Originally Posted by truckinik

Yes, Performance can be improved in these cars. Here's a quick parts list. A very basic one, and the details are flexible. The list also contains some of the necessary tools, and a quick instruction section.

1. Acquire a good set of Metric, and Standard type hand-tools, Pneumatic tools, etc.
2. 2 good pairs of hd jack stands.
3. A decent welder.

The fun part.....

1. Jack car up, onto all four jack-stands, so it's atleast two feet above the ground.
2. Unbolt everything attaching the driveline, and engine to the car, cut out and toss components such as exhaust system.
3. Drain all fluids into disposal pans, and put car back down on garage floor.
4. Detach everything connecting engine to car topside, flip hood all the way back.
5. Proceed to "Rip-out" all Mercedes built engine and driveline components. Trash them all, except for the driveshaft.
6. Send driveshaft out & have 5.25 inches removed, Have GM "slide in" type U-Joints installed on trans end, and rebalanced.

MOST FUN PART...
1. Acquire a well built "Small Block" Chevy V8, with ATLEAST 325 HP.
2. Acquire a T-56, GM style 6 speed trans, with clutch components etc.
3.Acquire GM, S-10, V8 Small block Conversion kit.
4.Acquire 75-79 Chevy Nova Trans Crossmember.

The slightly more difficult part
1. Use welder, and proceed to install engine mounts for GM V8 conversion for Chevy S-10, 2wd. (They just happen to match the lines of the frame rails in the Benz perfectly, and need no mods- Go Figure...)
2. Drop Small Block Chevy engine into Mercedes Benz, bolt to your new mounts.
3. Jack car up again.
4. Use GM, 1975-1979 Chevy Nova, trans crossmember and install it three (3) inches further back from original Benz crossmember.
5.Proceed to install Trans and Components.
6.Install Driveshaft.
7. Install radiator, and headers from S-10 conversion kit.
8. Install shifter.
9. Connect all electrical, and make necessary mods, such as starter wires locations, and a few simple things like that.
10. Drain all of that Diesel crap outta the tank, install electric fuel pump, and fill that sucker with 93 octaine, install oil & other new fluids.
11. Tow car to local exhaust shop. Have them install a nice custom 2.5", alluminized dual system, and Flowmaster Two Chamber Mufflers.
12. Drive the sucker home, make final adjustments, and cruise town in your ultimate sleeper.