1983 300SD W126 Engine Swap
 

Hi guys, I have a 1983 300SD that a tree fell on with a strong and flawless drivetrain...... I have an oppourtunity to purcahse a 1986 300SDL in need of an engine but with a tight body......My questin is: Will the 1983 300SD's engine swap out into the 1986 300SDL's body without any major modifications or expenses?

As always, thank you guys in advance for any input

Anything is possible
 

But you must remember that the 617 diesel in your 83 is a completely different animal then the diesel in the 87. So there are modification that will have to be made. Number one the transmission in the 87 will have to go as it won't install with the 617. So, measure it twice before you cut once. Another line is, with enough money anything can be made to fit.

There was a thread not too far back, where the guy put a 603 (I think)
into a 123 and got the wiring worked out, and is driving it.

So I guess it is possible to go the other way. I have read where a 617 was put into a 126 SE, though a gasser.

If the DREAM is big enough, the facts dont count.

Looking in your signature, this is the second car attacked by a tree.
May a Chain saw would be a priority :D.

Charlie

My guess ( and it is only a guess, as i have not done this) is that the engine/tranny will sway in fairly easily. After all that engine and tranny was offered in the 300SD. The chassis for 2 cars is the same except for the extra length in the SDL.
Use the motor mounts from the 300SD, and probably the cross member from the 300SD. You may have to play with the length of the driveshaft. I doubt that either would fit w/o modification.
You may want the rear end from the 300SD, too. Check if they have the same ratio. You might want the lower gear set ( higher numerical) if they are different. That 3.0 liter may be a little under power for the longer chassis.

The diff from the 300SD will not fit the later W-126.........a completely different mounting configuration.