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The Speaker Guy
62 Posts |
 Posted - November 29 2003 : 9:25:22 PM
What would be a good donor? This is for a Mercedes Gullwing. Mercedes does not offer a straight six in any of their current models, unless there's a bug in their selection software. The original was 243 hp @ 6100 rpm, so similar to this would be good.What about a 300E enginer? Only 177hp, but authentic. A Lexus GS300 has a 3 liter six with 220hp, don't know if this is aluminum.
Any other likely contenders?
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meat
USA
992 Posts |
Posted - November 29 2003 : 10:44:39 PM
Why would you put a six cylinder in? If a six will fit, then an eight will, too...Your pal,
Meat/ 
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The Speaker Guy
62 Posts |
Posted - November 30 2003 : 10:21:46 AM
Why not an 8 ... <insert Tim Taylor noises here>I don't have any further information on the kit yet, so I can't really say if a V8 would fit. Pro v8: power, readily available 5.0 motors for cheap, or a lighter 4.6 Intech, cheap and plentiful parts. Con: Heavier, wider engine harder to service, not true to type.
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meat
USA
992 Posts |
Posted - November 30 2003 : 10:50:32 AM
quote:
The Speaker Guy wrote:
Why not an 8 ... <insert Tim Taylor noises here>I don't have any further information on the kit yet, so I can't really say if a V8 would fit. Pro v8: power, readily available 5.0 motors for cheap, or a lighter 4.6 Intech, cheap and plentiful parts. Con: Heavier, wider engine harder to service, not true to type.
Well, if it were me, I'd look into the V8 - I believe that the kit you're looking at is the Thoroughbred one, and I've spoken with the fella that owns the company on several occasions. While some of the pictures on his website are somewhat suspect (look at the pickup truck real close...), it appears that he does sell kits. From what I remember, his Gullwing is the same basic configuration as the SLR he also offers, which means that it should fit a Chevy V8 or Ford V8 without too much trouble. The pros for the V8, in my opinion, far outweigh the cons, although you'll want to stay away from the 4.6 - the 4.6 is about the same size as a big block 428. The V8 isn't all that much harder to service; you only need two more spark plugs and a couple of extra wires. On the other hand, if you are attempting to stay true to the type, you're going to have to also consider staying true to the marque, which means you should pick up an MBz 3.0 motor (they're plentiful...not cheap). Or, you could go with the Chrysler/Jeep 4.0 six ... it's taller, supposedly, but it's a six, and it's kind of loosely tied to the MBz marque ... sort of. And, as much as it pains me to say it, you should also think about resale. If you put a MBz engine (more expensive) in your replica, it's still only going to be worth about the same as the replica with the V8 in it. If you put any other six in it, it's going to be worth far less. In fact, you'd probably be better off selling the finished car without the engine or trans. In my opinion, you will not be as happy with the car if it doesn't have the power to match the looks. Sure, the original cars weren't all that high on the ol' horsepower meter 250@6200/217 torque - but you'd be hard-pressed to find an inexpensive six that can match those numbers (recent MBz 3.0s (the ones you'd probably be looking at - which do require computers and wiring harnesses and sensors ... oh my!) are coming in at 228 hp/201 torque) without going FI and without spending a bucket o' cash. But, as I've said, that's just my opinion. YMMV. Your pal,
Meat.
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deleteall
55 Posts |
Posted - November 30 2003 : 3:52:25 PM
Decisions, decisions. Really need to decide what's most importnant to you. IMHO, I'd stick with a MB engine, even though not a 6. MB has a "small block" v8 that's light and decent power. MB also had a 6.9 litre in the late 70's that powered their sedans. I've seen them on ebay for around a $1,000. No idea on weight or feasibility though. Any MB mods though will be costly.If you want a six, I'd go with the Nissan/Datsun from the z series. Plenty of go fast options that will let you hit your horsepower goal. I saw a 280 with webers, headers and a detailed engine-it looked real good. Just tack weld the MB star to the cam cover and (almost) no one will know the difference. Good luck.
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grecobenz
62 Posts |
Posted - December 02 2003 : 3:47:55 PM
You could use the later W124 chassis engines, which came on E320's. They are 3.0l but with 24v. I think HP is about 235. Strong engine same with 12v version on earlier 300E's. The gullwing actually used a 3.0L V8. I'd stick with the I-6, stong engine and quick too.
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jaysherman
139 Posts |
Posted - December 02 2003 : 6:52:38 PM
Did you order the build manual? I would like to see one in the build phase, did he happen to mention any around? This one has the 300E Mercedes engine.http://www.badboyztoyzz.com/56mbgullwing.html
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grecobenz
62 Posts |
Posted - December 03 2003 : 08:20:49 AM
I am wrong. I realized that last night that the 300 SLR's(Coupe and Conv) had the 3.0L V8. The SL's had an I-6.
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The Speaker Guy
62 Posts |
Posted - December 03 2003 : 2:12:14 PM
r.e. build manual - Nope,very preliminary. As I've not done a kit car, nor any significant auto repair in a while, I think I'm going to pick up a partially completed kit for project one.Well, the original inline 6 was slant mounted. I know the 1960s Dodge/Plymouth engines were slant sixes, but that would be uncouth. Oh well, guess I'll have to use a Mercedes V12. ==:0
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grecobenz
62 Posts |
Posted - December 03 2003 : 2:32:39 PM
Check out MBZ forums, they'll be a big help. And if it's HP your after, they can guide you through that too.
Try mercedesshop.com and goto their forum.
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jaysherman
139 Posts |
Posted - December 03 2003 : 6:01:13 PM
I got the brochure with parts and price list, if you want it let me know.
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The Speaker Guy
62 Posts |
Posted - December 25 2003 : 11:44:11 PM
i was thinking about this thread when I cam across the Supra tin turbos. Yikes, 320HP! Unfortunately, hardly any on the used market, and most a pricey.just a thought
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Please suggest Donor enginer - 6cyl Inline
