Hello folks! It nice to be back in the forums! I was away for a while because my benz was at the paint shop (I rearended my dad's truck ) and to be honest with you, I felt sad reading and posting in the forums without my car being around.

Anyway, I've been doing some research and it seems there are huge differences between the 617 NA and the 617 turbo, in terms of internal components.

After seeing a 617 NA and a 617 torn apart side by side, I first noticed the oil squirters. I've heard the turbo internals are hardened, but at sight, they are the same as the NA. So here go the questions:

Besides the squirters, are the engine blocks the same? Seat diameters, oil pump, etc?

Are the crankshafts the same? The camshafts?

Are the engine heads the same? Valves?

I know some will state that is easier to change the whole engine, however I have access to some nice used pistons and conn rods from a turbo engine and the guy is willing to accept my NA parts in trade.

My block was overhauled about 80k Km ago, so it has everything quite new including the sleeves. Considering this and the sentimental value the engine has (my first diesel), I'd like to keep my block...

I can do the job of replacing the rods and the pistons... but I don't feel like removing the head... Also I can tapper the oil passage to install the oil squirters...

Any thoughts on this? Thanks for you advice guys!

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1982 W123 300D NA Euro, 300K Miles, 4-speed manual, 3.46 rear diff, early W126 front brakes, Penta rims with 205/60R15 FH900's, custom fitted (by me) audio system, more to come into the money pit... Soon to be installed: Bilstein HD, R107 front discs and 4-piston calipers, HD Suspension springs, wagon front swaybar.