5k: 2JZ-GTE Twin Turbo Swap: 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280C W114
If you’ve ever had the opportunity to see the third installment of the Fast and Furious franchise (Tokyo Drift), you might be interested to know how it really should have happened. High school kids being made members of the Yakuza…sure…but the idea of the kid’s hooker-loving dad owning that impeccable condition ’67 Mustang fastback in Japan is just ludicrous. On the other hand, he could have owned an aged Mercedes-Benz W114 and the movie would have been 1,000 times more realistic. Find this 1973 Mercedes 280C W114 with 2JZ-GTE twin turbo power, offered for $4,500 in Redondo Beach, CA via craigslist.
The Mercedes-Benz W114/115 chassis is the often overlooked E-class
predecessor chassis that is overshadowed by the prettier W108/109
chassis. It may not have the fancy stacked headlights of its big brother, but the build quality is just as rugged and its Paul Bracq design is understated and elegant. Gone are the tailfins and rounded rear greenhouse of its W110 predecessor, but it maintained the giant chrome radiatoresque grill and pontoon fender styling.
The seller of this W114 claims his original 2.8 liter inline-6 went belly up 4 months ago, and so he did the most logical thing. He sourced a 3.0 liter twin turbocharged inline-6 from a Mk IV Toyota Supra mated to an automatic transmission. This is not a 2JZ-GE like the 330i swap from the other day, this is the real deal, the beez-knees, the king of JDM yo, complete with VVTi, ETCS-i, BYOB, PDQ, and all kinds of other things.
So you get all of this for just $4,500…what gives? Okay, here is where you read the fine print: the engine is in the car but motor mounts, wiring, etc all still needs to be done. Ahah, yes…some work to do, but the good news is that seller is willing to trade for Guns, motorcycles, trucks, cars, anything interesting. I don’t think he will take the Draken. tips@dailyturismo.com
Interesting. How about some interior shots? Is the car currently registered?
Would definitely be a sleeper, quiet and stately until the turbos kick in. They make motor mounts for this type of swap, not sure how tough it would be to get the Mercedes harness to get along with the Japanese wiring. 1973 wiring probably has 60,000 fewer wires and 10 fewer computers than a modern Mercedes so maybe not bad. Would be fun to see this motor in a 450SL…
So what is the engine sitting on if the motor mounts aren't in?
Frankly, this all may go together, but I'd say this looks more like a W114 in need of an engine and a 2JZ-GTE in need of a car.
I would like to know what kind of motor mount kit going to be installed.
Can you tell us what motor mount to use for the 2JZ swap please? I have W108 model I would like to do the swap.
Has this car been finished yet? Also wondering if you are willing to manufacture more 2jz motor mounts. I have a 250c and id like to do the same.
I know old thread but any update on this?