380SL Diesel Conversion Project - Page 20 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

mach4 · #**286** 07-03-2012, 01:49 PM

Had my vehicle inspection with the BAR Referee (Bureau of Automotive Repair) this morning. This is the state entity that does the certification that the swap meets all the appropriate requirements. The next step is just the formality of taking the paperwork down to the DMV to get the title changed from gas to diesel.

The process took all of 30 minutes, with 27 of that being paperwork. The major comments were "that's sure a quiet diesel", "sounds like a diesel, looks like a diesel, smells like a diesel... I guess it's a diesel" and "that sure is a big oil cooler". The only questions I was asked was what were the years of the car and donor and what was the size of the engine.

For everything I was prepared for, it turned out to be painless, simple and quick.

And the most amazing thing was - there was no fee. Imagine, a real, true free government service... in California.

Anyway, on to Phase II, getting everything cleaned up and the basics done on the engine - valve adjustment, diesel purge, pop test injectors, compression check, real air cleaner, air conditioner and some interior stuff like tunes, correct tach, boost gauge etc. Oh, and fix my bad ball joint and refinish the wheels.

I'm looking forward to a fun summer cruising around with the top down enjoying a fine Mercedes car.

It's been a long and interesting journey with a successful conclusion.

...and already thinking of the next project.

ah-kay · #**287** 07-03-2012, 02:02 PM

Congrats. Need to check out this contraption.

mach4 · #**288** 07-03-2012, 02:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sixto

I'm only here to see how the retitleing goes. I'll have a a 603 in a LWB 140 within minutes of you saying you got the SL retitled... K&N or not.

Your turn! Clock is running.

ROLLGUY · #**289** 07-03-2012, 03:08 PM

That is nice to hear that it is legal now. Add to your list: '78-'79 300SD NON-EGR manifolds and downpipe. It will be great to have you join us on one of our cruises Home - Mercedes Benz Enthusiasts Group in your 380SLD.

PackerEdgerton · #**290** 07-03-2012, 05:10 PM

Hey Paul,

CONGRATULATIONS!

This is a spectacular build thread, and is now a car that I very very much would love to own. My wrenching skills pale in comparison to yours, but I have learned a lot and have had a lot of fun following your build here.

Awesome job, GREAT concept, and terrific execution. The end result just exudes quality, and I am dutifully impressed!

Sincerely,

PE

unkl300d · #**291** 07-03-2012, 07:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mach4

For everything I was prepared for, it turned out to be painless, simple and quick.

And the most amazing thing was - there was no fee. Imagine, a real, true free government service... in California.

.

The ironic thing is that the same government will soon be mailing you letters every year offering to accept your old diesel 'air polluter' for a buy back of $300 or so.
I get them all the time from air quality control/DMV.

Blow that smoke in 'thar' faces Mad Max !!

Gravedigger · #**292** 07-06-2012, 10:52 PM

Really nice ride and alot of information . Thank You

DeliveryValve · #**293** 07-07-2012, 01:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ROLLGUY

That is nice to hear that it is legal now. Add to your list: '78-'79 300SD NON-EGR manifolds and downpipe..

The turbo will not fit between the frame rails with that setup. See dropnosky's w115 build, engine bay is similar.

He would have to build an extension pipe and do other things. It's best he use a trap bypass pipe instead.

Congrats mach on getting it legal.
.

mach4 · #**294** 07-10-2012, 08:14 PM

and the paperwork is done.

It only took three trips to the DMV, mostly because there are so few of these projects they really aren't that familiar with what it takes.

So don't be afraid folks: know the rules, follow the rules, do it right and know that it is definitely possible, and in the end, rather simple to get a gas car re-licensed as a diesel... at least in CA.

ROLLGUY · #**295** 07-11-2012, 12:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DeliveryValve

The turbo will not fit between the frame rails with that setup. See dropnosky's w115 build, engine bay is similar.

He would have to build an extension pipe and do other things. It's best he use a trap bypass pipe instead.

Congrats mach on getting it legal.
.

Although I find that hard to believe, I can't prove it. I believe both systems take up the same size space, so he should be able to use the Federal manifolds in his car. The trap on a CA engine is about where the turbo is on the Federal. Again, I can't prove it, but he (mach4) can!

Either way, my next project after the 617 Sanden bracket is going to be a trap-ox "test pipe".

mercmad6.3 · #**296** 07-11-2012, 01:46 AM

You do not know how lucky you are!!. To install a different engine in a car here requires an engineering approval and this has to be submitted to the government. They decide if the conversion fits their protocol and eiter approve it or dismiss it. if it gets dismissed you either forget the idea or go to the court of appeal ($$$$$$$$$$$$$$$).
We are not allowed to install an engine older than the car ,so no 6.9 liters into W107's etc.
It doesn't stop some wild engine swaop being done but such cars are confined to a club registration and can only be driven on certains days and to Club sanctioned events.
In case tyou think this is some sort of North Koeran nonsense, England is imposing similar legislation now ,mimiking that of Australia. Keep an eye on your political people...

Stretch · #**297** 07-11-2012, 02:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mercmad6.3

You do not know how lucky you are!!. To install a different engine in a car here requires an engineering approval and this has to be submitted to the government. They decide if the conversion fits their protocol and eiter approve it or dismiss it. if it gets dismissed you either forget the idea or go to the court of appeal ($$$$$$$$$$$$$$$).
We are not allowed to install an engine older than the car ,so no 6.9 liters into W107's etc.
It doesn't stop some wild engine swaop being done but such cars are confined to a club registration and can only be driven on certains days and to Club sanctioned events.
In case tyou think this is some sort of North Koeran nonsense, England is imposing similar legislation now ,mimiking that of Australia. Keep an eye on your political people...

Oh well that's the thin end of the wedge for Europe then - I guess they'll follow on...

...unless the English are following TUV guidelines (which happens more frequently than being influenced by Australia I believe).

mercmad6.3 · #**298** 07-11-2012, 03:29 AM

Ours are far stricter than the TUV ,they were bought in the late 1970's to prevent older cars from being rebuilt into hot rods etc ,thus getting rid of resto shops and making it easier for the manufacturers to sell new cars. It has been government policy for decades. Australia has been a legislation and socialogical laboratory for the UK and other countries for almost 200 years .
I have a freind in Germany who has repowered his 107 450SLC with a 6.9 and got it road legal..something which is practically impossible here as would be one of Autoschmiede's W118,5 conversions... and what about a brabaus 6.0 V12 W124/ we can but dream.

Stretch · #**299** 07-11-2012, 05:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mercmad6.3

Ours are far stricter than the TUV ,they were bought in the late 1970's to prevent older cars from being rebuilt into hot rods etc ,thus getting rid of resto shops and making it easier for the manufacturers to sell new cars. It has been government policy for decades. Australia has been a legislation and socialogical laboratory for the UK and other countries for almost 200 years .
I have a freind in Germany who has repowered his 107 450SLC with a 6.9 and got it road legal..something which is practically impossible here as would be one of Autoschmiede's W118,5 conversions... and what about a brabaus 6.0 V12 W124/ we can but dream.

Yep I agree with that. I can say however that it is nothing personal from the perspective of 99.999% of the polpulation. For example British military "scientists" were releasing viruses at various locations in Southern England during the 1950s to see what effect it would have on hospital statistics. "We" do it to our "own" too. Bastards.

Gravedigger · #**300** 07-17-2012, 09:01 PM

What kind of fuel mileage are you getting?