380SL Diesel Conversion Project - Page 5 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Druk · #61 12-10-2011, 02:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mach4

Sounds like a great project. I look forward to comparing notes.

Isn't that engine electronically controlled? And if so have you figured out that aspect? I made the decision to stay with a completely mechanical engine to avoid any of those hassles.

Yeh, that would be good.

The electronic pump has been swapped for a manual one from a 606-910 non-turbo engine with the elements out the turbo pump and setup for turbo fuelling. Turbo output with manual control.

mach4 · #62 12-10-2011, 08:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Druk

The electronic pump has been swapped for a manual one from a 606-910 non-turbo engine with the elements out the turbo pump and setup for turbo fuelling. Turbo output with manual control.

Very cool. A step by step howto on that setup would be great.

unkl300d · #63 12-10-2011, 09:51 PM

Just read the entire thread so far and I wanted to commend you for an admirable project.

A diesel sports car. Sick ! Totally sick !

My W123 is jealous !

Druk · #64 12-11-2011, 03:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by unkl300d

A diesel sports car. Sick ! Totally sick !

Diesel Mercedes SLK unveiled - Autocar.co.uk

If it's good enough for them...it's good enough for us.

mach4 · #65 12-11-2011, 08:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Druk

Have you done a trial lock-to-lock with the steering? I ask because I'm in the throes of a similar conversion and at full lock the inner balljoints are very close to the sump edge both sides.

Well looks like I'm going to be ok. Did a temp install of the subframe, installed the drag link and laid my original pan on the crossmember. With the steering at full lock I've got plenty of bottom clearance.

And side clearance is ok too. It's a bit close in this picture, but I've gone with the "smooth" pan and so have plenty of extra space over what this picture shows.

I had to add more urethane to the subframe mounts as I mis-calculated the amount it would take... it really takes quite a bit. Here is how the spacers work in the car, dropping the subframe about .6 inch. Bad news is that the mounting bolts aren't long enough, so I'll have to source longer bolts before actually doing a final mount of the subframe.

Started work on the radiator. Here it is mocked up in position so I can begin to fabricate the bottom mount. The top mount will be really simple as I can use the original clips from the 300D, just need to cut some slots for the clips.

Ran out of time for the other things I wanted to get done, but all for another day.

mach4 · #66 12-12-2011, 01:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Druk

Diesel Mercedes SLK unveiled - Autocar.co.uk
If it's good enough for them...it's good enough for us.

Yes, I believe the time is right for the whole idea of a diesel sports car... whether it's a new SLK or an SL retrofit!

Both are nice looking vehicles.

Druk · #67 12-12-2011, 03:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mach4

Well looks like I'm going to be ok. Did a temp install of the subframe, installed the drag link and laid my original pan on the crossmember. With the steering at full lock I've got plenty of bottom clearance.

Excellent. Are you planning on shortening the road springs slightly to maintain the body height?

mach4 · #68 12-12-2011, 10:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Druk

Excellent. Are you planning on shortening the road springs slightly to maintain the body height?

No plans for right now. It's only 1/2" so it might not make a discernable difference. In fact the extra engine weight may take care of most of that. I'll just wait and see what I've got. I do plan on turning down as much of the spacers as I can once everything is in, running and settled.

Still too many moving pieces.

t walgamuth · #69 12-12-2011, 11:42 AM

Great progress!

Lots of details one would not imagine when starting down the road.

daw_two · #70 12-12-2011, 05:43 PM

I'm getting inspiration!!! Keep up the good work and keep posting pics. I'm a diesel aficionado and a similar project might be my next calling.

Before you put the engine and transmission back in for the last time, have you considered any sound proofing on the firewall or fenders?

I have some experience with the oil bypass remote filter sold by AMSOIL if you need some information or pics.

mach4 · #71 12-12-2011, 06:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by daw_two

Before you put the engine and transmission back in for the last time, have you considered any sound proofing on the firewall or fenders?

As strange as it sounds, I'm not going to "do it right" the first time.

Because I live in California, dealing with the government on these kinds of things can be a hit or miss proposition, even though I'm well within the law and regs. The strategy is to get the basics done enough to get the car drivable so the BAR and DMV bureaucrats can sign off on the conversion. Then when I'm duly titled as a diesel, then I can rip it apart and do all the nice detail stuff. No sense in getting it looking and sounding all pretty, if I'm going to get into some kind of a hassle that makes the project problematic.

But I do have a backup plan! If this chassis won't get approved, I'll just need to source a '71-'75 SL or SLC and move all the modified bits to that platform ('75 and earlier is smog exempt) ...or just sell the car out of state and redo the project. The project is actually pretty easy - the research and trial and error and problem solving is what takes the time.

unkl300d · #72 12-12-2011, 08:23 PM

[QUOTE=mach4;2845705]As strange as it sounds, I'm not going to "do it right" the first time.

Because I live in California, dealing with the government on these kinds of things can be a hit or miss proposition, even though I'm well within the law and regs. The strategy is to get the basics done enough to get the car drivable so the BAR and DMV bureaucrats can sign off on the conversion. "

You are SO right about the DMV. Plus it may take a heck of a long time since they are short staffed. Hope it all goes smooth on that end.

Druk · #73 12-13-2011, 03:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mach4

The project is actually pretty easy - the research and trial and error and problem solving is what takes the time.

Ah! but that's also what's most fun. The human race would have stagnated if we didn't have to think for ourselves now and then. It's a great pity all these bureaurocrats have to find more and more ways to make their jobs plausible. You should try living in Europe.

Stretch · #74 12-13-2011, 03:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Druk

Ah! but that's also what's most fun. The human race would have stagnated if we didn't have to think for ourselves now and then. It's a great pity all these bureaurocrats have to find more and more ways to make their jobs plausible. You should try living in Europe.

Scotland - Scotland? A breeze (albeit a pretty strong one coming off the Atlantic!)

You should try Holland!

Druk · #75 12-13-2011, 05:54 AM

Go Scotland

An American photographer on vacation was inside Westminster Abbey taking photographs when he noticed a golden telephone mounted on the wall with a sign that read '£10,000 per call'.

The American, being intrigued, asked a priest who was strolling by what the telephone was usedfor.

The priest replied that it was a direct line to heaven and that for £10,000 you could talk to God.

The American thanked the priest and went along his way.

Next stop was in Lincoln
There, at the cathedral, he saw the same golden telephone with the same sign under it.

He wondered if this was the same kind of telephone he saw in London and he asked a nearby nun what its purpose was.

She told him that it was a direct line to heaven and that for £10,000 he could talk to God.

'O.K., thank you,' said the American.

He then travelled to York , Durham and Liverpool

In every Cathedral he saw the same golden telephone with the same '£10,000 per call' sign under it.

The American, upon leaving the N of England decided to travel to Scotland to see if the Scots had the same phone.

He arrived in Glasgow, and again, as he entered the cathedral , there was the same golden telephone, but this time the sign under it read '50 pence per call.'

The American was surprised so he asked the priest about the sign. 'Reverend, I've travelled all over England and I've seen this same golden telephone in many churches. I'm told that it is a direct line to heaven, but in England the price was £10,000 per call. Why is it only 50pence here?'

The priest smiled and answered, 'You're in Scotland now, son .... it's a local call.'

Sorry for the thread creep.

KEEP SMILING