Originally Posted by x'ed
that's a great point, the 4.3 should damn near bolt right in...only thing would be the tranny, no manual v8 benzes, but i don't know if that would be a problem or not, never done a swap on an engine without swapping the tranny also...someone with more technical knowledge than i should really investigate this...
I think the bell housing mounts are the same but the flywheel/clutch/input shaft assembly may be a problem if the V8s are only fitted with torque converters. It is by no means a bolt-in swap as the radiator etc would all have to come forward. There have been (old model) V8 SLK's running around as safety cars on race circuits, so I know one will fit. I have some contacts at MB Racing Engines and they do a lot with the V8s, I'll ask them. Like I said I would pursue this as a business if I thought it was viable, but I really don't think the numbers add up.