SLS GT3 Finished 1st at Nurburgring
By slmarket
EXCERPT FROM THE SL MARKET LETTER:
M-B’s creation of a genuinely viable “club racer” is a return to the years when the SL we saw Paul O’Shea race on Sunday could be ordered at a local dealership on Monday. Granted the 2011 GT3 will cost about double a standard SLS, but that comes with direct AMG assistance and, as the results above suggest, with a very potent product. With Porsche, Audi, BMW, Aston-Martin, Ferrari and a few rice racers all obtaining FAI’s GT3 homologations, could we be seeing fresh interest in private and inter-club “super car” competition in the USA?. Sure easier to identify with than Formula 1! The last Mercedes-Benz’ serving this activity were the 1954-1957 300SLs, over 50 years ago.
The ninth of ten VLN endurance races concluded October 16 with an overall win by Continue reading »
Topics: SL Market News | No Comments »
What is a 1984 Mercedes-Benz 500SL Worth?
By slmarket
Ernie Asks:
MY FRIEND WANTS TO KNOW WHAT A 1984 500 SL, A FULLY LOADED CAR WITH BOTH TOPS IN MINT CONDITION, IS WORTH. EVEN BETTER, IT HAS BEEN INDOORS SINCE BOUGHT AND ONLY HAS 9,000.00 MILES. NUMBER 1. DOES ANYBODY WANT TO MAKE AN OFFER AND IF NOT WHAT IS THE VALUE TO ASK?
THANKS FOR YOUR TIME, ERNIE
OLSON REPLIES:
For sellers, an excellent “clearing house” for any SL is always the SL MARKET LETTER. The April issue offered no less that eleven privately-imported 500 SL of 1980 – 1989 with mileage as low as 14,870, and prices ranging from $11,500 to $26,750. There are over 200 new Mercedes offerings in every issue.
The 5 Liter V-8 was one of seven engines offered during the unusually long 19 year production of the “107 Body” SL… and in my opinion, of all seven, the 5 liter offers the most punch for the buck! It caused quite a stir between 1980 and 1985 as they have 40% more HP than the only SL available at authorized US M-B dealers during those years; the 380 SL. Americans saw and rented the 500 SL in Europe and discovered they could import and convert them to DOT/EPA specs for less than the 380 SL cost domestically. M-B focused on smaller engines including diesels in those years to avoid CAFE fines imposed by EPA on all car manufacturers failing “fleet average” MPG standards. M-B avoided the fines but lost these sales to determined “performance-oriented” enthusiasts.
For buyers, the 500SL remains a serious option for those model years IF CONDITION HAS BEEN WELL MAINTAINED. First priority is a NEVER rusted body, regardless which engine. ALWAYS inspect them on a hoist and walk away from anything more than minor surface rust! If it passes this first test, drive it for a half hour, not just around the block. Take in on the express way and boulevard. Feel it. Listen. Some old Mercedes feel old. Others remain tight and smooth and civil. Remember too, a good “feel” is only coincidentally correlated to your favorite color! The price range mentioned above is entirely justified, and weak cars of uncertain mileage and no service records are not even worth $5,000 because you can’t reincarnated them for $10,000+ ! Better to pay $15,000+ for a first rate example as a tired car is a personal time-sump too. All that said, these were well made, strong, cars. Ageless styling and about as safe as old cars get!
Topics: Questions & Answers | No Comments »
Mercedes-Benz 280 SE 3.5 Coupe Restoration
By Greg Magnus
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.
Topics: Questions & Answers | 1 Comment »
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