Thanks for the replies guys. It's a lot to think about. Is there a general repository of information about the specifications (and, if possible, the potential) of the various engines that have been produced over the years?

Paul, don't be such a pessimist.

Paul may be pessimistic but i think we all know he's right.:)

maybe a OM602 instead of the 603. From a 190D will fit without messing the flossy too much.
Your choices are not that vast actually, but with the requirements probably only the 602 could fit the bill. But they are pretty rare.
a shame you are not in europe, your choices would then be vast and overwhelmingly varied in Diesels.

:rolleyes:

I think you can achieve 130 to 160hp, OR you can achieve 30+ MPG city, but I don't think you can achieve both at the same time with any MB diesel powerplant that I know of.

Edit: Of course, when you get into the more current engines, say, post 1997 or so, you have a much better chance, but that sounds like it would be outside the scope of this project.

The OM602 option mentioned above is something I'll definitely be looking into. It sounds like that may actually be capable of doing what I'm looking for, and still remaining somewhat cost-effective on the used market.

The turbo 617's are within spitting distance of the desired power stock. Mileage would probably be closer to 20 city, but with a light foot I could believe 25.

I've never even seen under the hood of a fintail, so I don't know how well they would fit. In W123's width is no problem, but height and length are close to maxed out.

I just went out and took some measurements. The engine that's in there now is a 2.3l I6 DI Gas engine that's been retrofitted with a carbureted intake manifold (likely the original engine was destroyed somehow, so the mani was placed on a DI block someone had sitting around). The block, from tranny to the front end of the accessory pullies, is about 31 inches, and there's another 4 or 5 inches in front of that in which to put the radiator/fans (which the car doesn't have in right now). The engine is about 28 inches high at the top of the carb, about 26 to the top of the head, with about 2 inches of clearance above the carb. And the bay is about 30-31 inches across from the inside of one frame member to the inside of the other. The battery/brake booster are completely on top of the driver's side frame member, so there's no worries about them getting in the way of the engine.

Likely the most important measurements: from the center of the engine mounts to the engine side of the bell-housing is 15 1/2 inches; from the center of the mount to the core support is 19 inches.

I'd look for a turbocharged OM602 (From a 1987 190D 2.5T). It's physically smaller than the OM617 and has a hair more HP and TQ.