3k: It Takes Two: 1969 Mercedes-Benz W115 220D and W202 C43 AMG Engine
Welcome to a new DT feature, It Takes Two, where we pick not one craigslist ad, but two, for the ultimate Lego-style DT post. This first ITT feature involves the marriage of a classic Mercedes-Benz W115 diesel and a C43 AMG V8 for the ultimate DIY classic FrankenBenz. Find this 1969 Mercedes-Benz 220D with “horked” engine for sale in San Francisco, CA for $1500 and an M113 4.3L V8 from a W202 C43 AMG for sale in North Hollywood, CA for $1500 via craigslist. We have it upon good authority from one of our regular tippers that the W115 seller is a stand-up guy who just needs to get his wife a garage spot.
This Mercedes 220D is not a bad looking example of a really slow car. The original paint looks decent in the low light photos and it seems the seller took the philosophy of “selling cheap so why would I put any effort into the ad” to heart. Another big plus is that, per the seller, it is “California registered, no back fees (the previous f****r canceled his
registration check, but I paid that s*** off so you’re good to go.)”
The interior looks great for a sub $2k car, but who knows what evil lives under the dash cover. The seats and door cards look intact. The biggest problem with this car is that even in perfect shape the engine makes 12 horsepower on a good day and driving in modern traffic feels like taking a Big Wheel tricycle on the autobahn.
Fix all your slow motion blues with this 1998-2000 era M113 4.3 liter V8 from a C43 AMG, attached to a 5-speed automatic transmission. The C43 AMG engine puts out 302 horsepower and 302 ft-lbs of torque and should be enough to overpower the rear wheels in any gear. Stuffing it into W115 chassis will require some custom engine and trans mounts, but it shouldn’t require any significant firewall or shock tower surgery. Budget at least another few grand for all the connecting bits depending on your mechanical ability and attention to detail/anal retentiveness.
See a better classic Merc to shove a fire-breathing V8 into? email us here: tips@dailyturismo.com
Aw yes, my kind of madness. I have a M120 V12 engine and a W123 coupe that keep whispering to me. Problem is that the room needed for the V12 cannot easily be accomodated in the W123 chassis. Like stuffing a (very) fat girl into skinny jeans. Some things just should not be attempted.