Is it easier to put a 300d engine from a 123 into a 123 chasse that has a 240d manual trans, or to put a 240d manual trans into a 123 chasse that has a 300d engine in it. Can it be done either way without great difficulty. I've got a 1980 300d auto, and a 1982 240d manual. The 300d trans does not go in reverse, but the engine is great. The 240 engine is great and so is the manual trans. Only thing It grinds a little when going into reverse, so I have to shift into 2nd then into reverse to shift smoothly. Hopefully thats an easy fix to be done in the swap. Is this advisable or a waste of effort. If any one has a DIY link or a very help full Post to refer Please do. I'll probably need assistance in the future on this. I'd really love to do this on my own. What special tools if any will I need and are they very expensive.

Myself, I would go with the 240 chassis since it has the totally bulletproof manual ac system. The work invovled is a little more since you will need to change the rear end as well and the speedo, the exhaust system and the radiator.

I would expect to pay my indie about 700 to put the stick tranny into the 300d including changing the drive shaft length.

I would expect to pay from 1000 to 1200 to put the 300 motor into the 240 chassis.

I have had both jobs done within the last for our five years. Both cars are working out well for us.

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.

Engine into the 240, definitely. The 240 is a more simple and bulletproof machine, no interior work needed (Shifter, reverse light wiring, clutch pedal assembly is already in place) and no need to swap front suspension springs.

100% normal, reverse is not synchronized so it will always grind if the clutch is still moving. Nothing you can do about it except shift into another gear first.

I would think from a simple labor standpoint that it would be easier to swap the tranny.
you have to drop the tranny, and adjust the driveshaft to change the motor on the 240, in addition to changing the motor. where the 300 would JUST need the tranny work, no real need to change the rear other than to get crisper take offs. many on the forum even have a 2.88 rear on a 4 speed.
of course you have to swap over the clutch pedals into the 300...

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John HAUL AWAY, OR CRUSHED CARS!!! HELP ME keep the cars out of the crusher! A/C Thread
"as I ride with my a/c on... I have fond memories of sweaty oily saturdays and spewing R12 into the air. THANKS for all you do!

My drivers:
1987 190D 2.5Turbo
1987 190D 2.5Turbo
1987 190D 2.5-5SPEED!!!

1987 300TD
1987 300TD
1994GMC 2500 6.5Turbo truck... I had to put the ladder somewhere!

Just a pause for two seconds will make it not graunch if the clutch is not dragging.

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.

Can one slip a 617 Turbo complete with atuo trans into a 240D chasis? Thanks

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1987 300SDL 314K mi, counting; #22 Head
1999 E300Turbo 405K original miles
1997 E320 180K mi (Son's)
2002 ML320 (Son's)
1998 S320 140K mi (Son's) sold
1985 300SD 311K mi
1984 300D 324K mi (killed by a hit-n-run turd)
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Yes, the chassis is nearly identical.

FI,
Really? I have a rusted out 1985 300d that I wanted to pull out eng+tranny combo and slip into a 240D with blown engine that I am planning to buy cheap. If it is as you said, Ill be a happy camper. But how would I do the badging and registering the car? Ur ideas/opinion/suggestions please. Thanks

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1987 300SDL 314K mi, counting; #22 Head
1999 E300Turbo 405K original miles
1997 E320 180K mi (Son's)
2002 ML320 (Son's)
1998 S320 140K mi (Son's) sold
1985 300SD 311K mi
1984 300D 324K mi (killed by a hit-n-run turd)
*************************************

Badge and register it as a 240D.

Thats what I did. I got my 240D for $600 with a dead engine and swapped in my own.

Wow... U da man! Ok...look out for updates in my stable below in few months...

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1987 300SDL 314K mi, counting; #22 Head
1999 E300Turbo 405K original miles
1997 E320 180K mi (Son's)
2002 ML320 (Son's)
1998 S320 140K mi (Son's) sold
1985 300SD 311K mi
1984 300D 324K mi (killed by a hit-n-run turd)
*************************************

When it come to registration, don't ask and don't tell.

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Junqueyardjim
Christianity, if false, is of no importance, and if true, of infinite importance. The only thing it cannot be is moderately important. C.S. Lewis



1983 Mercedes W123 240D 4 Speed 285,000 on the road with a 617 turbo, beautiful butter yellow, license plate # 83 240D INDIANA

2003 Jaguar Type X, AWD. beautiful, good mileage,
Mom's car, but I won't let her drive it!

According to the VIN number, it IS still a 240D.

Thats right.

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.

This is the way to do it, you have both complete cars at your disposal for every little part you would ever need to swap between the two during the conversion, as well as a sample to look at to see how it all goes together and take pics of beforehand, it doesn't get any better.

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Chris
64 190D R.I.P.
80 240D W/617 engine -for sale
82 240D -for sale