Hi there,
I'm new to diesels, new to mercs, but am quite addicted right now. We'll see how long it lasts once I get into this project, however.

I'm about to commit to doing my 1st engine swap. I have a 1980 240D automatic with a blown head gasket, and I can get my hands on a 217,000 km (approx. 140,000 miles) 1982 300TD turbo wagon, which is also automatic (the rear end and body are trashed). I've trolled around the many posts that do a great job of describing 5 banger conversions for a 240D chassis, but all I've seen so far are swaps with a manual transmission conversion as well. I'm wondering about the problems I'll face keeping the automatic transmission on the longer, 5 cyl engine. So, I have two questions at this point.

1. Will it be too long with the big automatic tranny and the 5 cyl engine? Will I have to shorten the front driveshaft too much?

2. And another thought, though I'm 95% sure it won't fit, what about moving the motor mounts forward and leaving the drivetrain the same length, just stick the engine forward instead of backwards?

Thanks. This site is a goldmine for me right now.