280SE with a Lexus V8 transplant

B

BAR

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• Feb 23, 2010

• #1

This would be a very handy little upgrade.

More power, improved economy and smoother running at motorway speeds!

http://soarercentral.com/sc-forum/messages/3442/271759.html?1233316051

 

Michel

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• Feb 23, 2010

• #2

I bet it goes well too

 

J

John S

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• Feb 23, 2010

• #3

They don't mention anything about changing the diff, and the W116 280 diff is a bit too low for that engine.

The car really needs a W126 diff to get any sort of economy, as the 4 speed g'box will give them plenty of performance with the lower numerical ratio W126 diff.

 

SELfor50

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• Feb 23, 2010

• #4

Good call John.. a 3.69:1 would be extremely crazy for that engine.

It would go good.. but I tell ya, with a bit of work on a remap of the ignition etc.. it might go pretty hard. But those engine's out of the Celsior's aren't really that much different to the 4.5L M117. And a well running 6.9 would definitely edge it out me thinks.

The Red 280 looks like it's a nice example though... very good shiny paint. Would've liked to see some more detailed pics.

Good find.

 

Styria

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• Mar 20, 2010

• #5

A modern power plant and drivetrain does indeed seem very attractive to install in a 280 or 450 W116 - or 107 for that matter. The car in question looks quite spot on, and it's a pity that there are no pics of the rest of the bodywork or interior.

Whilst on the Soarer site, I spotted a blue one for sale - it's been on the market since July last year, starting at $10k to $12k, but the guy has had no takers. It's back on, for "offer me as much as you can to my asking price". Under different circumstances, that sounds very tempting. I went close to buying one, the Lexus V8 version, some four years ago but chickened out in the end. Still, they are exceptionally attractive cars. Regards Styria

 

M

Mercules

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• Mar 20, 2010

• #6

I like this thread

 

B

Brett

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• Jan 17, 2011

• #7

Well hello guys,
Looks like a great forum you have here.

Well I found this thread by chance, whilst doing some surfing.

So I though I would dig this thread up and add some more pictures of the car FYI.

Oh the diff ratio is almost perfect, sits on 2200rpm at 100kph, very good economy, around 8 to 9 L per 100km highway. It uses half what the old M110 engine used too. For reference the donor LS400/Celsior had a 3.92 ratio.

The W116, is now substanially lighter, after the transplant the whole front end lifted about two to three inches of the ground and needed the springs reset to accomodate. I would estimate atleast 150kg drop just with the engine and trans alone. The engine is also further back, and gets pretty close to a 50/50 weight distribution.

Yes it is very quick.

Brett.

 

B

Brett

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• Jan 17, 2011

• #8

Some pics

 

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B

Brett

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• Jan 17, 2011

• #9

And some more

 

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J

John S

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• Jan 17, 2011

• #10

There is something I cannot quiet understand Brett, the 450 has a 3.07 or 3.06 diff and cruises at 110 k's on roughly 3200 Revs, but yours sits on 2200rpm at 100kph with the same diff? Surely it's got something like a 2.24 ratio or similar?

 

B

B13

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• Jan 17, 2011

• #11

Maybe top gear is an overdrive, so the driveshaft would be turning faster relative to the engine.

I.

 

B

Brett

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• Jan 17, 2011

• #12

Ok, sorry, its a 280se, 450se badge, just didn't sound right with a v8 burble.

So the diff as far as I know is a 3.69.

 

B

Brett

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• Jan 17, 2011

• #13

Oh, another thing, you realise it has the 4 speed lexus trans as well ?
So makes any comparison to the merc ratio's void.

Yes it is in 4th (or overdrive)

Brett

 

SEL_69L

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• Jan 17, 2011

• #14

With the lighter alloy engine up front, it should give better steering turn in response than a standard 450 SE.

 

B

Brett

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• Jan 17, 2011

• #15

Steering is heaps lighter at slow speeds, seemed rather heavy to me before.
Adjusted box to basically no play, and feels really nice in front end now.
Definitely seemed nose heavy before.

It is heaps more "chuckable" in corners, and sits pretty flat when pushed hard.

The good thing is, it hasn't lost any of the merc feel, you really forget about the engine under the hood, except when you put your foot into it.

Brett

 

Styria

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• Jan 17, 2011

• #16

Hi Brett, I am glad you dug up the thread - obviously, unbeknown to us, you must have been the owner of the car. Hang on, am I on the right track ? Some talk about lack of pics, but now we have them. Okay, to get this right, you are the owner ?.......

I like the idea of the Lexus V8 in the 116 body - more modern, faster, more economical and, dare I say it, it would be cheaper to maintain. I know it's not original, but that aspect does not concern me unduly. Now, how about substituting another engine for a 6.9 ? The one I like would be a 4 litre turbo charged Diesel out of a BMW, or a V10 turbo charged Diesel out of an Audi - those would be excitement stations. I am just talking to myself... Regards Styria ...and welcome to the site - I hope you will enjoy being part of the team.

 

B

-bb-

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• Jan 17, 2011

• #17

Hi Brett... welcome to our humble forum. Your car is fabulous! A W116 with a modern Jap engine would be something I would like to own one day.

 

Styria

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• Jan 18, 2011

• #18

Hi Brett, re-reading your posts on the Soarer forum, I got the impression that initially you had some teething problems with low down response and the ECU, also possibly the Speedo arrangement. Did you manage to get all that sorted, and are you using the car much ? Perhaps you may wish to elaborate a little on any features that have developed with the passing of time. Regards Styria

 

Michel

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• Jan 18, 2011

• #19

Great Pics Brett.

And I lurve the red colour...

 

WGB

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• Jan 18, 2011

• #20

Beautiful job Brett.

Do you notice anything on take-off and lift off as a 280 rear end will not have the stability of a V8 setup with it's different torque rods.

Bill