URGENTLY in need of drivers seatbelt for swb 460 1989
Hello all ,
The 230 ge 1989 swb is currently on its way up to York for a 606 conversion, looking at 400hp range with 650lb/ft torque, been told this will be crazy in a short wheel base, but sounds like alot of fun. I am very excited but in need of some help on a few things.
1. The drivers seatbelt is completely broke and does not work at all, i need of a new one/working one as soon as possible, as the G will be having a MOT after the conversion.
2. The gap between the left rear wheel and the wheel arch is 2 inchs greater than the other 3 wheels, the G has been stood for a year, the suspension does compress normally but returns to being 2 inches greater than the others. The suspension is incredibly soft so will replace suspension completely front and rear with something alot stiffer, any recommendations ? I believe the amg shocks are stiff, this could be an option.
Greatly appreciate any help given.
Alexander
AMG shocks are available here:
http://www.gwoa.co.uk/content/mercedes-amg-shock-absorbers-4-no
As for seatbelt, if no-one here has one lying around, try ebay.de, Germany (a number of G's are broken for spares regularly, but some sellers are asking almost new prices for some parts) or your local dealer.
Over the years, I've noticed that rear springs tend to sag more than the front springs and also tend to break more often. It may be that at some point only one of the two springs was replaced for some reason.
Over on Gwagenregister there is a german gent whom is selling the seatbelts at 60euro each.
http://gwagenregister.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=84&sid=bfab2093509f12bb9bce57da54244a17
I sincerely hope that you are planning on upgrading more than shocks if you're aiming for that power!
Hello Alexander,
There are two different fittings to seatbelt buckle or clip; make sure you ask for the correct one. Get a photo of it to compare and measure the clip's width.
RE: Sagging or higher suspension; the rear coil springs have a tendency to break top and, or bottom of coils - these are difficult to see. To check; jack the body, not the axle to lift it as high as it will go without lifting the axle of wheels. This is to provide the extension of the coil spring to check for breakage. NOTE: Do use axle stands under the body before crawling under the vehicle!
If a broken spring is found; replace the rears as a set, not just the one. OE spring are not or were not too expensive; when I last checked.
Considering you are committed to a serious project, I'm sure you have done your research. Nevertheless might I point out that your car even after the engine transplant will be at least 500kg lighter than an AMG, if you put AMG shocks/ springs in you might end up with a very stiff set-up. A G500 SWB (M273, 388hp/ 530NM) set-up should be sufficient.
AMG shocks are available here:
http://www.gwoa.co.uk/content/mercedes-amg-shock-absorbers-4-no
As for seatbelt, if no-one here has one lying around, try ebay.de, Germany (a number of G's are broken for spares regularly, but some sellers are asking almost new prices for some parts) or your local dealer.
Over the years, I've noticed that rear springs tend to sag more than the front springs and also tend to break more often. It may be that at some point only one of the two springs was replaced for some reason.
Thanks Arnie, Had seen these before , think these maybe the ones, just hope they wont be too stiff? , pretty sure i just need to upgrade the whole suspension front and rear, it probably hasnt been replaced in 25 years!! not bad i suppose
I sincerely hope that you are planning on upgrading more than shocks if you're aiming for that power!
Defiantly!! .. New Tarox discs, brakes for the front and will get the trusted G restorations to covert the rears to discs also. Still working my way through all that should be upgraded due to the increase in power. what do you recommend ?
No worries buddy ! (that dark side website is a tricky one to navigate. but looks to me that a few of the gents have bought bits from zis german so should be pretty simple transaction. TBH ze germans are efficient little beasts and generally beat UK sellers with both service and speed of shipping. Really they should of won that war ! Technically they bloody did !!!)
She's a tough ol bird and will beat that GBola no problem !!! (meanwhile i'll be by her side for the duration) Till death do us part, in sickness and in health ! She's the bitch for me pal !!!
Good luck with the seat belts Alex your gonna need em.
best wishes,
Neil.
