The engine back-plate is the same on the 616 and the 617, the flywheel also, but you'll need the 300D starter as the 616 starter will turn the 617 engine rather slowly incomparison to the 616, and the drive-shaft from donor vehicle as well as gear-shift linkage assuming the donor is a 4 spd manual, as the trans sits further back in the chassis when behind a 617. The Front-Springs will probably need replacing as the front end would otherwise ride too low. The 617 is a fair bit heavier than the 616.

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Alastair AKA H.C.II South Wales, U.K. based member

W123, 1985 300TD Wagon, 256K,
-Most recent M.B. purchase, Cost-a-plenty, Gulps BioDiesel extravagantly, and I love it like an old dog.

W114, 1975 280E Custard Yellow,
-Great above decks needs chassis welding--Really will do it this year....