1988 560 SEC Engine Rebuild and Upgrade - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Stonehurst-Auto · #1 04-08-2007, 01:18 PM

recently got a 1988 560 SEC - great body high mileage +200K
I want to fully rebuild the engine and also get another 50 to 100 hp
Any advice or suggestions appreciated
Steve

Randy · #2 04-08-2007, 01:33 PM

High-quality machine.
Expensive to rebuild.
I don't know about upgrades; if I wanted to do this I would put a crate GM 350 in it.
What condition is the engine in? I would evaluate: compression? definately new timing chain, tensioner, rails if it hasn't already had them. The basic engine might still be solid enough for more service with just heavy maintenance. I would not run it hard unless I either did not care what the likely consequences were, or had plenty of money to fix what breaks. Good luck.

t walgamuth · #3 04-08-2007, 02:05 PM

if the car has had good care it may well be good for another 200k without major overhaul.

if i wanted more power i would look for a used euro engine and sell my good used one, if it is a good used one.

tom w

stevebfl · #4 04-08-2007, 02:58 PM

I have a customer with over 800k on one of those motors. Why would you rebuild it.

If you want performance get something else!

jhodg5ck · #5 04-08-2007, 05:28 PM

Well, to start a set of cams and headers would be good. Beyond that you are in to porting the heads/intake and swapping out the pistons for 10-1 slugs.

We are doing a project 560 right now.. 10-1 JE's, light porting on intake/heads, headers and a cam grind up just a notch from what AMG used to offer.

Jonathan

Jim B. · #6 04-08-2007, 05:29 PM

Agreed that the Euro ECE engine is the best switch, 300hp is better than 238 hp. I read somewhere that some fellow in Belgium has a few crate motors for sale there.

A new (wider) crossover pipe, and some custom headers would really help.

Another suggestion might be to swap out the stock 2:47 diff. in favor of a 2:82. You might lose a few mpg and something on the top speed end, but how oftgen do you need to go 145 mph anyway?

jhodg5ck · #7 04-08-2007, 05:32 PM

FYI, on that diff you are going to have to go w/ an open diff which is Horrible on any car that has some HP available too it.

Drove a customers 500E and I'd say my Biggest complaint is the open 2.82..that and they use ASR to keep things from spinning.. You Really want to stick w/ an LSD or posi diff..esp. if you plan on upping the HP down the road.

Jonathan

Stonehurst-Auto · #8 04-08-2007, 10:54 PM

Thanks for the great feedback and suggestions -

Jonathon
I am very interested in your 560 upgrade project
10 or 11 to 1 CR JE pistoneys would be good
also headers and new exhaust system
were your cam new or reprofiled?
what grind etc
where can I get some these perfromance engines or aftermarket parts
I want to convert to EFI cause the low vacuum from bigger lump cams will likely killl the old OEM fuel injection K jetronic
thoughts?

I have a lot of engine development experience with race cars etc

Steve
stonehurst@sympatico.ca
Ottawa Ontario Canada

--------------------------------------------
BTW I have 3 MBs
2003 CLK430 AMG package
1988 560 SEC _ just recently
1985 SL380 - stock but mint - no winteres
also two Porsche 911s
1982 3.0 SC warmed up quite alot to 300hp weber 48IDA
1972 911 targa - stock euro

t walgamuth · #9 04-08-2007, 11:42 PM

the germans would accompany more horsepower with a taller diff.

the euro 500s use a 224 and many if not all are posi units.

tom w