Billy's W124 Coupe Project

[WDB124066]

That pressing looks like it's ready for a cambolt to me, or even one of those eccentric bushes, anybody get good results with them Ed....?

 

[BillyW124]

update

Took the car for a test drive on Saturday. I felt like an excited little child! I think anyone would after being parted from it for 5 months! There really isn't any substitute for the feeling you get sitting in the driver seat of a 124 coupe. :bannana:

Haven't got it home just yet, few bits here and there to finish off but as you’d expect from the 3.2 m104, the power difference vs the 4 pot is instantly different. I have no complaints about its power – I need to get used to the ‘stiffer’ pedal Vs. getting the right engine response i'm looking for though....

If there is one thing I noticed, the 4 pot was more responsive on the pedal. Maybe the cabling needs adjusting a little but I believe this is a common M104 characteristic. I’ll get used to it eventually and like the 4 pot I’ll know exactly when to feed the B*%ch to give me the response I’m looking for lower down the rev range. When the engine is opened up on the higher rev range we get to speed quite effortlessly and quickly. The sound of that mechanical engine pumping all six gives a very unique sound. I’m happy with the note of the rear Sebring back box after the de cat too. It’s not noisy at all and gives a nice note on start up and whilst driving - no drone.


An important thing to mention at this point is the car isn’t using a 3.2 head anymore. Simon wasn't happy with the way the motor was running, and found the issue was the cause of sticky lifters in the head. What was needed at this point was some forward thinking and so my coupe is now running a head from a 3.6 Poor chap, had to redo the head again!!

We are still in the process of finalising the correct springs. Currently we are trying a few options available. The Bilstein B8 shocks are working very well and its certainly money well spent for sure. A huge difference in damping while pottering around taking the dips and bumps on the road compared to previous. The springs used right now add a huge factor in this comparison mind you. I can turn the steering energetically and the car will very quickly dart in the direction I want it to go which I love! This all happens happens with very minimal body roll. At high speed however I felt the rear of the car given its now wider track with the 9j’s wasn’t up to the job entirely.

We feel the use of a softer spring at the rear is needed but close attention needs to be paid in order to compliment the workings of the front springs. The way I’d describe the current rear feeling at speed (100+) was a little ‘ skatey’ if that's a word. With a little more cushioning back there I think we are on to a winner. Normal driving is perfect – but I need best of both for times i may get leary!

The four pot brakes together with the braided hoses are working like a treat. The pedal needs to be pumped a bit harder than usual but within 2mins i got used to the amount of pressure that is needed to be applied. The car stops very well indeed.

Overall i'm very happy with how this project has turned out. Its always a bit of a risk, but have had the help and guidance of top guys who know what they are talking about - and importantly know my requirements. Its a total different car now. The ride, the feel and the power. After changing practically everything, there's still something about the car that still remains. Even i can't put my finger on it.

I've got pics from this weekend which I’ll be posting later on tonight.

 

[RBYCC]

Enjoy your ride young man :bannana::bannana::bannana:

The rev characteristics of the M104 are much different then your 4 pot and even the M103...

Seems to rev slow at first until the cams kick in....

 

[BillyW124]

Yes i'd certainly agree with that Ed, seems to rev slow at first, it needs a bit of a heavier foot on that pedal initially..

 

[kth286]

If it's like mine, you may find in damp conditions when trying to get out of
a busy junction, you CANNOT avoid spinning the rear wheels.

I guarantee your next mod will be a limited slip diff.

On another note, has the geometry been re done since starting the conversion ?

Skittish road behaviour can be a geometry issue.

 

[BillyW124]

If it's like mine, you may find in damp conditions when trying to get out of
a busy junction, you CANNOT avoid spinning the rear wheels.

I guarantee your next mod will be a limited slip diff.

On another note, has the geometry been re done since starting the conversion ?

Skittish road behaviour can be a geometry issue.

Ah Yes, i forgot to mention above that the car had been tested without geometry. This will indeed play an important factor in overall handling. Thanks for pointing this out. Its going in this week to get laser tracked...

Simon has an idea about the rear diff, it sounded quite tasty, lets see how i get on with a standard one first - remember i'm still using the 220 one!

 

[LowMilerAMG]

Sounds like its all coming together a treat , so well done to everybody involved!
Just a quick question, is there much difference between the 3.2 head and the 3.6 one? I've read all sorts of stories in the past , through different cams , bigger ports, actual head being forged rather than cast. Are you able to shed any light on the above, is it just a bolt on mod with no machine work required and has it added more power to the engine?
Would be great to get some definitive feed back as its a mod I'd like to do in the future.

