From "Norm" to "Turbo Norm"
 

Hey everybody,

So for about the last year or so I've been considering doing a NA to Turbo swap in Norm mated to a 4 speed manual. I've been reading up a lot about engine swaps and I think I'm at the point where it seems feasable to make this a winter project.

Last night I picked up a 4 speed from Joe's 240 that he just swapped out. I got most everything, just need the shift rods, master cylinder, shifter, and of course the driveshaft.

I'm going to the yard to take a look at a few engines that are in 126 chassis. I've been looking and have yet to find a wagon engine in good enough shape for a swap. With that being said I think that the 124 pump for the sls is the route I will be taking. If there is any insight on how to modify this pump to fit I'd love to see it.

There really is nothing wrong with my current engine, but it will need injectors soon and has been leaking oil. On top of that it's downright slow with my larger wheels and while the ac is on.

Making norm in to a fun to drive highway machine is my goal!

The 617 turbo/4 spd combo is so great that I'm dumfounded as to why it was never offered by the factory.

Will you be keeping the NA rear end or swapping to a 3.07 or 2.88?

I am equally dumbfounded by the fact that MB never put a turbo 617 into any of their vans. Anyone have a clue as to why not?

I probably will, just haven't decided which one as of yet. I want a little quickness off the line, but a taller final drive is preferable as well.

Also I would like to install a tach during this process.

The general consensus is that the power drops off markedly at every shift point because the turbo spools down..........and you must then wait until the turbo speed builds again after the shift.

This, effectively, eliminates first and second gear from turbo use in everyday driving unless you held the gear with the shift lever.

It's an interesting package for an enthusiast, but the driveability for the average moron is simply not there.

You should give the 603/5 spd combo a try ;)

If there is ever a GTG close to me, I will bring my car so you guys can drive it.

I'm actually considering making my car a 5 speed.

I would do the wait and see thing first...

I need to swap my rear diff first, then I can update my thread about it. Because the stock 2.65 is just too tall for the swap. That way you can find all the stuff you need before hand, including diff.

Don,

You've heard about the rule that says you gotta give new guys first crack at those 5 speed manual trannys right?:rolleyes:

5 speed in my 300D. Not the 240

Maybe I'm just used to mine, but I think it's quite a pleasure to drive and extremely easy to live with in all types of driving. I've had the good fortune to drive probably 30-40 different Porsches(1) and all of them would be tougher to live with on a daily basis than my manual 300D(2).

(1)Long heavy clutch throws until the 993 came out, heavy (but short) shift throws, easy to stall on starting, especially the air-cooled ones. I briefly worked at a shop that did about 60% Porsche with most of the rest being Audi and Jaguar. That was a neat job. Unfortunately there wasn't enough work to justify my continued employment there.:(
(2)But I think I could cope:D

Answer: Americans are lazy and Europeans had high taxes on engine power.

There is no such "consensus".

methinks he meant consensus to cover opinions of why MB didn't do it.

No, still doesn't make any sense.

Based on how fast the turbo builds boost in my car between letting off the throttle and mashing it again, I'd say it goes from 0-12psi in about 2 seconds or less...based on the speed it moves the needle on my boost gauge....that'd not be any big deal with a manual, just have to count on it driving kinda like a Semi. :D