1969 Mercedes 280SEL with a 408 ci LSx V8

Josh Stahl is the President of Reviva, a company in Minneapolis, Minnesota specializing in rebuilt gasoline and diesel engines. The company recently launched a line of performance LSx V8s ranging in power outputs of 450-600 horsepower. Josh decided the best way to showcase their new performance LSx V8s was to build a tribute to the original Mercedes Red Pig.

The project started when Josh sent his 1969 Mercedes 280SEL (W108) to Bo Vescio at Vescio’s Customizing & Restoration in Rogers, Minnesota for a complete makeover. There the car received an Art Morrison front and rear independent clip held together by a custom middle. The suspension was upgraded with RideTech coilovers, adjustable swap bar, Detroit Speed steering rack, and Wilwood disc brakes (6-piston front, 4-piston rear).

Under the hood sits a 408 ci LSx V8 built by Reviva making 607 horsepower and 596 lb-ft of torque. The engine features a bored LQ4 block, Manley forged 4.00 stroke crankshaft, Manley forged H-beam rods, Manley forged dished pistons, upgraded camshaft, LS3 ported heads, and 42 lb injectors. The V8 is mated to a T56 six-speed manual transmission with a McLeod RXT twin-disc ceramic clutch, custom 3-inch aluminum driveshaft, and Strange rear end with 3.54 gears.

The car is currently making a tour of Goodguys events and might even make a stop at SEMA 2019. After that we can expect to see this amazing creation on an autocross course.

Source: Vescio’s Customizing & Restoration FB page, LSx Magazine, and Fuel Curve