l wanna buy an older model MBenz 380SL or 560SL sports car.When the original engine konks out can l replace it with a more reliable and efficent Honda or Toyota?(l know this reduces its value & performane but Im interested in reliability)

yea but l wouldnt reccomend it it would cost you the same as buying a honda or toyota

then but the honda or toyota. do you know what kind of craziness it would take to make something like that work? not even worth it after you consider the vast amount of money it would take to even try to make it work.

The body and frame work is too heavy. It would kill your effort.

yes, put two in there while you're at it . makes as much sense

Why the hell would you want to do that? You do not deserve to own a Mercedes asking such a question! Mercedes are heavy cars, you need torque.

If your goal is reliability and efficiency Toyota and Honda are surely not the answer. l would personally consider it a Sin to Rice out a Benz SL. Take care of the engine and it will last a very long time. My Benz, a 1982 300 SD is still kicking with 33 Mpg and a great cruiser even at 130 Mph

You can put any engine in it (If you have enough money)

dont put that junk in a benz

schiewinekoft

If you want a Honda or Toyota engine, just buy a Honda or Toyota vehicle.

The M116 and M117 motors found in the 380 and 560 respectively are both very reliable engines. Are they fuel efficient.not exactly, you're still dealing with a V8 engine driving around a heavy convertible but considering the type of vehicle that they are, they're not bad on gas.

The original engine will never ''konk out'' if u do the routine maintenance. If u actually wanted to make the attempt u would probably need to have a custom bell housing made for the transmission, & possilbly a new input shaft for the transmission, unless u plan to use a Toyota tranny as well. In that case u will need a custom driveshaft, mounts for the engine & transmission, shifter liknage, & engine control wiring harness.
It would make a lot more sense to take the bus.

l reckon the body will conk out before the engine. MB engines are reliable as they are not overstressed, and , relatively speaking, they are not as powerful in bhp terms as some other makes. What they do produce is torque so they just keep going.
If you have enough money you could change the engine but l think you'd be better off getting a reconditioned MB unit.

If l had to go with an alternative drivetrain, it would be a GM V8. People have put GM V8 is in Mercedes before. It can be done, not real easy. It would be a more viable choice because of the torque & power. A fuel injected 350 V8 would be nice, but u would have to be able to wire up the computer. If u use a GM transmission, the driveshaft & crossmember would have to be modified. If u went with an overdrive GM unit, some of the Mercedes differentials r geared too high. You would need to go with an earlier Mercedes differential with a lower gear. If u run a 3 speed automatic, u r fine with the 380 & 560 differential. Although they were 4 speed automatics, they were NOT overdrive. Just more gear ratios. GM motors r reliable & can be serviced by many. Parts r there as well. If the motor konks out, look at what it costs to do a conversion versus getting another motor. It may surprise you. Things have to be fabricated & adapted for conversions which means more labor costs.

sir you should be shot! why would you defile a benz in such a way, go buy a lexus its practically a facelifted camry.