SL/SLC-Class (R107) 1971-1989 : 250SL, 280SL, 450 SL, 380 SLC, 450 SL, 380 SL, 560 SL

SL/R107: 450SL Engine Mods?

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Old Dec 4, 2009 | 03:24 PM
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Bahama450SL's Avatar
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1974 450 SL
450SL Engine Mods?

Hey everyone!

I'm new to this forum and figured I would try it out. In a couple of months (early feb.) I will be inheriting one of my childhood dream cars - a '74 450SL .

The car is in great shape looks-wise and the engine is in good shape for how many miles it has on it....nearing 200k!! (it recently had a valve job and tune up)

I plan on fully restoring the car (interior/exterior) but after driving it a few times, I would love to put more power into it. I'm not at all mechanically inclined but everyone suggests that if you want more power, than swap out the engine for a 500 Euro or possibly a 560 engine (maybe even a M117 AMG Hammer?) ? Modifying a 450SL engine is apparently SUPER expensive, and replacing the engine is a lot less expensive- if you can find one.

What is people's take on that? Considering the high mileage, I will likely have to consider replacing the engine in a few years anyways.

I love these cars since I was little and can't wait to own one!
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Old Dec 4, 2009 | 04:24 PM
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From: Overland Park, Kansas
SOLD both: 1987 560SL 2003 ML320
A replacement always seems like such an expensive way to go. This may provide a few lower-cost things that you could do:

http://northernresource.com/mercedes...orsepower.htm#

Good luck!!
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Old Dec 5, 2009 | 07:43 PM
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1974 450 SL
Thanks karburn. I checked out the link and I'll have to try that out!

Thanks!
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Old Dec 7, 2009 | 01:32 PM
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From: Overland Park, Kansas
SOLD both: 1987 560SL 2003 ML320
You're welcome. If I ever find a way to put a Kleemann blower on one of these old motors, I'll be the first to start a thread.
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Old Dec 8, 2009 | 12:27 PM
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1974 450 SL
haha, that would be sweet!

Nice 560SL by the way.

I stumbled on this article over at benzworld.org and found it interesting. http://www.benzworld.org/forums/r-c1...50slc-amg.html

The guy purchased a modified '73 450SLC and listed all the restoration/ upgrades he has done on the car (including web links). I found it to be pretty thorough and seemed like he knows what he's doing.

Anyways, thought it was worth sharing.
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