Here is what I have A 1985 300D with the engine removed by PO who claims cylinder#2 is shot transmission supposed to be good. A donor car 1984 300D good engine transmission The questions are should I use the 84 engine with the 85 transmission I heard that the transmission is some how mated to the IP on the 1985 model year does any one have any knowledge of this. When I put a 1982 300d transmission in a 1985 300d I ran into problems like different neutral safety switch connector, different size transmission oil cooler line banjo bolts, slightly different linkage and a speedometer cable that was just a few thousands of an inch to plug into the transmission requiring me to pay the dealer $75 for an 1982 300d speedometer cable. Does any one know if there is any truth to the 1985 300sd transmission being mated to the IP if so is it just a different type of vacuum modulator on the 1985 300d IP? Could this part be modified to fit on a 1984 300d IP. If the 1985 300d transmission and engine are mated could I put the IP of the 1985 300D on the 1984 300d engine and then use the 1984 engine with the 1985 transmission? I am extra worried about the little differences because the car is 5 hours from home and I would hate to have to stay another night and trying to hunt down a part from junkyards, I am not familiar with is more stress than I need. Any ideas opinions advise greatly appertained.
Dave S

but if the donor tranny works good i prob would use it. not separating a good engine and tranny seems like a good idea to me.

tom w

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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.

Dave, how about putting the 84 engine/84 transmission into the 85 W123. Then that unit is still matched and you won't even have to seperate them. I know the 85's have the vaccuum amplier which "might" even improve the shifting capabilities of the 84 power unit. Jump into it and I bet you will be happy. The vacuum amp is that colored plastic unit just forward of the power brake unit with a number of vacuum lines attached. That is how I would handle it. I think your bigger problem is that you are perhaps trying to get to much done too far from home in a limited time frame. You know the saying "sh@#$t happens". Bolts break, threads strip out and fingers get smashed too.

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Junqueyardjim
Christianity, if false, is of no importance, and if true, of infinite importance. The only thing it cannot be is moderately important. C.S. Lewis



1983 Mercedes W123 240D 4 Speed 285,000 on the road with a 617 turbo, beautiful butter yellow, license plate # 83 240D INDIANA

2003 Jaguar Type X, AWD. beautiful, good mileage,
Mom's car, but I won't let her drive it!

I think your bigger problem is that you are perhaps trying to get to much done too far from home in a limited time frame. You know the saying "sh@#$t happens". Bolts break, threads strip out and fingers get smashed too.[/QUOTE]
You hit the nail on the head. I have told the customers they must have the cars towed to my house in order for me to do the swap. I have concluded the best way to go is the 1984 engine with the 1984 transmission the vacuum modulator issues are no big deal. However, I have just learned to my horror the 1984 engine they have, they only heard running over the telephone and it has since been removed from the car. The owner of the 1985 300d plopped down 5 grand for it when the seller assured her that loud engine knock was just a bad fuel injector a simple fix. She bought it to have it converted to WVO. The guys doing the WVO conversion decided with no real evidence other than switching the injectors around that the number 2 cylinder was shot and pulled the engine but not the transmission out of the 1985 car. The WVO guys finally got smart and told the owner of the car they are in way over there heads. So now, she wants me to make this disaster into a decent dependable car. I guess I will have to leak down test both engines which is a pain my engine stand is not as good as it should be for these engines. Then I pray the 1984 engine is good or I may have to fix the 1985 engine, which is ok, but I will have to switch all the 1985 engine CA emission junk with the 1984 intake turbo exhaust and on and on. What a mess
Dave S

Sounds like a tough job and people who have little understanding. Make them do their share- that's fair. Make sure you are getting what you need financially for the job. If you can't get it, don't mess with it. Life is too short! Have fun and a Happy New Year

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Junqueyardjim
Christianity, if false, is of no importance, and if true, of infinite importance. The only thing it cannot be is moderately important. C.S. Lewis



1983 Mercedes W123 240D 4 Speed 285,000 on the road with a 617 turbo, beautiful butter yellow, license plate # 83 240D INDIANA

2003 Jaguar Type X, AWD. beautiful, good mileage,
Mom's car, but I won't let her drive it!