Transplanting a Diesel???
 

Here is what I trying to do:

I am trying to find out the specs of the Mercedes five cylinder diesel engine. This includes torque, horse power, compatible transmissions, towing capacity etc. I am considering taking the engine out of my truck. I have a 1979 F-150 with a 351, I have always been a major MB nerd. So the only logical thing for me to do is, transplant an MB diesel engine into my truck and make it run WVO. But my truck still needs to be able to haul and tow! Does any body have an experience with this or have heard about it? Suggestions ???

Thanks,
Dr J. Bones

probably not feasable, the HP would be challenging on todays highways, you could do it with gearing, but you would have a 50 mph top speed. look at a 3.9 cummins 4bt for a do-able, usable swap

79 ford 351 truck motor probably has around 160 HP. 120 lb torque
617.952 turbo diesel motor out of 85 MB has around 125HP and 300 LB torque.
ford trannies would be geared for 3000RPM travel at 70MPH, that would be around the 120 HP mark on the gasser motor, cause the RPM HP peak on that motor is around 4000RPM. the Diesel would just be entering it's sweet spot at 3000RPM so you may be getting approximately the same power at cruise, but you would have less power for passing.

IIRC someone tried to do that 2-3 years ago on here- do a search. I think the front crossmember on the F-100 is a major issue vis-a-vis the oilpan on the OM617.

Keep us informed please, I have an '89 F250 plow truck that could do with a 603.

looks good on paper in that small slice of time, but I cant imagine the amount of time to get you to 70 mph with a 3 liter diesel as apposed to a 5.7 liter gasser.

The 617.952 is rated at 120hp and only 170ftlb's of torque.

Probably true, but the OM603 is 143hp (4100RPM?) / 195lb-ft, probably close, and adding the massive amount of space for an intercooler you'll have opportunity to turn up the power a bit.

So option two:
Is there a diesel engine that MB has made that would give me the power and torque that I need? I will worry about how to mount it! Of course I will let you all know how that part goes. I can't help it, I love Ford Trucks and MB Diesel..there has to be a way to combine the two. I also have an 06' Ford F-350 King Ranch that I would love more than anything to get a MB diesel into. I was happy with the 6.0 Ford Diesel until it stopped while I was trying to get out of the mud...and the fantastic mileage and noise it makes/gets.

Thanks again,
Dr J. Bones

I just did a quick search and found that the 2.7L 5-cylinder from the Sprinter is rated at 143 hp and 243 lb-ft.

If that's not enough, there's the MBE 900, currently available through Detroit Diesel suppliers or found in Freightshakers. 7.2 L with up to 350/860 hp/tq. The down side is 1310 lbs dry weight and getting it to fit might be a little tough.

These hp and torque figures are way off. the benz is 122 hp and 177 torque more or less. The ford is probably 200 hp and nearly 400 torque. There is no way you will have nearly the power with the benz. YOu bettter look at a us made truck diesel, as noted in another post a cummins or Ford. I love my cummins in my 03 dodge. Powerful, high quality and good on fuel.

Tom W

Boy, i wish they had 300 ft-lbs torque!

No kidding! 300lb/ft of torque would be freaking awesome!

12 cylinder Diesel MB swapped into an SL. now that would be the hot setup.... link

been done. works great!
 

i did the swap in my 73 International travelall. gets 20 mpg. Not a rocket but with the tuned up alda,3"exhaust,intercooler and propane I cruise at 70 all the time. truck weighs 6000lb and i even plow snow with it. Do a search of my name to read the story. This is my daily driver!

share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0AbtmzlizcOWLi4