Hi,

I was very excited when I bought my 91 240GLE wagon as the salesman told me it had the improved 940 Motor in it. I understood this to be the B230FB. As it turns out my vehicle has been manufactured with the standard B230F motor. I also understand there are two other engines, the B230FX (100KW) and a DOHC version of this engine (115KW).

Would love the extra power - can I get it and does anyone know what is involved?

Thanks always,

Trevor Burke

Trevor,

First, if I may ask, are you located outside of the US? I have never seen a 240GLE of that vintage in the 'states.

To address your question, to the best of my knowledge, it is possible to put a DOHC 16v B234F head on a B230F block, however this engine has some reliability issues. The B234F is an interference engine, meaning that if the timing belt breaks the pistons and valves can be damaged. If the timing belt breaks on your B230F, all you do is install a new T-belt for about $20 US and you're back on the road again in less than a half hour. While the "seat-of-your pants" sensation that the 16v engine can produce is fun, I find the B230F's combination of power and economy to be more than adequate with a 5spd gearbox (is your GLE auto or stick?).

If you really want some extra "oomph", IPD (see link below) sells a 'VX' camshaft upgrade for US $189. According to their catalog, it is good for about 12hp over stock and takes up to 1.2 seconds off your 0-60 time for a non-turbo motor. That might not sound like much, but it's more than a 10% increase in power. This would probably be less expensive in the long run than swapping heads, and produce similar results. You might also consider upgrading to a hi-flow exhaust (good for another 5-6hp). :-)

Good luck with your "new" 240!

Dear Rob,

Thanks for your advice. Yes I am located in Australia. The two suggestions of the VX Camshaft and the exhaust upgrade sound like the way to go. Combined this should be a big improvement. I appreciate your tip on the reliability issue with the DOHC and your point about economy. I must say the economy of this vehicle over an older one we have is good. It is an auto with overdrive.

Thanks again,

Trevor Burke

That's also a good route to take because I believe I've heard that the 16V head doesn't fit into the 240 compartment without modification of the firewall. VX!

Rene

The VX camshaft is used in the B230FX (along with a slightly better head casting - but you'll get most of the extra power from just the cam.) The sport exhaust is excellent - great sound and a little extra power.

The SOHC engine can actually be tuned to outperform the DOHC head, because there are more parts (aftermarket heads, valves, cams, headers, exhaust, ignition, intakes, stroker cranks, etc...) available to modify it.