Paul Reynolds purchased a stock 1980 Mercedes 380SL from a friend in 2003. The car was used as a daily driver for several years until he purchased a newer model. With the newer Mercedes taking the daily driving duties he could work on upgrading the older model. The first modification was swapping the 3.8 L V8 to a 5.6 L V8.
Paul then got into racing his classic Mercedes at tarmac rallies and circuit racing. After several engines were destroyed while racing he discussed engine choices with Silver Arrows Racing in Belgium. Paul found out there was a flaw with the metal used for that generation of Mercedes engines and the smaller engine bay caused excessive heat which would help lead to engine failure. This lead him to use two engines, an authentic Mercedes 5.6 L for events that require originality and a GM 6.2 L LS3 for road racing.
The LS3 was upgraded by Walkinshaw Performance to produce a reliable 500 horsepower and 600 Nm (442 lb-ft) of torque. The engine is connected to a Turbo 350 three-speed transmission after destroying three different Turbo 700 transmissions. Although Paul didn’t alter the suspension geometry he went through four generations of development to get the right springs and shocks.
Source: Mercedes Heritage and TargaMerc Youtube channel (many more videos) via Grassroots Motorsports FB page
Interested In knowing if there is step by step instructions on how to make the conversion with a 5.3ltr engine
Would love to see step by step instructions on how to make the conversion with a 5.3ltr engine for the MB 380sl
I would love to get more information on this build, it amazing what he has done.
Would love to get the full info on this. I currently have an ’82 380 SL to restore, but have held off due to cost for such a puny motor. Would appreciate any info motor mounts, springs/shocks ..etc..
I would love to get a step by step instruction for this conversion as iam planning to ls1 my 1989 w124 sedan . any assistance is very much appreciated .
Would like swap info on this please
I have a 1949 450SL I inherited from my father with only 79K mikes on it. It absolutely prefect except the engine runs rougher than Cataract Canyon. Everytime we try to start it it blows flames up thru the carb 2 ft hi. When we talk to a MB mechanic he want $5000 just to “see what he could do” I think I could use a step by step to drop a LS into it. It would be the best running one around.
usually that would indicate that it is back firing and the timing is off by 180deg. you could take it to the dealer and have them diagnose it. Someone throwing $5k figures around tells me he doesn’t like working on Mercedes and wants you to go away. find someone that is familiar with these cars.
Good day gentlemen i have been lookin all over for someone to point me to some one who will convert my 1987 124 sedan to Ls-3,ie been holding on so if you all no of some one will to take on the task at hand please dial me at 989-484-2266 Murray B.V.Michigan 48601 Help me !how can i post a photo of my sweetie not a mechanic but a real car lover
Please let me know about headers and engine mounts used in the 380SL. I have a 1985 LS swap projects and would appreciate the information. Thanks.
TC
I like the car but it’s hard to tell what is up with the handling. Either you can’t drive or it’s just awful.
I have a custom shop in Fayetteville NC And am doing a 81 Mer with a chevy drive train. Jturner@theravengroupe.com drop me a message