87 SDL needs an engine - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Cr from Texas · #1 08-03-2010, 01:09 AM

I have a chance to pick up a very clean 87 SDL but the engine is bad (rod through the block). Car is a really clean rust free local (Texas) car. My local indy has done about $10k of work to the car in the last 3 years. Rebuilt transmission, rebuilt R12 AC, brakes, suspension, etc. Owner was driving at highway speed and heard a sudden load knock. Immediately pulled over and engine had thrown a rod through the block. He's spent a lot and wants to walk away.

I'll make him an offer if you tell me there's a good chance of getting an engine other than a new one from MB ($8k) or one from metric. What engines would fit?

amosfella · #2 08-03-2010, 02:08 AM

getting a good 3 liter block is not terribly hard at larger junkyards that specialize in german cars. Some would upgrade and use a 606 turbo. it would be a cool project...
you could probably put in a 5 speed tranny and get away with it as well...

ashedd · #3 08-03-2010, 03:38 AM

OM617???

Some would call that the perfect combo...

layback40 · #4 08-03-2010, 09:38 AM

Charles.
You cant replace a 603 with a 617 ! The bell housing is different.
As per post 2, a 603 is an easy find. You only need a short motor, assuming the head is ok.
Others can comment more on a 606 or a sprinter motor. You would have a SDL with plenty of hurry up if you did that!!

Given the other work that has been done on the car, it should be a good buy if you get it for a parts car price.

babymog · #5 08-03-2010, 12:40 PM

If you want to go faster and don't mind a project that includes some custom fabrication, and money you won't recover, go 606 turbo.

If you want more noise and smoke, and to go slower, and also like projects that take many trips to the boneyards to get unexpected parts, go 617 turbo.

If you want to keep costs and time investment down, and have a car that will sell as a stock/original vehicle, with decent power, get a 603 turbo (603.960 or .961).

The 603 is a stout engine, I've torn into a couple with around 250,000 miles, typically they still have all of the crosshatching in the bores at that mileage. I left one behind in a junkyard in Michigan with 161,000 miles on the clock, would probably be a good donor.

Cr from Texas · #6 08-03-2010, 07:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by babymog

If you want to go faster and don't mind a project that includes some custom fabrication, and money you won't recover, go 606 turbo.

If you want more noise and smoke, and to go slower, and also like projects that take many trips to the boneyards to get unexpected parts, go 617 turbo.

If you want to keep costs and time investment down, and have a car that will sell as a stock/original vehicle, with decent power, get a 603 turbo (603.960 or .961).

The 603 is a stout engine, I've torn into a couple with around 250,000 miles, typically they still have all of the crosshatching in the bores at that mileage. I left one behind in a junkyard in Michigan with 161,000 miles on the clock, would probably be a good donor.

Thanks for the replies. I could use some simplifications as I go looking. What years and models would have a 603 or a 606 engine. The only one I know to avoid is the 350 rod benders.

amosfella · #7 08-03-2010, 07:55 PM

603 3L is in the 86 and 87 sdl's, and 87 300D.
606 naturally aspirated is in 95-97 E300d
606 Turbo in 98-99 e300D(T?)

TurboWells · #8 08-03-2010, 10:31 PM

I have an 87 SDL in my yard that wife would like to see disappear. It was my parts car for my primary 87 SDL that I was driving. The only part I ever used off it was the blower motor. My primary car lost the transmission on the DC beltway. I'd put a fair amount of money in it and had hit my limit on that car, so I left it there.

The 87 SDL in my yard has a fair amount of rust. I drove it home 40 miles two years ago when I bought it. My recollection is that it idled a little rough. It did have leaking delivery valve seals which I replaced. It hasn't been started in 18 months. It has a little over 200K on it.

Other than the issues of the car being in Maine and you're in Texas, you're welcome to it. The only cost is my wife's requirement that the whole thing goes.

Let me know if you're interested.

-TurboWells
(Now driving an 05 E320 CDI)

Cr from Texas · #9 08-03-2010, 10:36 PM

Thanks for the offer. Maine is a bit far to go and bring back a parts car. Might be a nice break from our weather though. We hit 104 the last two days. Working outside has to be between daylight and 2 PM. After that, I'm toast - literally!

daw_two · #10 08-04-2010, 07:49 AM

Did you get my PM?

latitude500 · #11 08-04-2010, 12:55 PM

I don't know any thing about the car and I'm not selling it, Just looking on craigs list today and found the post. I'm in Austin TX, so let me know if you need me to take a look at it. Might be worth your time to take a look at repair this motor. Hell for $600 it's not a bad parts car.

http://austin.craigslist.org/cto/1874749881.html

Let me know if I can help.

Cr from Texas · #12 08-04-2010, 08:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by latitude500

I don't know any thing about the car and I'm not selling it, Just looking on craigs list today and found the post. I'm in Austin TX, so let me know if you need me to take a look at it. Might be worth your time to take a look at repair this motor. Hell for $600 it's not a bad parts car.

http://austin.craigslist.org/cto/1874749881.html

Let me know if I can help.

That looks identical but not the same car. This one has been setting on the lot of my local indy north of Dallas for several months. No doubt what the engine failure is - you can see the end of the rod sticking out of the block. Even though I have always liked this body style, my common sense and lack of time have made be decide to pass this up and stick with my 300D. One MB diesel should be enough with my pickup and wife's Lincoln.

Thanks to everyone that replied.

Hit Man X · #13 08-05-2010, 02:01 PM

An SDL is a far more refined car than a 300D W123, I made the change to an SD then an SDL... it is like driving a different car.

I have purchased SDL long blocks around the area over the years, if you feel up to it wait until it cools then begin to scout out the area. I will PM you with some info.