• From: College Station, Texas
  • Registered: 2009-07-11
  • Posts: 1,137

Topic: so I want to build a Benz

it is one of those marquis I have a chubby for.  Some people are mustang or BMWs, for some dumb reason I love boxy Benzs.  I think I like building these cars as much as I like driving.  And with eyesores keep insights, I now think I can make it handle like something other than a canoe full of water on stilts.

Being how there are tons of cheap MB in Texas, the joy of living a truck/camero state, I need to find one.  I have been looking at a some 60's heckfloss, a 280 or 300 SEL 108/109 chassis, or just go full DTM and get an 80's C or E class.

So one of the big questions, what can I rig up for a manual gear box?  They did come any many models, so I though about kludging something from another brand in.  Thoughts or suggestions?  Oh, power would have to be a MB V8, love to find a 6.3.  there are tons of big Benz out here to donate a motor.

themed some thing like this:

http://static.autoblog.nl/images/wp2007/reviews/mercedes-benz_190e-evo-ii/groot/mercedes-benz_190e-evolution-ii_dtm.jpg

or

http://www.v12-gt.com/var/v12gt/storage/images/galerie/galeries-photos/galeries-classic/amg/mercedes-amg-300-sel-6.8-red-pig-3-4-avant-gauche/35879-1-fre-FR/Mercedes-AMG-300-SEL-6.8-red-pig-3-4-avant-gauche_zoom.jpg

or

http://www.eurorailhobbies.com/item_pics/Busch/t4_BU-41562.jpg

the Syndicate - 30 losses and counting ...
89 VW Jettarosa - #337 (11 motors later) <> 67 Mercedes 200 - #200, winner "most with the least" MSR Feb 11, IOE at MSR June 11 <> 88 Mercedes 560 SEL <> 76 Mercedes SLC - IOE at ECR March 13 <> now pimping performance parts for 1970-1980's Mercedes SEL, SEC, SL, SLC's
  • Registered: 2009-12-26
  • Posts: 443

Re: so I want to build a Benz

Mein Freund, ich bin froh, dass du tust ein Mercedes auch. Ich habe Motoren und Getriebe aber verändert.

www.amgracing.blogspot.com

“Never attribute to malice that which is adequately explained by stupidity.”

squidbreath's Website

  • From: Bloomington, IN
  • Registered: 2009-08-14
  • Posts: 1,525

Re: so I want to build a Benz

I am really starting to think that I too would like to build a benz for the next one, after the LeCar.  I do like the touring car 190 a lot.  So, once the celica expires, I think it's on.

Bloomington, IN
We'll bring Beer!  Motorsports
Team Fiery Death! #0 2009 Lamest Day(65th), 2010 American Irony(24th), 2010 Detroit Bull(4th),2012 Capitol Offense (8th) 2012 American Irony (11 th), 2013 Capitol Offense (3rd) 2013 Chubba Chedder (4th, Judge Choice!) Now sadly part of a scrap pile. 
Toothless Racing Deadbeats #110 2011 Summit Point (61st) Currently being rebuilt into the new car!
  • From: College Station, Texas
  • Registered: 2009-07-11
  • Posts: 1,137

Re: so I want to build a Benz

squidbreath wrote:

Mein Freund, ich bin froh, dass du tust ein Mercedes auch. Ich habe Motoren und Getriebe aber verändert.

www.amgracing.blogspot.com

I have been following your build, you veered of the cliff (in my sad way of thinking) when you went  ford for the motor.  Still a stellar build though.  but just think of how much MORE trouble you could have had if it was still MB powered!

the Syndicate - 30 losses and counting ...
89 VW Jettarosa - #337 (11 motors later) <> 67 Mercedes 200 - #200, winner "most with the least" MSR Feb 11, IOE at MSR June 11 <> 88 Mercedes 560 SEL <> 76 Mercedes SLC - IOE at ECR March 13 <> now pimping performance parts for 1970-1980's Mercedes SEL, SEC, SL, SLC's
  • From: College Station, Texas
  • Registered: 2009-07-11
  • Posts: 1,137

Re: so I want to build a Benz

couple of canidated:

300 with a 6.3: http://dallas.craigslist.org/dal/pts/1637381193.html

300 CE: http://dallas.craigslist.org/dal/cto/1639829659.html

a pair: http://dallas.craigslist.org/ftw/cto/1633805770.html

the Syndicate - 30 losses and counting ...
89 VW Jettarosa - #337 (11 motors later) <> 67 Mercedes 200 - #200, winner "most with the least" MSR Feb 11, IOE at MSR June 11 <> 88 Mercedes 560 SEL <> 76 Mercedes SLC - IOE at ECR March 13 <> now pimping performance parts for 1970-1980's Mercedes SEL, SEC, SL, SLC's
  • Registered: 2009-12-26
  • Posts: 443

Re: so I want to build a Benz

Jackasic wrote:

but just think of how much MORE trouble you could have had if it was still MB powered!

