Thinking about getting back into w116 ownership

[Des]

Thinking about getting back into w116 ownership,

Tossing up the idea of a 280CE 4.5 project.



I hear you say, "why not just buy a 450SLC W107"

I'd prefer the bigger coupe body, not as sporty.

Apparently the W114 chassis under the bonnet is the same as the 107, so bolting up a 450SE motor shouldn't be too hard for a mechanic to do.

 

[116Benz]

AHHHH...I knew it wouldnt take too long!!! Awesome project if you decide to do it.

 

[SELfor50]

Great idea for a project Des!

Like it already.. Do it.

They are a more 'solid' looking coupe.

 

[Michel]

Is the Coupe lighter than a W116?

 

[Des]

Is the Coupe lighter than a W116?

yes it is, the paint is a lighter than the 6.9 I had, which from memory was
861H, this is a more lighter, paler green.

 

[Michel]

yes it is, the paint is a lighter than the 6.9 I had, which from memory was
861H, this is a more lighter, paler green.

hmmmmmmmmm...

I meant as in weight...

 

[Des]

oh sorry, I have no idea, these are a big car so I doubt there is much difference between a w114 and a w116

 

[Michel]

oh sorry, I have no idea, these are a big car so I doubt there is much difference between a w114 and a w116

there would have to be, but like you said, not much...

The 114 is visually a smaller vehicle...

Much like an SEC is smaller than an SE or SEL in a W126

However, I think a 450 would be awesome there.....

 

[Des]

However, I think a 450 would be awesome there.....

Yes never really given much attention to the 114's, they seem to be a bit of an underdog in the Mercedes lineup,

really nice cars to drive, love the little things, like the quarter windows, speedometer in miles, old style steering wheel, large bonnet star, real timber in the car,

 

[OzBenzHead]

250+ kg difference between a 114 and a 116 both with M110.

 

[Styria]

Hi Des, seems like an excellent idea provided that your Coupe has a good, rust-free body. I would also suggest that you fit an early type 450 engine with D-Jet injection. They are more economical, more powerful but probably somewhat more expensive to service on account of the various fuel injection parts.

BTW, I have an excellent 450 , albeit K-Jet engine, that needs an owner. I am only looking for $450.00 for the unit.

I think that both the 114 and 123 chassis models needed some form of V8 engine to attain that certain aura and awe, and interest that the large engined 116's attract. Similar, perhaps, also to the Porsche built E500 that is attracting a cult following. Regards Styria

 

[Des]

Dear Styria

For a project like this I would imagine I'd need the entire car, gearbox, radiator etc.. etc.. to do the heart transplant.

So I'll keep my eye out locally for a car that is rusted out or pranged.

 

[Andrew280SEL]

This sounds like an intriguing and very exciting project Des.

Good luck with it.

 

[116Benz]

It bugs me that we didnt get the W124 500E/E500, they only made left hook versions. Pretty much hand built by Benz & Porsche, I guess I'll have to wait till theyre 30 yrs old and snag one.

I thought about the same style project with my 280SE, if the 6 is seriously stuffed, maybe replace with a same period engine or bump it up to a 3.5 or 4.5. and order the right badge to go with it a W116 280SE 3.5 or 4.5.

 

[Des]

Something like this would be a nice additon as well:

Mercedes 4-5-6 cyl turbo manifolds

Ref No: 15

Cast manifolds manufactured to fit (from left)
Mercedes C-class 180 and 200 Diesel
Mercedes 190E - 16V
Mercedes 410D
Mercedes 300E 12V
Mercedes 280E

 

[Andrew280SEL]

I would LOVE to see how well a turbo 280 would go

 

[Des]

I would LOVE to see how well a turbo 280 would go

Not a lot of room under the bonnet of these cars for the turbo and plumbng for it.

Then would I imagine lead to the problem of extra heat under the bonnet.

 

[Des]

Reminded me I do have some pictures of a turbo M110 setup, this is on a W123 Estate:

 

[Andrew280SEL]

Not a lot of room under the bonnet of these cars for the turbo and plumbng for it.

Then would I imagine lead to the problem of extra heat under the bonnet.

Quite true, these engine bays don't have a lot of breathing as it is.

Chopping up the bonnet is one way, but that kind of throws out any chance of the car being a 'sleeper'.

 

[BenzBoy]

And what about the 170 project?
Regards,
Benzboy