Glad the Sebring sounds good with no droning that's great news and answers another one of my questions.

Can't wait for the pictures!

 

[BillyW124]

Sounds like its all coming together a treat , so well done to everybody involved!
Just a quick question, is there much difference between the 3.2 head and the 3.6 one? I've read all sorts of stories in the past , through different cams , bigger ports, actual head being forged rather than cast. Are you able to shed any light on the above, is it just a bolt on mod with no machine work required and has it added more power to the engine?
Would be great to get some definitive feed back as its a mod I'd like to do in the future.

Glad the Sebring sounds good with no droning that's great news and answers another one of my questions.

Can't wait for the pictures!

Thanks mate, Thats kind of basically what i've read about this head, they came polished and ported from factory as well iirc.

I'm sure the big boys will come along in a minute to explain properly. I was reading this last week:

M104 Cylinder Head differences... - PeachParts Mercedes ShopForum

As far as i'm aware it was a straight bolt on jobby. On the performance side of things i am lead to believe it has its benefits.

Words from the main man:

"comapring the 3.2 v 3.6 cams, they have 2mm more lift and slightly more duartion = more power!" Simon has also raised compression on my engine also.

 

[bolide]

Seems to rev slow at first until the VTEC kicks in....yo

Fixed that for you

Just watch you don't blow the welds on the manifold!

Nick Froome

 

[Niks]

The 3.2 has a lot of torque and pull in the lower rev range, ive noticed im always below 2500rpm and its enough to see 60mph easily without booting it. 3500rpm for me is when that cam kicks in and it feels like a mini turbo. Its suprising what a big difference it is compared to the 2.8 I had.

Like anything, you quickly get accustomed to the power and torque, leaving you desiring for more. The hunt is on for a V8

 

[LowMilerAMG]

Looks like I'm gonna be reading for the rest of the night! Thanks!!

 

[LowMilerAMG]

The 3.2 has a lot of torque and pull in the lower rev range, ive noticed im always below 2500rpm and its enough to see 60mph easily without booting it. 3500rpm for me is when that cam kicks in and it feels like a mini turbo. Its suprising what a big difference it is compared to the 2.8 I had.

Like anything, you quickly get accustomed to the power and torque, leaving you desiring for more. The hunt is on for a V8

Looks like your gonna experience the full works in the 124 chassis!!!

 

[RBYCC]

Fixed that for you

Just watch you don't blow the welds on the manifold!

Nick Froome

Thank you kind sir

 

[WDB124066]

Shouldn't want for acceletration below 3000 Billy, you may be running lean with that head on....??

 

[BillyW124]

We love pictures!

The stopping and damping power..

Rear end looking a bit beefy!

Headlamp wash wipes looking good! (As well as the two chaps admiring)!!!

The Stance, 9J's rear, a massive difference

The fronts now sit in line with the rears. 8J's at the rear previously got a little 'lost' and you wouldn't have been able to see them as you can here.

The height difference

From this...

To this..

The power plant!

I fancy giving it a good del320 detail when it comes home!

 

[d w124]

That stranger doesn`t seen to like the idea of you taking his picture Billy

 

[carat 3.6]

That stranger doesn`t seen to like the idea of you taking his picture Billy

Deep in thought there, we were picturing a 320ce wide body.

 

[WDB124066]

Front up a bit and maybe some mudflaps on the back...?

Does it drift left at all Billy?

 

[carat 3.6]

Just a quick question, is there much difference between the 3.2 head and the 3.6 one? I've read all sorts of stories in the past , through different cams , bigger ports, actual head being forged rather than cast. Are you able to shed any light on the above, is it just a bolt on mod with no machine work required and has it added more power to the engine?
Would be great to get some definitive feed back as its a mod I'd like to do in the future.

The 3.6 head is a direct fit onto a standard 3.2, no machine work needed.

The actual differences that make an amg head are: an amg specific inlet camshaft, some of the rough casting marks in the ports have been removed, and the inlet ports have been opened out where it meets the inlet manifold. Also the variable sprocket on the inlet cam is modified to give less advance.(for Billys engine I have used a normal 3.2 variable sprocket).

The head is normal cast alloy, with standard valve gear and a standard exhaust cam.

This is the stamping on the rear of the inlet camshaft.

[/URL][/IMG]

 

[kth286]

Just a couple of observations:

1. The coolant level is low, should be up to the container joint line.

2. It may be the picture but the cam contact and bearing areas look worn/rough/rusty