I agree with you.  My problem is that I lack any material engine skills.  My teammate Tyler (the one with the best engine skills) is a ford guy all the way and I have to keep my teammates engaged.  Besides that he had a few oddball ford parts laying around.

There was a 190 at the Infineon race last weekend.  So there are a few of us.

“Never attribute to malice that which is adequately explained by stupidity.”

squidbreath's Website

  • Registered: 2009-12-26
  • Posts: 443

Re: so I want to build a Benz

I vote for the 300 with 6.3.  I'd doesn't have a transmission but you want a manual anyway right.  This gives you the excuse.

“Never attribute to malice that which is adequately explained by stupidity.”

squidbreath's Website

  • Registered: 2009-12-26
  • Posts: 443

Re: so I want to build a Benz

Shhh....don't tell my wife.  But I am already planning the next one.  I'm looking for a bone stock beater that I can use to go for the IOE.  Wobbly wheels and parts dragging behind would be ideal.

“Never attribute to malice that which is adequately explained by stupidity.”

squidbreath's Website

  • From: College Station, Texas
  • Registered: 2009-07-11
  • Posts: 1,137

Re: so I want to build a Benz

i think the air bags would be sooooo could to run on the track.  Just remembered there is a 65 Heckfloss sitting in a field near here, probably covered in an inch of tree sap and mold.

What about a BMW tranny, that might be a good way to go.

the Syndicate - 30 losses and counting ...
89 VW Jettarosa - #337 (11 motors later) <> 67 Mercedes 200 - #200, winner "most with the least" MSR Feb 11, IOE at MSR June 11 <> 88 Mercedes 560 SEL <> 76 Mercedes SLC - IOE at ECR March 13 <> now pimping performance parts for 1970-1980's Mercedes SEL, SEC, SL, SLC's
  • From: College Station, Texas
  • Registered: 2009-07-11
  • Posts: 1,137

Re: so I want to build a Benz

I wonder how deeply offensive a team called "Not Z's Racing" would be?

the Syndicate - 30 losses and counting ...
89 VW Jettarosa - #337 (11 motors later) <> 67 Mercedes 200 - #200, winner "most with the least" MSR Feb 11, IOE at MSR June 11 <> 88 Mercedes 560 SEL <> 76 Mercedes SLC - IOE at ECR March 13 <> now pimping performance parts for 1970-1980's Mercedes SEL, SEC, SL, SLC's
  • sergio
  • Lemons Staff Stalker
  • Offline
  • Registered: 2009-04-30
  • Posts: 1,185

Re: so I want to build a Benz

My brother had an early 80's 240D with a manual. Probably a rare combination to find in a junkyard.

I like the DTM idea but for some reason that second one really makes my heart skip a beat. Must be cause I'm old.......

  • Registered: 2009-12-26
  • Posts: 443

Re: so I want to build a Benz

Jackasic wrote:

I wonder how deeply offensive a team called "Not Z's Racing" would be?

I made only one oblique reference in my build: we got some technical assistance from Riccardo Klement at Daimler Benz of Argentina.

“Never attribute to malice that which is adequately explained by stupidity.”

squidbreath's Website

  • From: College Station, Texas
  • Registered: 2009-07-11
  • Posts: 1,137

Re: so I want to build a Benz

hübsch herr squidbreath!

the Syndicate - 30 losses and counting ...
89 VW Jettarosa - #337 (11 motors later) <> 67 Mercedes 200 - #200, winner "most with the least" MSR Feb 11, IOE at MSR June 11 <> 88 Mercedes 560 SEL <> 76 Mercedes SLC - IOE at ECR March 13 <> now pimping performance parts for 1970-1980's Mercedes SEL, SEC, SL, SLC's
  • From: Toronto, Ontario
  • Registered: 2009-05-03
  • Posts: 1,114

Re: so I want to build a Benz

What's with the Afrika Korps truck?

