Ever see a Mercedes heart transplant?

Just for reference:  I tried swapping a SBC into a 300 series Benz, it went, but the gigantic steering box was in the way of any exhaust.  

 Anywho, I need something with a back seat, but I also want a classic car.

The 220 & Fintail models are too big for her to park, I like this but it's sluggish.  2.3 Turbo-stick fit the bill, looking for suggestions.  I don't mind the work of a swap, I just want a little getty up.  The 190 is $13k, Amazon is $16k; my  limit is $20,000.

These are the contenders, but I am swayed too easily.

I would start with a cheaper 190. Also 190's seem like they really suck to swap out of all the vintage Mercedes. If she can't park a 220 or heckflosse then she ain't gonna be able to park that. They're all tiny cars by today's standard. 

Other ideas are a w114 with a Mercedes 4cyl or i6 from a 90s benz. I know people who has done both. 

See:

I also know someone with a ls in their heckflosse 

For something like that 190 you don't want to go that fast because of the suspension and brakes, so think about a modern 4cyl swap, like an MZR/Duratec 2.5 or an Ecotec.   Plenty of power for that chassis and easier to fit in the smaller engine bays. 

Amazon

Newer self parking cars?  Why not? Save you a lot of work. 

That Amazon is a beauty. 

When you're sooo lazy you marry a girl that's already pregnant, self parking is for you.

Volvo all the way because it has disc brakes and all the go you need from bolt on goodies on the original engine. Good parts availability and easy to work on.

In reply to Woody (Forum Supportum) :

Amazon.

Been for sale quite a few months, going to offer $14k.  Fly 'n Drive to Atlanta. =~ )

old-school benz for style points

amazon for something you might drive enough to need to repair

Hmmm - Amazon with a tuned Ecotec (turbo version of course) and modern 5  speed.  I'd drive that!

For an idea of how it would be, see 

Start with a pre-73 w114 with the m110 dohc six and add modern fuel injection. It'll be quick enough to keep up modern traffic, and easier to complete than an engine swap.

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EDIT now that I'm at a computer: The w114 is a huge step up from the heckflosse. You get IRS, disc brakes all around, a modern DOHC engine, rudimentary bosch injection (if you want to keep it stock), functional AC, and even crumple zones. Pre-73 models have the prettier tail lights, narrower grille, and triangle-corner window vents. They styling is restrained but the sedan one of my favorite Paul Bracq designs.