Billy's W124 Coupe Project

[BillyW124]

If you are going down the Sportline route is there anything you need to to do the Idler arm, I had a feeling that was Sportline unique as well as the Lower Control Arms. Something to do with ball point position, are you guys aware of this...??

As far as I know the idler arm is the same on both standard and sportline setups, though I could be proved wrong.

Well I guess they way to do this is to check part numbers....??

I checked part numbers and as far as i can see the idler arms are the same with no reference to a 'sports chassis' on EPC.

The lower control arms are differentiated with 'only used without sports chassis' and one's that are 'only applicable to sports chassis'.

...however one thing i did notice for the 320 control arms, they both have the same part number which is odd. sportline and non sportline. Maybe they have been all standardised now? ..

My next plan was to convert the car to a sportline spec minus the springs and shocks as i'll be getting something that suits me and the car as opposed.

This steering box was a big part of the sportline conversion so i'm not too sure what direction to steer with it at the moment now!

I'll be rebuilding the rear sub frame as I've got a refurbished unit with new Sportline bushes in them, (129 part numbers). Will need to get new links and arms for the rebuild to commence.

For now though its all about completing the engine conversion to its best and certainly a massive hats off to Carat.

He has done an incredible job and my expectations of a 'normal' engine conversion has been exceeded with the effort he has put in to make this thing look amazing and when finished drive like a beaut!

Little twiddly bits like cruise control, heated washer bottle, and other things here and there and the job's a good un!

I'm impressed how the black rocker cover has turned out.

Just ordered a new brake booster line and coolant expansion tank so on its way

 

[mazza]

Hi

I'v Been testing these little beauties to see if they will be the right combo with your front springs... spring rate 5.8kgf/mm

we'll use them as test springs

mazza

 

[BillyW124]

Seeing as Billy has not seen his engine for a weeks, I think he's rather keen to see how things are looking.

Enter one factory fresh m104...

Perfect

Absolutely Spot on. :bannana:

 

[BillyW124]

Hi

I'v Been testing these little beauties to see if they will be the right combo with your front springs... spring rate 5.8kgf/mm

we'll use them as test springs

mazza

Great work! whats your verdict so far.... suitable? Stanceable?

 

[mazza]

Hi mate

calculations suggest that weight transfer is sorted (not talking about static weight..he he)

In terms of stance,we'll work on it..he he!!

mazza

 

[carat 3.6]

In terms of stance,we'll work on it..he he!!

Just dont work on it with the fluffy handcuffs.

 

[mazza]

Just dont work on it with the fluffy handcuffs.

ha ha!! no worries mate!!

I will be using them on Billy when he asks if we can lower a bit more so that we can just about fit a pubic hair between tire and arch...he he he!!

mazza

 

[rigel]

Crikey Billy, what a difference a couple of months makes!!

Last time we spoke, it was about fitting cruise to the M111 engine of your W124, and now I find you’ve gone all 6 pot on me.

Is the cruise system still the same (apart from the actuator) now that it’s combining with that M104 engine? Or is it a completely different setup?

All credit to you for following your dreams. It looks like an excellent job is being done in the workshop; praise must indeed also go to Carat 3.6 AMG for his attention to detail.

I can’t wait to see the final results.

Regards, R.

 

[BillyW124]

ha ha!! no worries mate!!

I will be using them on Billy when he asks if we can lower a bit more so that we can just about fit a pubic hair between tire and arch...he he he!!

mazza

:fail

Hi mate

calculations suggest that weight transfer is sorted (not talking about static weight..he he)

In terms of stance,we'll work on it..he he!!


mazza

If your not talking static weight, I'd rather the springs comply properly with the wet weight and as expertly mentioned together with those two extra pots beyond the front axle braking under pressure shouldn't nose dive!!

The stance can be sorted without too much bother and i'm pretty sure it will be governed by those rubber shims..

Just dont work on it with the fluffy handcuffs.

Rubber gloves should suffice if it aint gunna be those cuffs then..

 

[BillyW124]

Crikey Billy, what a difference a couple of months makes!!

Last time we spoke, it was about fitting cruise to the M111 engine of your W124, and now I find you’ve gone all 6 pot on me.

Is the cruise system still the same (apart from the actuator) now that it’s combining with that M104 engine? Or is it a completely different setup?