Jim "Endo" Anderton
30 years of racing and still not Brambilla.....
  • From: College Station, Texas
  • Registered: 2009-07-11
  • Posts: 1,137

Re: so I want to build a Benz

one of my theme ideas, paint it up like that.  instead of Desert Rats, we could be the Paddock Rats

the Syndicate - 30 losses and counting ...
89 VW Jettarosa - #337 (11 motors later) <> 67 Mercedes 200 - #200, winner "most with the least" MSR Feb 11, IOE at MSR June 11 <> 88 Mercedes 560 SEL <> 76 Mercedes SLC - IOE at ECR March 13 <> now pimping performance parts for 1970-1980's Mercedes SEL, SEC, SL, SLC's
  • From: Toronto, Ontario
  • Registered: 2009-05-03
  • Posts: 1,114

Re: so I want to build a Benz

Cool....get a Jeep add a fake "fifty" with a "Rat Patrol" theme and they can chase you all over the track...

Jim "Endo" Anderton
30 years of racing and still not Brambilla.....
  • Mulry
  • Mulry
  • Ayatollah of Rock-n-Rollah
  • Offline
  • From: Dallas, TX
  • Registered: 2009-05-01
  • Posts: 4,607

Re: so I want to build a Benz

Jackasic wrote:

What about a BMW tranny, that might be a good way to go.

Achtung! A Benz with a Bimmer transmission would be a great way to go. That is, if your intent is to rip a hole in the time-space continuum. You work at CERN or something?

Pat Mulry, TARP Racing #67

Mandatory disclaimer: all opinions expressed are mine alone & not those of 24HOL, its mgmt, sponsors, etc.
  • sac02
  • Paddock Rat
  • Offline
  • Registered: 2009-11-04
  • Posts: 68

Re: so I want to build a Benz

sergio wrote:

My brother had an early 80's 240D with a manual. Probably a rare combination to find in a junkyard.

Yup, I had a 1981 240D w/ a manual that  I only ownded and drove it for about a year, back in 2004 or so. 

I paid $800 for it, and it was totally worth it (in whatever definition of "worth it" you want to consider) - the exhaust was held on with duct tape, the started was lashed to the belhousing with baling wire, and I had a floor mat in the rear with "NO STEP" painted on it, because the floorboard beneath it was gone.

  • kalpol
  • kalpol
  • Ripened Lemon
  • Offline
  • From: Austin, TX
  • Registered: 2009-05-03
  • Posts: 276

Re: so I want to build a Benz

My family and I drive old Benzes as daily drivers and have been through several - 123 diesels, a couple of 500SELs, and my current is a Euro-spec 1979 280SE, which is my favorite.

I suggest leaving the V8s alone. They're fast, but they're also very heavy and complicated. What would probably serve you best is a 116 or 123 chassis 280E, CE, or SE, european if you can find it - the euro parts sell for $$ to recoup your cost, the car is light, handles extremely well, and in Euro trim is fairly fast (185hp). This is also just about the height of reliability, and the M110 engine is bulletproof and very easy to work on and parts are pretty cheap. Lightened, it would be an awesome car. The V8s are really just too massive for this kind of thing.

You'll have a lot of trouble finding a stick though, they're all automatics (but this goes for just about any Benz).

Next choice would be a later 190E or a 260E/300E, still light and fast but slightly more complicated.

Josh Poage
Poage Ma Thoin Racing - 1981 Fiat Brava #09 - 2009 Yee-haw It's Texas
Prison Break Racing - 1986 325e #27 - 2010 Gator-o-Rama
Poage Ma Thoin Racing - 1981 Fiat Brava #09 - 2011 Heaps in the Heart of Texas

kalpol's Website

  • kalpol
  • kalpol
  • Ripened Lemon
  • Offline
  • From: Austin, TX
  • Registered: 2009-05-03
  • Posts: 276

Re: so I want to build a Benz

Jackasic wrote:

couple of canidated:

300 with a 6.3: http://dallas.craigslist.org/dal/pts/1637381193.html

300 CE: http://dallas.craigslist.org/dal/cto/1639829659.html

a pair: http://dallas.craigslist.org/ftw/cto/1633805770.html

stay away from the M100 cars, unless you like bleeding money from every orifice.

Josh Poage
Poage Ma Thoin Racing - 1981 Fiat Brava #09 - 2009 Yee-haw It's Texas
Prison Break Racing - 1986 325e #27 - 2010 Gator-o-Rama
Poage Ma Thoin Racing - 1981 Fiat Brava #09 - 2011 Heaps in the Heart of Texas

kalpol's Website

  • From: College Station, Texas
  • Registered: 2009-07-11
  • Posts: 1,137

Re: so I want to build a Benz

no way dood, 108/109 are the bomb! If it was my first car out I would buy a CE, but I am looking to cut my teeth on something crazier.  I have had a 123 and I have a 108 that I drive.  They are like any other MB, they have their quirks but are easy to work on.  I am really leaning towards some sort of 108 monstrosity.

the Syndicate - 30 losses and counting ...
89 VW Jettarosa - #337 (11 motors later) <> 67 Mercedes 200 - #200, winner "most with the least" MSR Feb 11, IOE at MSR June 11 <> 88 Mercedes 560 SEL <> 76 Mercedes SLC - IOE at ECR March 13 <> now pimping performance parts for 1970-1980's Mercedes SEL, SEC, SL, SLC's
  • From: Land Of Subarus, Colorado
  • Registered: 2009-04-30
  • Posts: 9,416

Re: so I want to build a Benz

W126! W126!