Hello Alexander,
There are two different fittings to seatbelt buckle or clip; make sure you ask for the correct one. Get a photo of it to compare and measure the clip's width.
RE: Sagging or higher suspension; the rear coil springs have a tendency to break top and, or bottom of coils - these are difficult to see. To check; jack the body, not the axle to lift it as high as it will go without lifting the axle of wheels. This is to provide the extension of the coil spring to check for breakage. NOTE: Do use axle stands under the body before crawling under the vehicle!
If a broken spring is found; replace the rears as a set, not just the one. OE spring are not or were not too expensive; when I last checked.
Key advice there Pistonhead thank you, I tried to have a good look but as you said , if they have a tendency to break at the top or the bottom its hard to see, as soon as the G is home i will do as you say, think im good to order new coils and shock front and rear to be sure?
Considering you are committed to a serious project, I'm sure you have done your research. Nevertheless might I point out that your car even after the engine transplant will be at least 500kg lighter than an AMG, if you put AMG shocks/ springs in you might end up with a very stiff set-up. A G500 SWB (M273, 388hp/ 530NM) set-up should be sufficient.
Theo it still hasnt sunk it that its all going ahead!, but yes have spent the last 14 months listening to everyone on here and on superturbodisiel. Do you know what was used 'coils and shocks' on the g500 swb? , and any idea where i could source them?
The suspension on there currently is soooo soft, its awful can literally press with half body weight and she is rocking around like no bodys business! ,
Your Mercedes dealer is your starting point as you need the part numbers/ colour codes of the springs; have in mind that the set-up/ car I proposed was not sold in the UK; don't just rely only on my word and have in mind that it is the interaction of weight of the car/ tyre size/ springs and damper that define the handling; what kind of a gearbox will you fit?
ahh yes , i completely understand what your saying, plus my swb will be unique so it will be even harder to tell what the handling could be like. Regarding the gearbox t will have a 722.6 , 5 speed auto.
I found these, says they were on the g500.. would be interested to know what the colour codes mean.
hi
good luck with the project
are you going electronic for the diesel pump or mechanical ?
I'm asking really as if you go for a stand alone autobox controller I've just been through several months of interesting trials with mine.
I sincerely hope that you are planning on upgrading more than shocks if you're aiming for that power!
Defiantly!! .. New Tarox discs, brakes for the front and will get the trusted G restorations to covert the rears to discs also. Still working my way through all that should be upgraded due to the increase in power. what do you recommend ?
I'd be looking at the later model amg stuff for the brakes/suspension, G's aren't particularly fond of corners and I can't imagine one with that much power will take too kindly to stopping/cornering without serious mods!
400bhp and 650ft/lb in a 460 chassis no matter what shocks and springs will be interesting.
400bhp650 lb torque, poor back axle!
As Alex Johanson said in his opening remarks, it will be crazy but a lot of fun.
Yea and some people think base jumping is fun
hi
good luck with the project
are you going electronic for the diesel pump or mechanical ?
I'm asking really as if you go for a stand alone autobox controller I've just been through several months of interesting trials with mine.
thank you, i am very excited but nervous at the same time ahhhh! ,How was your stand alone autobox controller? it will be a mechanical pump supplied by the best; dieselmeken. See below for all the upgrades, well the ones i can remember.
OM606 Engine (low mileage & free plugs)
722-6 auto gearbox (low mileage & tested)
Injector pump – 8mm + alda (up to 500bhp & including core)
Gearbox controller
Custom mounts
Custom large intercooler setup (capable of 500 bhp)
Custom stainless 3” exhaust + downpipe
Custom Borgwarner turbo
Oil feed + returns
K & N Intake
Throttle cable setup + Engine service + glow plug replace
Gearbox service + sump removal
Custom engine stop
Custom glow plug relay + engine loom
Adapter shaft + custom work for gearbox conversion
Custom wastgate
Sump Alterations
'd be looking at the later model amg stuff for the brakes/suspension, G's aren't particularly fond of corners and I can't imagine one with that much power will take too kindly to stopping/cornering without serious mods!
