450SEL smash up derby

[oscar]

The local show was on today and from the other side of the arena I spotted a familiar sight, double chromed bumpers etc, so I ditched the kids (with the MRS) and went to investigate. Each year they have a smash up derby just after the fireworks display and here was this 450sel, surprisingly belonging to the guy I bought the milan brown wrecking 280 from. He'd bought this 1978 450 registered but with issues. Running k-jet he stripped most of the components and had a 600 holley carb welded to the k-jet airflow thing. I'm real sorry I didn't get a picture I should be shot, but here was this large carb sitting through a hole in the bonnet.

During testing he said the motor backfired and lifted the carb and airflow thing plus plenum off the motor. He ended up putting 4 bolts through the lot into the head somehow. Like I said, wish I took photos. the car sounded awsome but was still plagued with running issues. Out of 9 cars he was 4th to leave. Body was fine, just kept stalling and couldn't get it started. Very disappointing and moreso that a Mitsubish Lancer was last man standing with a Volvo of some kind 2nd.

Like I said, no photos sorry but one quick video of its entrance. Most of the time it was in the far corner of the field hidden by other peoples smoke so nothing else really to show.

 

[Des]

That would make a good TK outing, a few banger benzes and go for it!

 

[SELfor50]

That's AWESOME dude!! Spewin there wasn't more footage, but can understand what it's like with all that going on.

Interesting about the Carby, I get confused how it can be done... Eg. Do the injectors get taken out?? Or do you plumb all the injection lines to the carby? Confuses me.
Cause also the plenum is down under the air flow sensor thing yeah?

And yep, we should organise a benz banger fest!!

 

[oscar]

Like I said, I need shooting for the lack of detail and photos. I spoke to the guy for about 10 mins and even asked about the injectors....... I can't remember what he said. I don't remember seeing the injectors or lines but I can't remember what was there. If I see him again I'll ask him.

The fuel distributor was gone and yeah, the airflow sensor is on top of the plenum. I think 'cause he took off the fuel distributor and other things the airflow sensor is just sitting on those rubber grommets attached to the plenum, hence why a big backfire lifted everything and why he used bolts on the airflow to keep it down and welded the carb on to the adaptor onto the airflow. He took into an engineering place to do the welding. As far as the starting and running issues, he conceded the 600 holley was a bit too big, But you heard it in the short vid, it sounds awsome and prior to it being stripped for the derby but with holley on, he'd had it up to 160km/h . Said it absolutely flew with that carby.

The fella is also on the verge of getting a 380sel for a pittance. Story goes that the owner said the car was fine one day, then seized the next. From a bit of other info it sounds like timing chain. This fella (demolition derby dude) is also an auto transmission specialist, confirmed that w126 4spd's don't fit w116 engines due to the bolt pattern. We kinda already knew this but it was good to hear it from someone that's had all the bits on the ground in attempt to try it.

Hmm, a MB derby day I'd rather see more MB track days before we beat em all up. Noone would ever win, they'd just keep going and going.

 

[B13]

To put a carby on the K-jet I'd remove the fuel distributor, and the flap from the air mass sensor. I'd leave the 8 injectors in place (just to keep the holes filled) same goes for the 9th injector etc. I'd weld a holley adaptor plate to the air mass sensor and bolt the holley to that. I'd think a 600 could be tuned, but a 550 or a well-worked 465 would be better.

However each time I did the measurements I figured the carb would stick out the bonnet, pretty much like the one in the video does, so I went off the idea.

Ian.

 

[GreaseMonkey]

So, what if there were enough of us to arrange a M=B only derby.
I have a strong running, but cosmetically challenged, W123 280E that is only going to the scrappers anyway.
I have sold off some useful (on the road, not useful for demolition) parts, like lights, grille and mirrors, but it runs fine, and I guess I could take the glass out easily enough.
Any takers?
Chris

 

[SELfor50]

Would love too!

But.... as Oscar says, if there were only benzes - it wouldn't end!!

Plus, let's concentrate on getting a date for a track day first - then a smash up derby.

 

[Michel]

Would love too!

But.... as Oscar says, if there were only benzes - it wouldn't end!!

Plus, let's concentrate on getting a date for a track day first - then a smash up derby.

I concur.....

 

[oscar]

LOL, I can't believe a possible smash up derby has interest. Hell why not. True, track day first, but I would lurrrrv to finally bury my turd brown 280se (taking out a few w123s in the process)

 

[Michel]

LOL, I can't believe a possible smash up derby has interest. Hell why not. True, track day first, but I would lurrrrv to finally bury my turd brown 280se (taking out a few w123s in the process)

I'll be in the derby.... AFTER the track day (early in the new year perhaps?)