equipped is sublime. A like for like replacement is the least costly choice ultimately, as nothing needs to be fabricated or customized. I've provided Dawid with some local MB specialty shops that can get him a good used replacement which should be cheaper than a motor coming from anywhere outside of the region. When he has exhausted resources locally, it may make more sense to consider other options to retain the fine chassis. Fitting a SBC motor isn't all that trivial as those who have done so are well aware. I don't favour that approach myself except as a very last resort.

Mercedes has plants producing parts and performing assembly in East London, with a fairly large number of W126 cars still rolling around on South African roads even now. I'm confident Dawid can find a serviceable motor locally. The exchange rate also doesn't particularly favour the Rand for an overseas shortblock with shipping, another consideration.

-K

-------------------------
Kirk R. Erichsen
-------------------------



From: daslone at saber.net
To: mbcoupes at mbcoupes.com
Date: Sat, 6 Nov 2010 09:36:51 -0700
Subject: Re: [W126 Coupe] 560 SEC cracked engine block










The discussion of Chevy in a Mercedes is a good 
one.
 
I have owned a 220S ChevroBenz, a low milage 1969 Impalla 
327, my (111,000 miles) Euro 500SEC and my current driver is a low 
milage 1969 Chevrolet C10.
 
If you are a collector and/or enthusiast then keep the car as 
original as possible.  If you just love the car and want reliability then 
udate the vehicle with readily available, reasonably inexpensive and 
relatively reliable mechanicals.   Be that 
from Motown, Japan, Korea or ...
 
Every collector hates to see the pool of original vehicles 
deminished but then again they love to see their example become more 
scarce.
 
Do what best suits you and good luck.
 
 
----- Original Message ----- 

  From: 
  FPecar4525 at aol.com 
  To: mbcoupes at mbcoupes.com 
  Sent: Saturday, November 06, 2010 
  7:29
  Subject: Re: [W126 Coupe] 560 SEC cracked 
  engine block
  

  For a reminder of what we have in these 560SECs, pick up a copy 
  of the October issue of Mercedes Enthusiast and read this article.  As 
  they put it, "At the top of its game when new and still impressing today, the 
  560SEC's understated excellence makes good examples still sought after".  
  Unless there was no other option and assuming that you have a "good example", 
  I'd think long and hard about putting a crate engine in one of 
  them.
   
  Frank Pecarich
  Ventura, CA
   
  MODERN 
  CLASSICS SPECIAL: TOP PICK - 560SEC
   
  
  

   
  
  In a message dated 11/5/2010 7:25:31 P.M. Pacific Daylight Time, 
  stevetsg at msn.com writes:
  
    My fellow Cpe lovers,
     
    This has been an interesting conversation for sure.  You know, I 
    have a comparatively cheap American made old 350 Chevy engine in my 58 
    Corvette.  It's just a thought but my 58 Vette doesn't seem to mind 
    that I have a 350 and not a 283 in it and for sure nobody else gives a flip 
    what I have in it (it's clean, looks good and runs like a bat out of a 
    cave).  Point is, I have no idea why we put up with engines and parts 
    that cost a leg and an arm when there are other options! Are there any 
    shrinks out there that can render an opinion?.
    Smiling regards,
    Ernie




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