I think your right, will look like going down the g500 swb route or amg for the suspension, will be making further mods once i have the engine, I am in the process of getting some custom made calipers made for the front brakes by Tarox, costing a arm and a leg but it will stop the thing fast... does any other G caliper 'amg ?' fit the 230ge ?.. or will i have to get some custom made ?
As Alex Johanson said in his opening remarks, it will be crazy but a lot of fun.
I will be bringing her to the meets you guys do around the country, always wanted to be part of those. Thats if i havent killed myself driving her haha .. will post videos/pictures from the build in the next few weeks, and of course that very important dyno..
I suspect that you could probably get a nice reliable and fast V8 G500 for the value of your current G plus the fortune you are about to spend on it, just a thought. 
I suspect that you could probably get a nice reliable and fast V8 G500 for the value of your current G plus the fortune you are about to spend on it, just a thought.
Your probably right..and i plan to buy one in the very near future ;) thing is i have always wanted a Maserati gran turismo,so i think that will probably come first. For me its the enjoyment of taking a wreck of a G wagon and bringing it back a new lease of life, the restoration satisfaction brings so much more than just buying a car. I wanted a rock solid G that was unique, so right now its the hobby. There will probably be a point over the next year when I have replaced everything that has annoyed me being a bit battered or dirty, and running as smooth as it can... this will be the time when a new project is required.
Have loved the discussion on this forum for 18 months now since i joined roughly, would be sad if i didnt have a G to restore :(
Yep you're nuts
What's your next project, putting supercharged V8 into a VW Beatle
Only messing, love these off the wall projects and look forward to seeing the results ( but not the subsequent carnage)
Have you checked out your insurers attitude? My insurers want 40% more for fitting twin turbo's onto a M103 in a 463.
I can see the attraction of the exercise and I'm looking forward to see the final product; however, it is ambitious, getting a G55 drivetrain into a 460 will be an interesting exercise.
I can see the attraction of the exercise and I'm looking forward to see the final product; however, it is ambitious, getting a G55 drivetrain into a 460 will be an interesting exercise.
He's not suggesting that, springs, shocks and brakes only.
I doubt that the 460 transfer case will last long, especially in low range combined with the torque multiplication effect of the torque converter.
and he'll need keep an eye on his Flux Capacitor !
Not sure what the drivetrain intention is but Alex Johanson intends to fit a 722.6 gearbox, the only 722.6 gearbox that can take (kind of) the torque we are talking here is the 722.63 (G55K), so once you have that thing in and linked to the CAN it (at least for me) makes sense to fit the entire G55K SWB drivetrain. Neither easy nor cheap but you end up with a one of a kind G.
Have been reading this thread with some interest. Always love more power! But.... being the voice of reason (which is alien to me.. :) ) I must say....
With power comes responsibility and that means thinking long and hard about how you are going to deliver the fun of 400 BHP in a safe considerate way for you and other road users. The physical forces you will be asking your G to deliver are immense and while it is a robust machine, it does eventually have a saturation point. 2.5 tonnes, two wheel drive and more power than you could shake a stick at, are you going to be having it in the garage after every time you take it out? Changing the breaks, springs etc are advisable, however there was a reason that Mercedes waited until the 463 before they began dropping in the larger more powerful engines in (V8's) and to my knowledge MB never did a SWB G55 as the torque (even the std G55 @350BHP) was not practically manageable.
While the 460's make great conversions, I have to point out you would have to also consider redoing the whole suspension and not just the springs and shocks, if he is still a member, perhaps drop FCP a PM and see what he is doing with his truck? If this is your first G, as other have pointed out - try looking for a nice G500 SWB - OK only 300 BHP, but it does have the permanent FWD which helps , especially around corners and the like.
