mercedes into chevy engine swap - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

#1 08-02-2005, 10:06 PM

Hi...I'm just curious right now, but I've seen a couple of chevy trucks on ebay over the past couple of years that have had mercedes diesel engines swapped into them. I've looked on the net for some info and can't find any. Does anyone have any information you would be willing to share? I'm in the researching phase at present but would like to do it sometime in the future.
Any links? Anyone done it? Where would I start?

Thanks

boneheaddoctor · #2 08-02-2005, 10:10 PM

Not the best swap if you planned on using it as a truck.......not enough torque.

But it you did a lot of unloaded highway miles then why not....but I think it would be better cheaper and stronger to do a Cummins transplant.

H-townbenzoboy · #3 08-02-2005, 10:11 PM

Don't put a Chevy engine in a MB.

boneheaddoctor · #4 08-02-2005, 10:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by H-townbenzoboy

Don't put a Chevy engine in a MB.

he was talking the other way around....

SD300 · #5 08-02-2005, 10:22 PM

The 300 turbo engine put out 120 HP and 200 (?) torque.

What about the tranny? better to use Mb stock , or else making an adaptor will be an hassle.
My bro wanted to drop a regular 300 Dsl into a Ford ranger too. That should have adequate power for these small p/u.

H-townbenzoboy · #6 08-02-2005, 10:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by boneheaddoctor

he was talking the other way around....

Whoops! I need to read more carefully next time. I'm still not sure about these conversions either. I saw a Chevy Tahoe with a 603 in it once, looks like it would be cool to drive around though.
-Joe

t walgamuth · #7 08-02-2005, 11:54 PM

if i were going to do that i would def use a mb tranny too. either auto or stick. but bones is right it would be fine for a driver but not much for towing. i lately have been musing of a 617 turbo in an el camino.

the cummins into chebby has been done. there used to be a place near lafayette indiana that made kits for that. you needed to start with a diesel eauipped 3/4 or 1 ton chebby. personally if i wanted a truck with a cummins i think i would get a dodge. there are lots of older ones around for cheap. in the older dodges the trannys were weak compared to the touquey cummins.

tom w

#8 08-03-2005, 03:10 AM

Well, I was thinking maybe an S-10 or something. I don't haul or tow. Maybe an S Blazer. I saw a GMC Sonoma on Ebay once with an MB 4banger in it...wish I'd bought it. Recently saw a Tahoe with Turbo Six in it here in TN. I've seen VW diesels stuck into Trackers and Sidekicks and Samurais. Just a thought, don't know where to begin. Looking for economy since we can't get the M-class in diesel here in the US.

SD300 · #9 08-03-2005, 03:21 AM

VW diesels stuck into Trackers and Sidekicks and Samurais

I was told the orig Trackers engines are not very long lasting. 100,000 miles maybe it. A fnd stuck toyota gas eng in it.

I have seen them f/s in some veggie diesel board. Some dude in BC canada sells them. Charges a lot for them. I emailed him but never reply.

S10, ranger should work well for 4 or 5 cyl, a turbo will make it fly. My SD is close to 4000 lbs , those pint size p/u should be much lighter.

S10 maybe able to bolt a 6.2 L gm dsl in it.
There're folks put 350 V8 in S10, move the rad infront and battery to rear.

t walgamuth · #10 08-03-2005, 06:04 AM

in an s10 the diesels would be very heavy! very nose heavy and the suspension would be overworked. imho

tom w

J. R. B. · #11 08-03-2005, 07:39 AM

When are the people who do this sort of thing (Mercedes engine in a Chev) going to realize that you can't make a silk purse out of a sow's ear? Makes me sick every time I read about it.

t walgamuth · #12 08-03-2005, 09:26 AM

nobody thinks that by putting a mb motor in an s10 will make an s10 a mb. at least i sure don't think so. but what is wrong with putting an excellent motor in something that is not as excellent?

if mercedes made a pickup this would not be even thought of... well not as much. an engine swap into a truck is a lot easier than making a truck out of a mb car.

tom w

BluEyes · #13 08-03-2005, 02:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by t walgamuth

in an s10 the diesels would be very heavy! very nose heavy and the suspension would be overworked. imho

tom w

People put Chevy smallblocks in those chassis all the time. Those engines weigh around 550# or so, plus the alternator, p/s, a/c. Only problem I hear about them having is traction...

Might want to measure how long a 300 motor is before trying this. Most modern engine bays aren't designed for really long inline motors. Remember to account for the length that the fan will take as well. A 240 should go in pretty easy, but you certainly won't have a speedy truck since the S10 probably weighs about as much as the MB 240 chassis, but has more wind drag.
Of course, if you don't haul anything and don't tow, who not leave the 300 or the 240 in its original chassis and drive that, it would have a better ride for sure.

RUYSENAARS · #14 08-03-2005, 02:36 PM

Just to let you know, we will be getting the M-class CDI here in the USA, 2006!
I talked to the dealer last month, I have a feeling we will be getting many more diesels from MB in the next few years!

boneheaddoctor · #15 08-03-2005, 03:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RUYSENAARS

Just to let you know, we will be getting the M-class CDI here in the USA, 2006!
I talked to the dealer last month, I have a feeling we will be getting many more diesels from MB in the next few years!

Shame I won't be able to afford it....

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