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Mercedes-Benz 280 SE 3.5 Coupe Restoration
By Greg Magnus | February 7, 2010
Patrick Asks:
I am restoring my 280 SE 3.5 Coupe, it is modified to my spec., I had original 76/27 A5-5-Speed-Box ( very rar), Megasquirt EFI, modified cyl.heads and cams, Spax(adjust), 6.3 Offset on front axle with (10 mm not 20 mm plate-steering box and 15 nearer leaf springs like 6.3), 3.92 rear axle (modified to take central spring and normal thrust arm) with brake anti-dive from the air suspenzion cars (welded in chassis) and rear sway bar.
Front brakes with 300mm, substitution of the viscovan with 2 e-van (MSII-driven), water-cooler improved with new type net…
I will made PU-Bushings for the thrust-arms and torsion bar (screw 5mm shortened for early insertion)…
Now I’ve seen the progressive springs which I am looking for some time.
This springs are in progression curve like the air suspension or more progressive? Will it better for me to use the stifter ones?
Can you deliver to Germany or Italy?
Best, Patrick
OLSON REPLIES:
I too am modifying a 111/112 Coupé to my specs, so we should stay in contact with each other. We (too?) are using the 6.3’s 6mm shorter leaf springs on the front of subframe.(per service manual) making a more positive caster measurement causing the handling to feel more reactive. The downside is, the wheel returns to center slower when you let go of the steering, and when traveling down the road the vehicle does not stay as straight on its own. The difference is so subtle I doubt many people would notice. How has technical support been on your Megasquirt II system for fuel injection? Kit is not expensive but I’ve not seen any tech support for Mercedes engines? A qualified “tuner” could get expensive? MSII is open source which is much harder to set up correctly then a simpler AEM, or MoTec system that has wizards and a basic “questionair” to get the vehicle running safely. Make sure you’re using a wide band o2 sensor. The Autotune add-on works incredibly well, once the vehicle is idling smoothly. Maybe you’ve already crossed these mile posts?
What modifications have you done to the cylinder head, and what has it dynoed in at?
In our case we’ve installed an entire AMG V6 (C 32) drive train, including 5 speed paddle shift automatic transmission and C-Class rear subframe with multi-link suspension. With the rear mounted on a subframe installation is straight forward. My chief mechanic is preparing step-by-step instructions (for sale) about the entire engine and drive train project. The C-Class suspension is technically brilliant with both anti-lift and ant-squat geometry. It also has subtle involuntary rear wheel steering on corners. This project is also using the newest Bilstein cockpit adjustable Air Suspension.
As for springs, you’ve explained engine modifications but what type of roads will you be driving upon. What are your comfort expectations. Since we make the coil springs we can build in the exact progressive rate for your power and type of driving. In some applications we recommend sport springs in front and progressive rate springs in the rear. If you live closer to the mountains you might opt for all sport springs. We’ll make whatever you chose for the same $790 price for a set of four, plus shipping. And yes, we do ship to Europe: FedEx Air adds about $225 to the order (with suitable insurance). Our sport springs are not “harsh” but definitely manage weight better in cornering and hard braking.
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