I skimmed around here for hours, and I didn't find an answer. I haven't even opened the hood yet, and I've had it for three months. Is the engine even worth fixing? What else will fit (without major mods or thousands of man hours or $$$)? I have yet to even pull the heads- have they been known to survive a tick tick clunk scenario? I am not buillding a racer here; I just want a reliable family car that will last. I am a huge fan of this body style (w126 I think?). I am willing to put about two years and whatever engine/drivetrain combo will last the longest into it. I have both a flathead and a phillips screwdriver, so I think I'm good in the tooling department....oh yeah, a hammer too

Any input welcome- Josh

 

i like 126.

yours was 8 cylinder?

not so difficult to rebuild that engine. better take it all apart first and see what else is needed aside from piston rings, valve guides, head gasket, timing chain rails, and spark plugs.

 

Yes, it was a gas engine (2. something I assume). I have aquired the tensioner and a new chain; just searching for the heads on e-bay (I know they will pop up eventually). I have even bid on 500 sel engine that is fully functional. Are these engines fully compatible or am I stuck with the factory block? I have also heard that the diesels have a different gear ratio in the diffs. Is this true? thanks-josh

 

yes

 

I have found a 500 se engine. Will this engine mate with my current tranny? Will this work? The price is right, and the owner is motivated. Thanks- Josh