Here is the dilemma,

would a NA head from a pre 1981 300TD would fit on a post 1983 617.xxx turbo block ?

The idea here is to resucitate a 1979 300TD that has a shot block with a turbo 617.XXX block from a sedan. because complete TD engines are really hard to come by contrary to their sedan counter parts. The head on the wagon is fine and has the pump necesary to the hydropneumatic rear suspenssion.
what to do? any other suggestion how to get that wagon the turbo treatment besides getting the much prized turbo wagon engine?

i am not sure what if any differences there are in turbo/na heads. i would check with my mb parts specialist to see if heads have a different number, then if they do i would look at valves guides etc to pin down the differences. are you planning to make the engine turbo or na?

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.

Turbo heads AFAIK have sodium filled valves....for temperature resistance. Don't think the non-turbo heads have them. Also the NA heads have a slightly higher comression ratio. THere MAY be other differences but now having compaired them side by side I can't say what they are.

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Proud owner of ....
1971 280SE W108
1979 300SD W116
1983 300D W123
1975 Ironhead Sportster chopper
1987 GMC 3/4 ton 4X4 Diesel
1989 Honda Civic (Heavily modified)
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Section 609 MVAC Certified
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"He who fights with monsters might take care lest he thereby become a monster. And if you gaze for long into an abyss, the abyss gazes also into you." - Friedrich Nietzsche

that is was i was afraid of that the na head could not take the heat and boost.
Then the question would become how do you transplant the suspenssion pump from the TD in to a sedan's 617.XXX turbo.

The valves can certainly be upgraded with sodium valves if you want. As far as compression ratio goes, it should be easy to reduce that as well. the head is actually flat, so any differences in compression ratio will be in the prechamber or top of the piston. My guess is the turbo piston has a larger releif- resulting in a lower compression ratio. If that is the case, the only real differece would be valves. On the other hand, I have a TD NA engine that will be coming out of an 80 wagon shortly if your interested.
BB

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For Sale: 1982 MB 300TD
1995 Chevrolet Suburban 6.5TD

Sold: 1980 IH Scout Traveler- Nissan SD33T Diesel

I am looking for the turbo 617 from a TD. I am getting rid of the NA.