I know I've seen this discussed... but I have searched at least fifteen different search strings and not found what I was looking for.

I am not planning this anytime soon... but for future reference, what's involved/is it possible... to put a 5 cylinder 617 turbodiesel into a 300SDL 2nd generation 126 body? Is it a bolt-up? Or do we have to adapt things?

Has anyone done this? If so, can anybody help me find the thread?

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~Michael S.~
Past cars:

1986 300SDL
1987 300SDL
1982 240D
1982 300SD


Current:

1987 300SDL

first, i doubt it is legal with emission laws.

second, the later cars have some electronically controlled parts to the fuel injection, so it becomes a little more than bolt in....but probably if you have a donor car everything can be transferred.

the later sdls have excellent accroutrements (sp?) and the earlier motor is a lot more relaible and mechanic friendly (imho). so you would have the best of both worlds.

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.

What's the difference in emissions than just driving a 300SD???

N.C. is pretty casual on diesels anyway, no emissions checks at all for state inspection. Pretty much if it looks like there's a muffler hanging under the car (no cat check) a diesel is cleared.

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~Michael S.~
Past cars:

1986 300SDL
1987 300SDL
1982 240D
1982 300SD


Current:

1987 300SDL

........ahh.........don't be stupid........

Haha brian, was that a "why would you want to do that" don't be stupid or a "that's nearly impossible" don't be stupid

__________________


~Michael S.~
Past cars:

1986 300SDL
1987 300SDL
1982 240D
1982 300SD


Current:

1987 300SDL

The former.......

I'm sure you could do it.......but.......it's a whole lot of work and the result is a very poorly performing vehicle that is basically unsellable.

You'll need to change the transmission, driveshaft, and possibly the diff in the process.

You'll also need a radiator with an attached oil cooler and various other odds and ends that are unique to the 617 but lacking in the later body style.

OK, I'm not planning to do it. Thanks for the input... I was just thinking that if my 603 ever blew up for whatever reason... head cracked or whatever else, that it'd be kind of nice to put the more reliable (according to some reputation plus the experience of a friend I know with a few of them) engine in. Never mind.

__________________


~Michael S.~
Past cars:

1986 300SDL
1987 300SDL
1982 240D
1982 300SD


Current:

1987 300SDL

It would probably cost less to go out and buy the complete SD rather then all the parts required to changeover the SDL.

And.........there would be no work involved..........

Just fix the 603.

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1999 SL500
1969 280SE
2023 Ram 1500
2007 Tiara 3200

or you could put in a 606. From what I've heard all you'd have to do is change the Ip from the 603 onto the 606. I think that would be more cool.

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All it takes for evil to prevail is for good men to stand by and do nothing.

Too many people tip toe through life, never attempting or doing anything great, hoping to make it safely to death... Bob Proctor

'95 S320 LWB
'87 300SDL
'04 E500 wagon 4matic

Now thats a good idea! An intercooled 606, hmm.

__________________
1999 SL500
1969 280SE
2023 Ram 1500
2007 Tiara 3200