123 Engine Transplant possible??

[jaymanek]

Hi i have just bought a damaged 123/200 X reg.

I have two options:

1) Restore : To get it right it will need bonnet, wings, front panel. Probably few areas like sills etc will need tidying too. Inside quite tidy. Car has done 90 000 miles genuine, with a heap of receipts.
But im thinking 200's in the best of conditions rarely fetch that much at all.

2) Transplant Engine/box: Use the engine/gearbox on my W reg 200. The 1980 W reg has been in my family since new, hence not about to get rid of it. The engine is the older type (115) and runs well, but after being rebuilt a couple of times, is a little noisy and doesnt have the power it used to. I will also need to look at manifold soon as there is a strong blow..
I was thinking maybe i could use the engine and box from the damaged X reg, and then sell the rest of the bits as spares.- Theres a good brown leather interior etc....

My question is a) Is it possible to put the newer engine (102) in place of the older one (115), there are a few differences that i noticed at a quick look; like the carb and some electrics being on opposite sides??
b) is the newer engine as reliable as the older one? I spoke to andy gayle, his opinion was that the 115 was a very strong engine so shouldnt really bother.
I know most parts are same like radiator, carb etc etc.....

Any more opinions/experiences appreciated.

Thanks

Jay

 

[longdog5]

Hi, Bonnet, wings& front panel would not cost much for a 123, on the other hand I think the transplant (although not exactly 1 for 1 ) would be OK. I guess the choise is yours. Mine was a 240 Diesel , had it for 8 years and loved it lots.
LD5

 

[jaymanek]

yes, i wouldnt spend on MB panels, as this will cost way more than the car. But even with the twenty quid wings, a second hand bonnet etc and then to spray the whole car would still be best part of a grand.... (not including any other welding that may emerge).......

Therefore unless someone else tells me that i really shouldnt do it, i think its the second option.......