Murilee Martin aka Judge Phil on Facebook
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  • kalpol
  • kalpol
  • Ripened Lemon
  • Offline
  • From: Austin, TX
  • Registered: 2009-05-03
  • Posts: 276

Re: so I want to build a Benz

Jackasic wrote:

no way dood, 108/109 are the bomb! If it was my first car out I would buy a CE, but I am looking to cut my teeth on something crazier.  I have had a 123 and I have a 108 that I drive.  They are like any other MB, they have their quirks but are easy to work on.  I am really leaning towards some sort of 108 monstrosity.

I've got a 115 220d with a blown engine I'll sell you cheap. Bolt giant round headlights on the front and it will look just like a 108.

Josh Poage
Poage Ma Thoin Racing - 1981 Fiat Brava #09 - 2009 Yee-haw It's Texas
Prison Break Racing - 1986 325e #27 - 2010 Gator-o-Rama
Poage Ma Thoin Racing - 1981 Fiat Brava #09 - 2011 Heaps in the Heart of Texas

kalpol's Website

  • From: Austin, TX
  • Registered: 2010-03-13
  • Posts: 39

Re: so I want to build a Benz

sac02 wrote:
sergio wrote:

My brother had an early 80's 240D with a manual. Probably a rare combination to find in a junkyard.

Yup, I had a 1981 240D w/ a manual that  I only ownded and drove it for about a year, back in 2004 or so. 

I paid $800 for it, and it was totally worth it (in whatever definition of "worth it" you want to consider) - the exhaust was held on with duct tape, the started was lashed to the belhousing with baling wire, and I had a floor mat in the rear with "NO STEP" painted on it, because the floorboard beneath it was gone.

I had a 240D with a manual that I bought from a friend a few years back for $800.  He bought it back after I put a year and a half into it for $800.  He then sold it and bought it back after the next owner burned up the motor.  He took out the tranny since they are hard to find and sent the care to the crusher.  He might still have it around.  I can check it you are interested.

That car had nearly 600,000 miles on it when it finally bit the dust.

1982 Renault LeCar "Pepe"
2010 Gator-O-Rama rollover
2010 North Dallas Hooptie IOE Winner!!

25 Reply by Judge Phil (edited by MurileeMartin 2010-03-16 12:45 PM)

  • From: Land Of Subarus, Colorado
  • Registered: 2009-04-30
  • Posts: 9,416

Re: so I want to build a Benz

We've seen a fair number of Lemons Benzes. For example, this chopped 300E with a 3.5 V8 and 4-speed out of a 350SL in South Carolina:
http://cache.gawkerassets.com/assets/images/12/2009/09/500x_LSF09-Top-015-500px.jpg

The same team also runs this 300D, placing 7th out of 122 at the Lamest Day:
http://cache-01.gawkerassets.com/assets/images/12/2009/10/500x_LNL09-Top-007.jpg

We had a couple of veggie-oil diesel contenders at Altamont:
http://jalopnik.com/assets/resources/2007/10/19-27.jpg

This 300D in South Carolina and Louisiana:
http://cache.gawker.com/assets/images/jalopnik/2009/06/LNO09-Top-42y.jpg

The Uber Vogel 190E has been running West Coast races since the early days. 6th place at Altamont Fall '07:
http://cache-01.gawkerassets.com/assets/images/12/2010/03/500x_li10-top-028-1280px.jpg

Of course, our favorite has got to be the Index Of Effluency-winning Field Find 1965 190.:
http://jalopnik.com/assets/resources/2007/12/28-28.jpg

We've even had a Mercedes-Benz People's Curse (New England '08). First-ever Curse awarded for being a slow-ass diesel:
http://cache.gawkerassets.com/assets/images/12/2008/08/340x_24-Results70.jpg

Murilee Martin aka Judge Phil on Facebook
Murilee Martin on Twitter
Judge Phil's Lemons posts on Car and Driver
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Judge Phil's Website