OM617 Performance Modifications
 

I'd like to start a discussion of the steps for performance increases on an OM617. I'm thinking there's three basic levels, stock, serious and wild.
Stock would be no parts swapping, just tuning.
Serious could include parts swapping, but still daily driver friendly and no measureable reliability/durability decrease.
Wild would be huge power increases, but where engine reliability suffers. Very few of us want to go there.

Stock: Do your maintenance, get all the adjustments back to stock, install the proper gauges(boost, pyro), and turn up the turbo to 12-13PSI.

Serious: Do the stock stuff, and then begin turning up the IP. The IP can outfuel the stock turbo, right? So you'd need a bigger turbo and/or intercooler. What's the next step or limiting factor?

This is all you need to know.
 

heh, you said 617 and performance in the same sentence. ;)

Get some settings better than stock, 26*BTDC is supposed to be better than the stock 24*BTDC for IP timing, disable the EGR. I think those should count under the "Stock" category too.

After you intercool, I think you can outboost the stock IP, so a rebuilt IP is next..


In like 10 years, I'm hoping to afford a rebuilt 617, Myna Diesel IP, rebuilt tranny, VNT turbo, intercooling setup, etc, and find a perfect condition 300SD body, and build my dream car :D

One day mine will do 0-60 in under 11 seconds. And yes I mean MPH not KPH!!! Only 4 more long ass seconds to go.

Linkage. IP Timing (chain stretch). Pop tested Injectors. Waste gate (MBC is SOOOO much easier to install).


Most important of all, good tires and brakes.

Linkage ______________ - how? My service manual is in the mail.
IP Timing (chain stretch). - How much tear down is required for this test?
Pop tested Injectors. ___ - Is that a DIY process or injector shop job?
Waste gate.___________ - Ooops, mines at 11 already!
Good tires and brakes. __ - Got 'em.

lest we not forget our finnish bretheren with the fire-breathing wagun?:D

You need nitrous for a sub 13 second 0-60?
My stock ratio is 3.07. A little lower would be nice for the highway.
A blower would certainly help the 60 foot time, but once the turbo spools up it never drops off boost on an automatic car. I'm thinking the blower is just a complication... unless you are doing autocross. Then maybe blower instead of turbo would be the way to go.

How much will the stock tranny handle?

At least 120hp. :silly: :)

Brandon and KTA-Cummins put out at least 140hp.

Yawn......:sleeping2

If you want a "fast" diesel....find one made in '98 or later :crowngrin

Ditto! 140HP is not enough!
Nooooo!!! I avoid computers in my cars at all costs. Why buy a nice, simple, reliable, ignitionless diesel only to add back the failure prone electronics?

Simple rule: Never, ever buy a car new enough to have a check engine light. ;)