SL/R107: 1989 560SL
07-31-2014, 10:57 AM
#2
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Most of the outfits I contact say "why bother?" since the M117 motor is kind of an antique. Fiend Motorsports in TX now makes some cams and adjustable cam gears for the M117 motors and is working on a supercharger kit I THINK. I have not checked with them in a while. They're on FaceBook.
07-31-2014, 12:16 PM
#3
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1989 560SL
Yeah, I need to get this motor "revamped" it REALL SUCKS that there are NO PLACES that can do anything to boost HP. RennTECH in FLA said they might be able to squeeze 310-325HP out of it by changing a cam and some other s***. Im on the left coast tho. That and the fact that they want $15k to do the job! I really DON'T WANT TO take out the MB engine but I fear they'll leave me no choice but to drop in a small block Chevy maybe....**** IT!
07-31-2014, 12:42 PM
#4
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That's the situation: NO aftermarket for these cars, other than scrounging for whatever AMG parts are out there for this motor...and even then, sellers gouge like crazy. Replacement pistons? forget it. Upgrade to modern fuel injection? Nothing fits. Even for a stock rebuild, a lot of shops won't take it on because they lack the tools that are needed and the gains are just not worth it. My best upgrade plan is to sell the 560SL to someone who wants a nice boulevard cruiser and get a 911.
07-31-2014, 03:57 PM
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1989 560SL
I've owned my "boy" for over 20yrs. Porsche??? NEVER!...YUK!!!! I'll drop in a small block Chevy before I do that! This baby is a classic. I've seen on guy on YouTube dropped in a 12 cylinder out of a 600SL....don't ASK ME how the hell he did that??? Talk about a MAJOR EXPENSE huh?....WOW!!!! That would be sweet tho to be sure...!
08-01-2014, 08:23 AM
#6
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Check out Benzworld.org and look for a thread in the R107 section by a user named Roncallo. He details how he did the 12-cyl swap. Lots of HP, but getting it to the ground? forget it - too front-heavy. 
The 560 would do a lot better with a deeper differential ratio - at 2.47:1, acceleration is weak. Changing to a 3.23 or deeper would improve things, but FINDING said gears then finding someone that can set it up properly is the trick. Even my expert indy MB guy here won't do it - he said only the dealers have the tools to properly set up ring/pinions for these cars. With R107's, there is ALWAYS a catch.
The 560 would do a lot better with a deeper differential ratio - at 2.47:1, acceleration is weak. Changing to a 3.23 or deeper would improve things, but FINDING said gears then finding someone that can set it up properly is the trick. Even my expert indy MB guy here won't do it - he said only the dealers have the tools to properly set up ring/pinions for these cars. With R107's, there is ALWAYS a catch.
08-01-2014, 03:37 PM
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1989 560SL
Can't win for losing! It's really TOO BAD that you can't do anything to that engine. I just DON'T UNDERSTAND how an internal combustion engine can be "balanced & blueprinted" and "bored" out and custom valves this, custom rings that and custom pistons etc et etc...but yet THIS internal combustion engine is NOT WORKABLE!!!! WTF is THAT all about? I don't get it!
