Dad needs a head for his 617.951 and we haven't found a good one around here as of yet. Today, we went to the local Pik-N-Pull in Visalia, California because they had a 50% off weekend...

Today, we pulled a head from a non-turbo 1976 123 chassis that looks to be in fantasic condition. Aside from obvious differences with its turbo counterpart, like the 'recessed' pockets in the intake valves (to reduce compression perhaps?) and the flat-on-the-bottom prechambers, we saw no other significant differences. I'm curious if we could use this on his 617.951, in the long-term, and wanted to ask the forum members for advice.

By the way, the head bears a '617' casting number.

Keep this in mind....

Years ago, when I was working for a Mercedes-Benz dealer in Visalia, California, a customer cracked a head on a 617.950 and they brought us a non-turbo head, just to 'patch it up' and get it running again. The service manager had them sign an 'As-Is' disclaimer before we started work and I do remember shimming up the pre-chambers to gain piston clearance, but it ran fine. I do not know if there could have been any long term complications, but the head bolted up and the car did run.

I would sincerely appreciate any advice you folks may have to offer. Thanks very much for your time and expertise...Robert

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Did you just pass my 740 at 200 kmh in a 300SD?????

1978 300SD 'Phil' - 1,315,853 Miles And Counting - 1, 317,885 as of 12/27/2012 - 1,333,000 as of 05/10/2013, 1,337,850 as of July 15, 2013, 1,339,000 as of August 13, 2013



100,000 miles since June 2005 Overhaul - Sold January 25th, 2014 After 1,344,246 Miles & 20 Years of Ownership