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.

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1981 300D 147k
1998 VW Jetta Tdi 320k
2001 Dodge Ram 2500 141k
1979 300D 234k (sold)
1984 300D "Astor" 262k(sold)
Mercedes How-To and Repair Pictorials
I love the smell of diesel smoke in my hair

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

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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

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

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-diesel is not just a fuel, its a way of life-
'82 300SD 320k -mine Parting out this summer. (OC-323,450)
'89 420SEL 146k - mine (OC-147,500)
'93 190D 2.2 - 208k - mine (OC-210,100)
'13 VW GolfWagon TDI 6Speed - 0k - wifes
'82 300SD 340k -dad's (OC-341,200)
'87 420SEL - 305k - dad's - (OC-309,400)
'83 300D 258k - brother's (OC-261,150)
'12 VW Jetta - 7k - Sisters

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

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

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-diesel is not just a fuel, its a way of life-
'82 300SD 320k -mine Parting out this summer. (OC-323,450)
'89 420SEL 146k - mine (OC-147,500)
'93 190D 2.2 - 208k - mine (OC-210,100)
'13 VW GolfWagon TDI 6Speed - 0k - wifes
'82 300SD 340k -dad's (OC-341,200)
'87 420SEL - 305k - dad's - (OC-309,400)
'83 300D 258k - brother's (OC-261,150)
'12 VW Jetta - 7k - Sisters

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

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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.

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Love the Bob!

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

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.

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"Red Green"
If the women don't find you handsome, they should at least find you handy.

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

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1995 G320
1995 C280
2000 E320 4-matic
2001 C230
2004 ML350

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

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1982 300D at 351K miles
1984 300SD at 217K miles
1987 300D at 370K miles

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!
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?

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Jimmy L.
'05 Acura TL 6MT
2001 ML430 Daughters

Gone:
'95 E300 188K "Batmobile" Texas Unfriendly Black
'85 300TD 235K "The Wagon" Texas Friendly White
'80 240D 154K "China" Scar engine installed
'81 300TD 240K "Smash"
'80 240D 230K "The Squash"
'81 240D 293K"Scar" Rear ended harder than Elton John

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