Here is our latest project at the shop. It's a 1984 M.B. 380SL. So far we've removed the stock motor, trans, and all the stock steering. We've cut and widened the trans tunnel to make the 4l60e fit properly. We should be getting a GTO oil pan today to start mocking up the fitment of the front crossmember. I will be posting as many pics as possible as the car comes together.....Many modifications to come.

 

You beat me to it. I'm putting together parts for a 380sl with L33 and a manual trans. Take lots of pics.
Why did you get rid of the steering box? Fit problems?
I've heard the SL rear ends went from 3.27 to 2.4 something after 81. You think the OD trans is to be too much gear? Would a non OD trans like a th350 work and fit better?

 

Beautiful. Pics are a must. That's to much of a tease. Keep the interior as stock as possible.

 

Here they are.

 

Here are some more pics of the last 2 days progress, you will definitely notice why there is no steering box. Also, we haven't thought too much into the rear axle ratio yet. We'll see how she drives and then do a stage 2 which will be much more aggressive. Our goal right now is getting a 380SL to put 350hp to the tires. Which should be easy with this combo.

 

Was it necessary to completely cut out the crossmember with the GTO oil pan?

 

i have been wanting to do a swap like this.
im back and fourth between this type of benz(im a benz nut and curently have a 03 e500 sport)or a 280z datsun.
keep us updated on the progress.

 

Unfortunately, YES. Mercedes, and their terrific original design of this vehicle, did not leave room for anything but a MB paper weight. We've had to set the engine back about 6-8" total to provide the room needed to run a rack and pinion in the rear of the GTO pan, and we still haven't figured exactly what rack to use. If anyone has done a similar rear steer rack swap please provide some info. We are going to run power steering. We are also re-locating the AC pump up top using the S&P setup with a Sanden pump. There will be more pics coming soon. Hopefully, with the engine and trans mounted in their final resting place.

 

If you're not looking to do an insane swap I'd stick to a 280Z, strictly because the car has struts that won't be in the way. Once we finish the front cross member I will take and post detailed pictures that show the amount of cutting and clearancing required.

 

Damn, now I'm glad you're the guinea pig on this swap. I thought the GTO pan would have cleared pretty well with the engine raised and an inch or 2 of clearancing.
Btw, is it just me or judging by the pic, is that steering box the size of a small refridgerator?

 

Just got the S&P AC relocation kit bolted on. Another test fit. Boy does that get annoying.

 

So much awesome.

 

Here's the picture of the test fit with the pulley kit and compressor installed. I didn't have time to load it yesterday.

 

Right now we're throwing the idea around that we may just re-design the whole front suspension using a Mustang 2 IFS setup with a power rack and pinion, swaybar, etc... As of right now we feel that we are trying to cram a square peg through a round hole or cram 10 lbs of ---- into a 5 lb bag, you get the idea. The reason for the change is going to be there wont be room for the catalytic converters. We plan on taking this car to the referee to get it California Smog legal. Let us know what you think. This car will eventually be for sale when it is completed.

 

If the steering issue is the size of the MB box, have you checked out replacing it with a jeep power steering box?
Otherwise Flaming River and Steeroids make rear steer power rack and pinions.

 

I just inherited a '74 450SL. Will be watching your buildup!

 

The clearance problem wasn't only the steering box. The steering box is too large and the linkage for the stock steering is right where the oil pan on an LS1 sits. The other issue is the center to center on a rear steer rack would have to be 16" which is really tight and puts the pinion for the rack right on the inside edge of the drivers side oil pan. We decided to change it to a Mustang 2 setup with a front steer rack which will move the pinion out nice and wide, and out of the way. We just ordered a hub to hub yesterday, it's about 2-3 weeks out. I'll post pictures of the new setup as soon as we get everything set in place. We just started another LS1 swap into a 1980 Volvo Bertone last week. We'll be running an LS1+T56 in that project. I'll start a new thread for that one soon.

 

Any chance a custom/modified pan would allow the existing crossmember to stay put and the OEM mercedes steering box?

 

Hate to thread jack but some of u guys may be interested that I have a 68 mercedes forsale 1k$ cash. 47k miles on it. Bought it from a little ole lady whos husband owned it. Was his sunday driver till he passed away. Their grandson drove it for 4-5k miles until it blew a head gasket. car is very clean for its age. minor surface rust. interior is mint. no tears or holes in the seats. Some of the wood is delaminating but salvageable. (417)569-7388

Thanks,
Stewart

 

It's really not so much that the steering box is in the way, but that the steering linkage sits right behind the factory cross member. If you were to leave the steering box and linkage you might be able to fit a custom pan with custom headers. There's no way to make a factory GM exhaust manifold fit with the factory MB A-Arm setup. It would be more time and money than it's worth to leave all the factory junk. With the new Mustang 2 setup it will not only move the steering up front, but also give room from one inner fenderwell to the other because the M2 A-Arms are shorter. I'm not sure if I have added pics of the factory steering in the car yet. I'll add them if I haven't already.