One thing you can do is compare 123.133 and 126.120 engine mount arms to determine how far apart the chassis mount points are.

I think someone I know in this area has one or both arms off an SDL. That should help you visualize how big a job it'll be.

Sixto
87 300D

did you see the picture I provided? The finns basically offset the mount on the engine to fit the w123

There's about 3/4" between the arm and the block. How does this work on the other side? Or is the 603 block narrower than the 617?

Sixto
87 300D

Sixto, I need to see your car next to mine (assuming you still have the 124). Maybe at the GTG or sooner to see if this is realistic.

I figure that I currently average about 25 mpg, and can get an absolute max of 32, but a realistic max or about 28-29. I think with the 603 on the 124 gets probably an average of 28-30, absolute max of 39-40 and a realistic max of 35-36.

So add in a 5 speed with overdrive, and a taller rear end, and I see a realistic average of 40, a max of say 46, and could realistically obtain 42-43 mpgs.

Does this sound realistic? I am going to figure out the weight differences between the 123, 124, 617, 603, and the two transmissions.

__________________
-Zack K.

http://www.maj.com/gallery/Boardmong...-Drive/si2.jpg


1983 300d Turbo (Daily Drive) -- 243,000 miles
1979 280ce AMG (Beginning extreme restoration) -- 141,410 miles
1979 Yamaha Chappy LB50 (Awating new points) -- 1411.6 miles

1981 300d Euro 4 speed -- 188,421 km -- SOLD
1979 300d Euro 4 speed (Sold to Brother) -- 257,000 miles

A Collection of w123 AMG Cars and Parts

I'm disappointed in the mpg of my car. It goes like stink but I get 23 city/28 highway and I don't have a particularly heavy foot. That's with winterized fuel. It should do better because the 93 SD 3.0 did as well and it took a heavier foot to get moving.

If mpg matters more than 0-60, a 602 turbo might make more sense. It should do 30 city easily with a 5-speed.

Sixto
87 300D

Possibly, but I'm thinking with a taller rear end, the 603 have more power and torque, so it will be easier to keep the rpm's down. Also, its not all about MPG's. I'd love the additional power

So my research of weights is bad.
w123: 3500 lbs
w124: 3400 lbs?
617: 500ish lbs?
603: ?
4 speed auto: ?
5 speed manual: ?

__________________
-Zack K.

http://www.maj.com/gallery/Boardmong...-Drive/si2.jpg


1983 300d Turbo (Daily Drive) -- 243,000 miles
1979 280ce AMG (Beginning extreme restoration) -- 141,410 miles
1979 Yamaha Chappy LB50 (Awating new points) -- 1411.6 miles

1981 300d Euro 4 speed -- 188,421 km -- SOLD
1979 300d Euro 4 speed (Sold to Brother) -- 257,000 miles

A Collection of w123 AMG Cars and Parts

as for the mounts I would just get some thick steel plate and a stick welder and make my own. Easy as that and your done. Same for the tranny.

__________________
1981 300SD 512k OM603

I think the 603 is heavier but not hugely. The stick tranny will make the weight comparable with the 617 with auto probably.

Personally I love the 617 and its robust simplicity. Get it right and drive for years with routine maintenance.

I had the 603 in my 350sdl. Great power, fair economy but finicky and not easy to get right and would not stay right once it got there,

My wxperience.

I would put in a 617 na or turbo the 307 or 288 rear and go.

I get 30 highway and 20+ in town with my 83 240/300d four speed with 397. Yesterday filled after running a full tank and got 22.6 all city.

Tom W

__________________
[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.