Anyone want to help with a MB diesel re-powering project?
 

I am planning on filming a re-powering project sometime this year and would like some ideas from you all.

I will be using a 4 or 5 cylinder MB diesel (probably a 617) and its automatic tranny. What type of car/truck would be neat with that combo??

Since I am in Atlanta I would love to have some forum members who are close by participate also for fun and learning.

Start posting some ideas please.:D

put it in like an older ranger or an s-10.. then sell it to me or trade me

The Don is on to it
 

How about one of the mid-sized Dodge dakota pickups? Good match in size vs. hp.

On the SUV side, an Isuzu trooper is a pretty simple beast. I had an 86 (gas) for about 10 years. It had a 100 hp 2.3L gas engine and a 5 speed. The 617 would match that easily.

It is hard to find any recent RWD cars that I can think of that would be a good fit. Either too large and heavy ( LTD / Caprice) or too small to fit the big/heavy engine. Maybe an old El Camino or Ranchero might fit the mold? Possibly a Nova - might make a good commuter car.

Other thoughts?

Chuck

what about building a frame around the engine and getting a rear end and making a dune buggy.. that sounds more fun

A 617 Turbo manual tranny dune buggy....WOW would that be a ride! :D :D :eek: :eek: Talk about HP to weight ratios! :eek:

cant be that hard really.... or are you being saracastic.. i just had a brain explosion of ideas..


ok ok .. i think i can make it work.. i have CAD skillz.. tomorrow ill play with it.. gimme dimmensions and stuff.. i can build the entire thing in CAD test it for weak points from that fatty of an engine and go from there

Oh I didn't mean it was hard, I just meant imagine how awesome it'd be to drive one! What a thrill!! :D :D :D

quick someone.. what is the height and width and length of am om617 with the transmission

I thought these engines weight around 500lbs???? If i were to make a buggie, i would use a front wheel drive gasser and transaxel.

Don, I am loving the S-10 Idea though.

OK, If you do the 617 pwrd dune buggy, I'll donate a Porsche 914 5spd trans so you can make it mid engine. :D

Random thoughts.
 

Jaguar XJ6
Porsche 928
Porsche 924
BMW 535is
BMW Glas 1304 2-Door Sedan
Classic BMW 2002
Buick OPEL GT

Honda GoldWing motorcycle


Katrina cars of all types.

I'll give a 2nd vote for a Trooper. The 2nd gens (92+) seem to have larger engine compartments. I've seen an LT1 in the bay of a 1st gen (88-91) and it did fit. I'd love to have a 617 powered Trooper in the fleet. Name the price :)

-Tad

I worry about size and weight of a 300D turbo engine in a S-10/Ranger. Maybe a full-size truck (or the Dakota as mentioned) might be better.

240D engine may be a better match for an S-10.

Ken300D

I think the Jag would be excellent. They can be had cheaply. Parts cars/donors are available. The diesel klatter would be an excellent surprise that folks wouldn't expect. And I imagine the frontend could handle the weight. Also an already rear wheel drive vehicle.
And a Jag has never had a finer motor in it than a 617.952!:D
It would also add a percieved elegance that you aren't gonna get from some econobox or buggy.
I wouldn't mind owning one of those at all. Always liked the look, hated the motor.
Why go through all this trouble for an S-10 or Dakota?

OK Jimmy has a point as well
 

There is a HUGE aftermarket for "lumping" american v8's into mid 80's jag sedans and xjs'. Both cars were made for 12 cylinder - heavy - tall - powerplants. The jag sedan would be a cool cruiser. Lots of info out there for merging electrical systems, speedometers, hvac....

Still, given the choice of a 617 diesel or a hot Chevy 383, 300+ hp (bored and stroked Chevy 350), the Chevy has a lot fun going for it.

And I'd be willing to come by and assist in any of the projects mentioned... I'm about 4 hours North of you.

Chuck