OM603 Turbo 5-speed question - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

ducellier · #1 07-08-2010, 05:59 PM

Hi all,
I have a w124 turbodiesel and I want to install a manual 5-speed of a 603 non-turbo. Can this tranny handle the extra torque? will the flywheel of the non-turbo motor be heavy and balanced enough for the turbo engine?
any other issues I need to look out for? can the differential remain thesame?

cheers
HDP

ashedd · #2 07-08-2010, 06:16 PM

87 300D 5spd swap

ducellier · #3 07-08-2010, 06:25 PM

so the 190 motor and the 603 from a 300 have the same bell housing??

tjts1 · #4 07-08-2010, 06:30 PM

The M102, M103, M104, M111, OM601, OM602, OM603 all share the same bellhousing bolt pattern.

ashedd · #5 07-08-2010, 11:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tjts1

The M102, M103, M104, M111, OM601, OM602, OM603 all share the same bellhousing bolt pattern.

It's sheer genius! Almost like MB is begging you to experiment. So far it seems the turbo 603 is too much power for a stock w201 clutch. Mine slips at WOT around 3500rpm. Either a performance clutch for the w201 is in order OR a 300e clutch which is much bigger.

jonbobshinigin · #6 07-09-2010, 12:31 AM

Maybe one from the 2.3-16 would work?

s38junkie · #7 07-09-2010, 06:26 AM

Would a W124 300E 5 speed not work?

ashedd · #8 07-09-2010, 01:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by s38junkie

Would a W124 300E 5 speed not work?

yes it would work. gearing would be an issue. yes the 16valve getrag will work too. The 300e has a 10" clutch while the w201's have 8.5, 9 and 9.5 inch clutches. You can find w201 performance clutches but NOT 300e performance clutches. All my research has indicated that the 300e flywheel is the same size/thing as the w201 flywheels. So a 10" clutch should work but you already have the whole 300e setup it sounds like.

Send me a pm if you want the website I found that sells all kinds of w201 clutches.

ducellier · #9 07-13-2010, 04:38 PM

So, for a 300TDT a 5 speed off a 300TD would work best, gearing-wise I would imagine?
And, is there no issue with the crankshaft being different for an automatic or manual transmission? I think the manual would need a bearing in the crankshaft for the prise axle or whatever that is in english, to slide into??
I'm told that for the 617 there is a difference in the crank, you can't just install a manual on a motor that is build for an automatic...

aaa · #10 07-13-2010, 06:09 PM

I'd think that the differential gearing would be more important... you're not benefiting from getting a diesel manual transmission otherwise, if the differential is skewing all those ratios different. Of course we don't really worry about getting a particular manual since there simply aren't any diesel manuals around here.

Any crankshaft differences are minor, looking at the 603 crank it looks like it can take a pilot bearing, of course as you heard the later 617's had an annoying slight difference which was apparently solved by just freezing the bearing so it would fit. I'm not sure if the 603 has this slight difference as well.

ashedd · #11 07-13-2010, 06:15 PM

I do not know anything about om617 swaps...

The om603 crank has a "hole" in the back of it for a pilot bearing. Same bearing from the w201 slips right in to the 603. I do not know the gear ratios of the 300e 5spd, find the transmission number on it and go from there. You can plug the transmission ratios and rear end ratios in to a spreed sheet and get the info you want. I can give you an email for my friend who has ALL the ratio info.

ducellier · #12 07-14-2010, 05:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aaa

I'd think that the differential gearing would be more important... you're not benefiting from getting a diesel manual transmission otherwise, if the differential is skewing all those ratios different. Of course we don't really worry about getting a particular manual since there simply aren't any diesel manuals around here.

Any crankshaft differences are minor, looking at the 603 crank it looks like it can take a pilot bearing, of course as you heard the later 617's had an annoying slight difference which was apparently solved by just freezing the bearing so it would fit. I'm not sure if the 603 has this slight difference as well.

OK so my '85 300CD with a manual 4-speed most likely doesn't have that bearing installed considering the guy that did the install must have been an idiot looking at how he "repaired" the rest of the car... but basically, a frozen bearing will fit in the later 617 crank, thus making a 5-speed install possible?

ducellier · #13 07-14-2010, 05:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ashedd

I do not know anything about om617 swaps...

The om603 crank has a "hole" in the back of it for a pilot bearing. Same bearing from the w201 slips right in to the 603. I do not know the gear ratios of the 300e 5spd, find the transmission number on it and go from there. You can plug the transmission ratios and rear end ratios in to a spreed sheet and get the info you want. I can give you an email for my friend who has ALL the ratio info.

will send PM. I was, by the way, looking to install a manual tranny off a 603 non turbo w124. figuring that would be the best match...

babymog · #14 07-14-2010, 11:41 AM

The 603 transmission will not fit a 617. The starter is on the wrong side of the engine (61x vs 60x).

It will however fit my 603, ... if you're looking for a buyer.

ducellier · #15 07-16-2010, 07:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by babymog

The 603 transmission will not fit a 617. The starter is on the wrong side of the engine (61x vs 60x).

It will however fit my 603, ... if you're looking for a buyer.

I know that. I am talking about two different vehicles here. I have a 300tdt 1987 and a 300CDT 1985...

the CD has a manual 4 speed installed, most probably without a pilot bearing. I have a 5 speed off a 280SE for that.

the wagon with the 603 has an automatic but I may install a manual in it. although I think there's a reason for MB never installing manuals in their TD's...
I'm sure it just doesn't work.