4 Speed 300SD in the works - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

JEBalles · #1 12-31-2008, 09:59 PM

I just wanted to offer my support for such a project. You are the only other person I've even heard of that wants a land yacht like an sd, but wants a manual too. I thought I was alone. I'm also curious how young you are. I'm currently removing my transmission for repair, which I thought was quite ambitious at 17. Also, my driveshaft could move back and forth a few inches, so it's length is variable. It seems like it should be able to accomodate another transmission quite nicely, but I couldn't swear to it, I've never been under a car with an automatic transmission. Also, are you sure the bell housing would bolt into the engine block the same way an automatic transmission would?

diesel don · #2 12-31-2008, 10:58 PM

I did the swap in an opposite application. 300D turbo engine into a 123, 240-D manual car (whose engine had blown)

Still have it out back. We enjoyed it for five years or so and it was very dependable. Still is, but my son has graduated to a TDI (or been demoted)

Fortunately, I had:

300 flywheel (from a euro manual)
Drive shaft from the same

The only mods I had to do were to shorten the linkage

I think you'll find plenty of advice on the forum as a number of guys have done it

If you have the right stuff on hand, a weekend is do-able. I've always figured about four hours to take an engine out and about the same to put the next one in. Then you can start dinking with the extras.

The guys recommended that I use a new pilot bearing.

I hope you enjoy the process as much as we did.

Diesel Don

DrewGerhan · #3 01-01-2009, 07:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JEBalles

I just wanted to offer my support for such a project. You are the only other person I've even heard of that wants a land yacht like an sd, but wants a manual too. I thought I was alone. I'm also curious how young you are. I'm currently removing my transmission for repair, which I thought was quite ambitious at 17. Also, my driveshaft could move back and forth a few inches, so it's length is variable. It seems like it should be able to accomodate another transmission quite nicely, but I couldn't swear to it, I've never been under a car with an automatic transmission. Also, are you sure the bell housing would bolt into the engine block the same way an automatic transmission would?

Well I am 18. My buddy and I have done many transmission and clutch jobs on various vehicles like Jeeps, Broncos, Subarus but this will be the first time with a Benz. As for the bell housing, it will bolt up just like the auto. Only thing I'm worried about will be the custom drive shaft, but I'll have a shop do that. Other than that I'm going to get a new clutch, pressure plate, resurface the flywheel, new pilot bearing and anything else I need too. My new job at Auto Zone is really going to help here. I plan on pulling the engine from my SD, removing the auto, attaching the manual and putting it back in as a unit. This is after I clean and paint them both of course. I'm hoping to start the day after midterms so I can afford to not have the car for a few days if need be.

With the engine out I am definitely going to "adjust" the torque control some more. I found today at a local yard, another hood. This is going to have a hole cut in it and have a 3in stack come up through the hood. This in no way will be permanent, but only because I lost a bet. Haha.

I will definitely take pictures of everything while I go. Anyone who has done this have anything they'd like to share?

StaggerLee · #4 01-02-2009, 12:09 PM

Unless you can get a measurement from another car that has the same conversion, I would drop the engine and trans into place and then take your measurements. The best way is to use a long stick as opposed to a tape measure so you eliminate any sag.

I had a custom one made in Portland for around $400 delivered to Seattle.

DrewGerhan · #5 01-02-2009, 03:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by StaggerLee

Unless you can get a measurement from another car that has the same conversion, I would drop the engine and trans into place and then take your measurements. The best way is to use a long stick as opposed to a tape measure so you eliminate any sag.

I had a custom one made in Portland for around $400 delivered to Seattle.

Thats what I want to do. Do it once, do it right.

Is that $400 for real? Was that for a whole new shaft or just having the original lengthened? I was just going to lengthen mine, if possible.

I did get all the parts today. $87 all said and done. I got the transmission, flywheel, pressure plate, clutch disc, pedal assembly, shifter assembly and linkage, brake reservoir, slave cylinder, associated hose and line, and every nut and bolt that came out. Does it sound like I missed anything?

winmutt · #6 01-02-2009, 04:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by StaggerLee

Unless you can get a measurement from another car that has the same conversion, I would drop the engine and trans into place and then take your measurements. The best way is to use a long stick as opposed to a tape measure so you eliminate any sag.

There is no need for this as the correct size is posted in several places on here and other forums.

DrewGerhan · #7 01-02-2009, 04:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by winmutt

There is no need for this as the correct size is posted in several places on here and other forums.

Measurements even going into a w126? Could you point me to them?

turbobenz · #8 06-17-2010, 04:04 AM

Hey Im 19 and own a sd land yacht. I love the way it drives and Im also interested in a manual swap however I just dont really know how I feel about putting a manual transmission in a sclass. My purist side is fighting with my logical mechanic side