OM617 Turbo 1947 Plymouth

[mach0415]

In the car world, I have always been interested in the strange and different. Therefore, I am contemplating an OM617 swap into my 1947 Plymouth. I would need to find out weight of engine and trans combo to determine suspension mods. I think it would be a pretty cool ride, as the vehicle weight would be similar to, say a 300sd. And the vacuum wipers would work uphill. I am not sacrificing the 85SD, but would probably put a donor 4 speed and engine combo. I could probably use the stock rear end. Tell me what you think. I am open to criticism.

[t walgamuth]

sounds fun! I bet the engine weight might be pretty similar. I would look at the crossmember for interference with the deep front sump on the 617.

good luck!

[LUVMBDiesels]

I agree...

The cast iron flat head six the Plymouth has probably weighs close to the 617.

mmm sounds tasty!

The choke knob could activate the shut off lever...

There would be lots of room under the hood...

You would also get to upgrade the electrics to 12V

Low end torque would be better too

The HP would also go up from 95 to 120!

Sounds like a great project! Most all of those early cars had low ratio rear axles. It will most likely require a rear gear or even a rear axle change. shouldn't be a big deal though.

It would be a good case for going to a Sanden compressor. There would be plenty of room for an underdash knee knockere evaporator unit.

Keep us posted.

[toddyvol]

Pics or videos would be great.

[cth350]

custom engine mounts, custom exhaust, custom drive-shaft, custom shifter, specialized body electrical upgrades. All doable. -CTH

[Stretch]

Sounds like a plan - I guess the weight of a OM617 with automatic transmission is ABOUT (I don't know for sure) 500 kg. I have my engine and transmission out at the moment. I'll see if I can find a way of weighing it. It seems to be desirable information that isn't reported / published here.

[LUVMBDiesels]

I think the total weight is about 780 pounds for the 617 and the transmission. I remember having an engine shipped and the shipper said it weighed around 540~550 pounds. Figure about 200~250 pounds for the tranny...

[panZZer]

I heard the engine bu itself is around 675 same as a 270 GMC . then the tranz is another 140lbs

[mach0415]

Great info, and great to know there are others that are into the "different" as well. the only thing I need to check on is the pan vs. crossmember issue. Is there anyone who may have a junk block (cheap, cheap, cheap) with the lower and upper pan? Even if it has thrown a rod through it, it would serve a as a great mock-up tool. Let me know or PM me. It may be more cost effective through local pull-a-part with shipping and all.

[mach0415]

Yeah and I could use the orange high beam indicator on the top of the dash as a dual purpose wait to start light. All of this stuff with the stock appearance!

[panZZer]

Well the front sump is there to stay so you have to work around it-Im planning one for a 37 gmc -these thing always start snowballing. a good swap site is 4btswaps.com -they have a mercedes/section.

[mechmagcn]

I have a 617.951 from a 81 300SD in my 53 F100. Been driving it a little over 2 years and have put 17K miles on it. Running the MB auto trans and a 3:27 ratio rear seems to be the right ratio. Have a lot of fun with the truck and a lot of folks do a double take at car shows This was the easiest swap that I can remember doing and have had zero problems from the engine or trans.

[t walgamuth]

Cool!

A year or so I spotted a 37 international pickup available near here. I though long and hard about it. It was cool looking. Finally someone bought it. I was relieved so I could quit thinking about it.

I like your plan to make the car look original. The only way someone should be able to tell that it is not a 100% stock 47 Plymouth is to listen to it rattle or raise the hood.

I'm looking forward to hearing more about it.