I'm kinda new to the Sl world, in fact I'm still hunting the right one.
I'v heard that guys are putting small block Chevy engines in them. What all is involved in the swap? I've been looking at some decent cars with bad engines that would be perfect candidates for a swap.
I've built a few Corvettes and Camaros so I know how to build a car but what all do you have to change in the SL's?
Thanks
JZ

 

I've only heard about this kind of thing, but you might search over on Benzworld.org. For the expense and effort involved, I would stick with a vette or camaro rather than try to convert a Benz to a GM motor. The electrical would be a nightmare, but it's been done.

 

GAH!! WHY!??

 

You would have to either have a front sump SBC or have to figure out something with the steering box/linkage. I was looking at it as a temporary solution while I built my 500 m117. I decided to keep the 450 m117 until the 500 is ready. Although I did not do any measuring, the SBC motor looks a lot smaller than the m117. It almost looks like running a front plate for mounting the engine would be easier. But like I said, I did not get to te serious measuring stage. It might even be worth it to look into converting the car to use a rack and pinion, but i think that would seriously mess with the wonderfully dynamic steering geometry these cars have.

 

you live.
If no smog tests or old enough to not be tested,it is an easy drop in.
Stock mounts custom front sump pan or if lucky find the pan from an early chevy nova front pan.
350/350 carb motor and easy to wire. injected motors with aftermarket sensors.
It was done in the 60's it is becoming the trick again keeping them on the road with more power and far cheaper then rebuilding the mb aged tech.
even the rearend can be upgraded across platforms if you find a setup from a larger engined model.


That's why

 

I would never consider the swap on a decent shape SL but I definately would on a car with a decent body and worn out engine. The cost to rebuild those engines is astronomical.
Beside I could build a really cool resto-mod with tons of HP.
I'm looking at a 560sl now with 211k miles, rough shape that's been sitting for a few years. I really doubt the engine runs or could be reserected without spending thousands of dollars. In the end the car would'nt be worth the money spent on it.