Sorry to poo poo the idea, but IMHO by the time you have specked it out , reported to the insurer's and got it on the road, it maybe more cost effective to look out for a good little G500 or reduce the power in the 460 (have been told that a 460 with twin turbos's developing around the 250 BHP mark will give you just as much fun).
Am sure I am going to get a lot of counter arguments for the above, but in the 8 years of owing and driving my G everyday, knowing members over time and seeing a LOT of various conversions, it would be remiss of me not to point out these fundamental potential issues.
Spider1V
Spider, you are the voice of reason, all you say is sensible advice. But I would assume that Mondeo drivers apply a similar logic to Gs as well. The project is crazy, it is 100% Clarkson.
G55K SWB were special order only. As far as Gs go, if you ask nicely Mercedes will produce it, in 2011 Mercedes offered to build G500 RHDs for those that neither liked the 350 nor the 55.
Clarkson is a Pratt and look what happened to him
Spider, you are the voice of reason, all you say is sensible advice. But I would assume that Mondeo drivers apply a similar logic to Gs as well. The project is crazy, it is 100% Clarkson.
G55K SWB were special order only. As far as Gs go, if you ask nicely Mercedes will produce it, in 2011 Mercedes offered to build G500 RHDs for those that neither liked the 350 nor the 55.
I do stand corrected, after checking with some other members there are a few of these very rare beasts around. Only two in RHD out of around 12 known in the world! As Theo said, special order, however the reason that MB decided not to do a full production is there were issues around the chassis taking the power. By 80K miles, everything would need changing! Of course MB will produce anything you want - at a price! :), but for that type of power I would still recommend a LWB 463.
Some more information
http://www.hehlhans.de/g55kurz.htm
http://www.w463.de/463_g55.htm
Re the G500, they did offer it, the 378 BHP version, however wanted £30K deposit and around £100K at the time, as they did make me the same offer.
Spider1V
So Alex is building a 130k truck then !
Crack on Alex !!!
Initially I did hesitate to post about the project because I knew there was going to be a mixed response. But then it came to me, if I really want this to work I am going to need all your help with this one. The project does have issues, its obviously not straight forward achieving that much power let alone making it usable it a 25 year old G , and it being a short wheel base. However I am prepared to do what needs to be done to make this work, and who doesn’t like a challenge. Your right it is 100% Clarkson, bloody love him, I have decided this conversion will be now dedicated to Clarkson
It will be a 722.63 gearbox. Quite lucky with the insurance side as I have close friends that are in the industry, so 75% discount means even insuring a Lamborghini is affordable. Regarding the drivetrain, I am already in conversation about upgrading various parts, but will see how it handles the power aswell.
Just a point;
The G wagon has always defied the laws of how an off-road car should be, on-road its even more stupid. Basically a square box with 4 wheels, every 4 year old in the country can draw one, But I suppose the simplicity of it all, makes for one big romance. Somehow these machines draw attention from the masses, we all know why, or maybe we don’t but it doesn’t matter… they are just cool. We all have our own relationships with our G’s , all equally as great as the next. I am just glad we have a community on here and can all come together and celebrate the same thing.
Here here !
Quite lucky with the insurance side as I have close friends that are in the industry, so 75% discount means even insuring a Lamborghini is affordable.
Interesting. I used to be a broker in "The Room" Best discount I ever got was 15%...
....however the reason that MB decided not to do a full production is there were issues around the chassis taking the power.
i can't see what difference a SWB chassis would make. If anything, being shorter, it would be tortionally stiffer than the LWB version. The G400 has 560 Nm as standard and that's was always available as SWB.
....however the reason that MB decided not to do a full production is there were issues around the chassis taking the power.
i can't see what difference a SWB chassis would make. If anything, being shorter, it would be tortionally stiffer than the LWB version. The G400 has 560 Nm as standard and that's was always available as SWB.
More likely to swap ends and head for the scenery.
Well, there is that.
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Thank you Neil, just registered and will have a good look!! , hope your G is over its G 'bola'