merc 500sec as a donor car?

darren(SA) · #1 (**permalink**) 02-26-2008, 12:49 AM

Hi Gents,

has this been done in a Cobra replica? I have this merc parked at home gethering dust.

I have seen guys here in SA use a BMW 740 engine in the local kits, but not sure of the Merc engines.

What else could be used? G/box? diff? brakes? I have read somewhere on this forum the g/box is a bit slack when it comes to changes. Unfortunately we do not have the likes of the chev and ford V8's easily available here, were we can get them, you get ripped off!

Obviously all mounts will need to be custom, electrics will be changed for a easily programmable EFI.

Any links or help will be appreciated,

thanks!

darren

CHANMADD · #2 (**permalink**) 02-26-2008, 01:05 AM

Sounds good ,that gearbox will probably be Ok ,the Cobras much lighter than the Merc!

darren(SA) · #3 (**permalink**) 02-28-2008, 06:03 AM

who knows maybe even a bit of forced induction

I've had a look on google etc, can't find anybody who has done this, any links or contacts would be great!

thanks

CobraV8 · #4 (**permalink**) 02-28-2008, 06:18 AM

You can custom fit any parts to most any frame, it just takes some fabricating.

darren(SA) · #5 (**permalink**) 02-28-2008, 06:50 AM

Quote:

But you can custom fit any parts to most any frame, it just takes some fabricating.

thats ok, its the body i'm worried about? I'm trying to get hold of some of the SA guys here to see if its possible, guess I'd need to take a few measurements to them and see what they say?

I've seen a 5.7lt supercharged chev in a cobra here in SA so I'm sure a little 5lt will fit

KevinM · #6 (**permalink**) 02-28-2008, 07:53 AM

Measure the engine height from the bottom of the oil pan to the top of the Intake.

Overhead cam engines tend to be taller due to the valvetrain. If you have a fit problem, it will most likely be hood clearance. If that's OK, the rest should be doable.

Kevin

CHANMADD · #7 (**permalink**) 02-28-2008, 08:02 AM

That Benz motor is a lot larger than a Fords small block or a Chevy small block.

mpanten · #8 (**permalink**) 02-28-2008, 09:06 AM

Can't someone like Rousch of Kieth Craft ship you a motor or are there trade issues that prevent that type of transaction from being reasonable?

darren(SA) · #9 (**permalink**) 02-29-2008, 01:09 AM

There shouldn't be trade issues here, it is an option, but I have this Merc going to waste, its resell here would only be $3200 so it would be worth more to me in the form of a kit car.

In the mean time i've found a local replica cobra builder who is doing some homework on this option, He also asked me to measure up to see if it would fit, I'll try this weekend and keep you guys posted.

thanks!