All credit to you for following your dreams. It looks like an excellent job is being done in the workshop; praise must indeed also go to Carat 3.6 AMG for his attention to detail.

I can’t wait to see the final results.

Regards, R.

I remember Ace well!

I've kept all the same components for fitting the cruise to the M104 as we last discussed. The only thing that may be different (soon to find out) is the bracket to bolt the actuator to the engine block and the connecting rod to the throttle. Not too much hassle i hope!


Now, what makes this install 'easier' than other M104 E320's is that this engine is an early variant. A 1993.

Late year 94 and 95 320's had the cruise control dictated by part of the ECU and overall engine harness i believe.

Even though i have a cruise control amp, the ones found on the later 320 models have a VDO device in the passenger footwell which then feeds to as part of the engine wiring harness in conjunction with the ECU.

..bit of a pain that one!

Lets see how this retro fit fairs. On paper sounds like a price of cake?!!?

 

[rigel]

I will be reading your thread with great interest, especially where the retro fitting of the cruise is concerned, much easier to set up on the engine when it is out of the car I’m sure.

Please don’t skimp on detail, especially regarding where you choose to run the loom for the cruise control and if the Hall effect sensor is fitted to the speedo.

I still haven’t progressed any further with mine as my attentions have been focused elsewhere to date.

Regards, R.

 

[Niks]

Those springs will have one hell of a spring rate for it not to nose dive under braking pressure. Dont you guys run the risk of the ride being way too firm?

Kinda like Mazza's 190.. Remember Mazza when you sat on the boot and the car didnt even budge! lol.

 

[mazza]

Those springs will have one hell of a spring rate for it not to nose dive under braking pressure. Dont you guys run the risk of the ride being way too firm?

Kinda like Mazza's 190.. Remember Mazza when you sat on the boot and the car didnt even budge! lol.

front/rear springs set up has been matched to control weight transfer, including heavy breaking from 4 piston calipers, heavier engine, engine cooling etc.

Front springs are approx 78N/mm or 7.92kgf/mm and ride feels pretty good..but Billy would be the best person to give feed back on that matter.

The 2.3-16v has been set up with tarmac rally spring rates...so yes!! its going to be firm...he he! but there's a reason for that..eventually it will be set up with a transaxle gearbox for a much better cross weight set up and front/rear split....but thats a different thread..

mazza

 

[Niks]

Sounds like its going to be one nice riding car, especially if Mazza's on the job!

 

[mazza]

Sounds like its going to be one nice riding car, especially if Mazza's on the job!

mazza uses a secret weapon.....he he

mazza

 

[BillyW124]

Billy would be the best person to give feed back on that matter.


mazza

In regards to firmness - this point of discussion will vary a great deal from person to person.

What might be firm or to stiff for person A might be not frim or stiff for person B at all.

Its hard to distinguish ones tolerance.

For me personally, i like a firmer ride as i like to feel the road - Ok, UK roads are pretty bad which would make this unbearable for some but two things:

1. Car is not a daily drive - so its acceptable
2. If i want stance combined with 'feel' learn to accept something needs to give.

In all fairness the ride currently isn't 'crashy', then again what car wouldn't be, crashy vs. pot holes and S$ite roads. Unless of course you have Air Matic!?

In addition to this type of set up the car is more 'taught' and feels like its planted to the road and feels safer IMO.

At higher speeds you begin to appreciate the differences. I'm not talking corners but on a straight flat -ish surface even with a few bumps here and there i.e. some stretches of motorway. In that type of scenario comfort will match any non lowered car. As for cornering, well we all know the advantages of a lowered vehicle.

All comes down to what an individual wants from their car really. For me subtle things to make a big difference for my ownership.

Also for others to perhaps appreciate an example of a 124 that's been modified yet still maintain's its identity. That's the aim.

Shouldn't get hung up on what people perceive on what's good or what's bad! Take their views and make your own.

That's the route i take.

 

[carat 3.6]

What might be firm or to stiff for person A might be not frim or stiff for person B at all.

Behave yourself Billy...

 

[trapperjohn]

Repaint the car Viagra Blue?

 

[murder merc]

gave me a kick up the back to start my ce!

 

[sopgeo]

Thanks for an interesting thread. Can you please tell me more about the stainless headers, where they a standard Mercedes part or after market?