Merecedes 617->603 swap - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

turbobenz · #1 03-03-2009, 11:46 PM

Im keeping my eyes open for a om603 and related transmission to replace my boring (but loyal) 617

I foresee the following problems:

1. Transmission wont mount to the underbody
2. Driveshaft will be the wrong length
3. Throttle linkage would either have to be retrofitted or re-engineered

Has anyone put a 603 into a SWB 126?

Ive really just got tired of the old tractor motor. Its great, has enough power, never gives me problems (neither of them) and is really running great at the time. I just think its time to move on to something slightly more modern and interesting.

aaa · #2 03-03-2009, 11:59 PM

Later w126s had 603s in them. So at the very least look into grabbing a driveshaft from one of those, should be the same length.

Brian Carlton · #3 03-04-2009, 12:06 AM

With the prices of the SDL's in the toilet..........why bother with the work and cost to make the change. It'll cost you double what a decent SDL will cost by the time you're all done.

And, the outcome is not a certainty.

Hell, if you really want a 603, I'll give you one of these at a good price.

pawoSD · #4 03-04-2009, 12:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brian Carlton

With the prices of the SDL's in the toilet..........why bother with the work and cost to make the change. It'll cost you double what a decent SDL will cost by the time you're all done.

And, the outcome is not a certainty.

Hell, if you really want a 603, I'll give you one of these at a good price.

You certainly have amassed quite a stock of SDL's....

turbobenz · #5 03-04-2009, 12:18 AM

Im not a fan of the LWB cars. Those things are way to long! The back seats are amazing though I will admit

Im still on the fence about this swap even if I did have the motor. I feel like if I put a 603 in my car I would be dealing with problem after problem after problem. Need to take an injector out? take the manifold off. Whats that noise? Oh no, my vacuum pumps releasing metal fragments into my chain valley. Is the white smoke my head gasket or my head cracking? Hmmm..

I may even delete this thread, Im beggining to change my mind...

compu_85 · #6 03-04-2009, 12:25 AM

Find a 350SD that's had its motor replaced

Or find one for cheap with a bad motor and install the 3.0 in place of the bad 3.5, using the 3.5l head.

-Jason

Brian Carlton · #7 03-04-2009, 12:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pawoSD

You certainly have amassed quite a stock of SDL's....

..........well, I'm going to unammass..........this is ridiculous. A grown man paying insurance on three cars and a van (thankfully, one is off the road at all times and the final SDL hasn't even been vetted).

Skid Row Joe · #8 03-04-2009, 01:16 AM

One man, one car.

One man, one diesel-motorcoach.

pawoSD · #9 03-04-2009, 01:24 AM

I am not sure I'd even be able to back out of my parking spot here without 2-3 george castanza style steering moves....if I had an SDL....I can usually squeeze out in one go with my SD but its a close fit...sometimes I have to move forward and back up again.

I worked with a guy with a huge pickup....he always has to drive into small parking lots and underground garages. I think the record was 6 minutes to park....he must have re-aligned and slowly turned that rig like 20 times....talk about trans wear....and all the while that big thirsty v8 is gulping down fuel....

Talk about unproductive and wasteful.....

If I had more room I'd go for an SDL though....I've ridden in one and they're pretty awesome.

sixto · #10 03-04-2009, 01:41 AM

SDL with Euro bumpers? Nitske says a Euro LWB is a half inch shorter than a US SWB.

Sixto
87 300D

daw_two · #11 03-04-2009, 09:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pawoSD

I am not sure I'd even be able to back out of my parking spot here without 2-3 george castanza style steering moves....if I had an SDL....I can usually squeeze out in one go with my SD but its a close fit...sometimes I have to move forward and back up again.

I worked with a guy with a huge pickup....he always has to drive into small parking lots and underground garages. I think the record was 6 minutes to park....he must have re-aligned and slowly turned that rig like 20 times....talk about trans wear....and all the while that big thirsty v8 is gulping down fuel....

Talk about unproductive and wasteful.....

If I had more room I'd go for an SDL though....I've ridden in one and they're pretty awesome.

Just BACK into your parking space. I do that with my truck in the driveway, so it's easier to drive OUT.

And I'll just tell you, I know where there are TWO 300SDLs here in Memphis, just waiting and wanting to become someone's projects.

babymog · #12 03-04-2009, 05:09 PM

One man, one diesel motorcoach, one enclosed trailer, with one car (at a time).

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skid Row Joe

One man, one car.

One man, one diesel-motorcoach.

babymog · #13 03-04-2009, 05:10 PM

You just need bow and stern thrusters.

Quote:

Originally Posted by pawoSD

I am not sure I'd even be able to back out of my parking spot here without 2-3 george castanza style steering moves<>

TheDon · #14 03-04-2009, 05:57 PM

I'm still getting used to parking the massive SDL

but I don't mind it since its an awesome car. I sat in the backseat today and it has more room in the back than my moms SUV