W123 5-speed conversion (need part) - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

ontheroad · #1 01-26-2012, 01:57 AM

I'm just finishing up a 5-speed conversion on my 1983 300D (Turbo) This was not easy!!!! I got the tranny from a euro-spec 240d from a Mercedes wrecking yard in Canada and thought I got all the pieces but as I finish this up I realize that the trans mount for the 5-speed must be different (because the manual trans is about 4 inches shorter than the auto). right now i have a 4" piece of steel taking up the slack, but I'd rather have the correct trans mount, anyone know where I might find one? I don't think a 240D mount will work because the 5-speed trans is a couple inches longer (though I haven't actually tried).

Anyone know where I can get some euro-spec W123 parts?

Anyone here ever done a 5-speed conversion before?

any help is appreciated!!

Thanks!!!

charmalu · #2 01-26-2012, 02:28 AM

Welcome to the forum.

What about using the 240D automatic cross mount? that is what Iam using on my 85 300D with the 240D manual trans. there are 2 long slots where the trans mount bolts fit through the slots. as I remember, the bolts are towards the front edge of the slots. might be enough slot to the rear for it to fit. don`t know the diferences between the 4 and 5 spd length.

It`s 11:30 at night here, so not under the car to see what I have, but could take a look and measure tomarrow if you want.

Charlie

t walgamuth · #3 01-26-2012, 06:28 AM

I agree with Charlie. MOst likely you can use another crossmember. There is some adjustment available. I have some extras, if you decide what dimensions you need let me know and I may have one. You need to be careful about getting the path of the driveshaft straight vertically and horizonally.

Stevo · #4 01-26-2012, 10:11 AM

Who was it not long ago that had to get the 5 spd mount from Germany as nothing he could find locally worked. I remember using my euro vin to help him find one on this side of the pond to no avail. He will be chiming in, if not I'll dig up the info.

Edit....It was lutzTD and the P/N is A 123 242 26 01

ontheroad · #5 01-26-2012, 11:07 AM

Thanks for all the help! I have a new custom length driveshaft arriving in the mail on friday, what can I do to ensure proper alignment?

Also, because the 240 engine is about 4" shorter than the 300, it sounds as though a 240 mount will get close, but I'll get under the car and measure this afternoon. I only have a couple of weeks to work on the car, and if I am going to need to find a part in Europe I'd like to get started on it, anyone have any parts suppliers over there? ebay germany?

Thank you so much for that part#!!!!!

Steve, is your euro-spec 300 a turbo? Just wondering if mercedes actually made this car to begin with, might have saved me a lot of trouble.

It looks like a lot of people on this forum have done 4 or 5 speed conversions, did any of you have problems with the lack of machining on the back of the crank to accept the input shaft bearing like I did?

sorry, back to the trans mount, what can I do to get the alignment correct?

Thanks again!!!

t walgamuth · #6 01-26-2012, 11:35 AM

Most say the turbo was never offered in Europe and it was never offered with a stick here.

Stevo · #7 01-26-2012, 11:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ontheroad

hank you so much for that part#!!!!!

Steve, is your euro-spec 300 a turbo? Just wondering if mercedes actually made this car to begin with, might have saved me a lot of trouble.

It looks like a lot of people on this forum have done 4 or 5 speed conversions, did any of you have problems with the lack of machining on the back of the crank to accept the input shaft bearing like I did?

sorry, back to the trans mount, what can I do to get the alignment correct?

Thanks again!!!

My Euro TD is not a turbo. I dont think MB ever put a manual tranny with a turbo W123. Do a search on "lutzTD", his 5 spd project wasn't that long ago. He had a hell of a time finding a mount. Couldn't you get that mount from the yard where you got the tranny, its only held on with 4 bolts?

I thought that the hole for the pilot bearing was smaller only in the 85s (turbos) mine being a non turbo had the normal size hole in the end of the crank. I just replaced the clutch and related items.

junqueyardjim · #8 01-26-2012, 12:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ontheroad

Thanks for all the help! I have a new custom length driveshaft arriving in the mail on friday, what can I do to ensure proper alignment?

Also, because the 240 engine is about 4" shorter than the 300, it sounds as though a 240 mount will get close, but I'll get under the car and measure this afternoon. I only have a couple of weeks to work on the car, and if I am going to need to find a part in Europe I'd like to get started on it, anyone have any parts suppliers over there? ebay germany?

Thank you so much for that part#!!!!!

Steve, is your euro-spec 300 a turbo? Just wondering if mercedes actually made this car to begin with, might have saved me a lot of trouble.

It looks like a lot of people on this forum have done 4 or 5 speed conversions, did any of you have problems with the lack of machining on the back of the crank to accept the input shaft bearing like I did?

sorry, back to the trans mount, what can I do to get the alignment correct?

Thanks again!!!

Yes, a number of us ran into that on the 1985 617 engine. I solved my problem by putting in the freezer over night and tapping it in. It went in pretty easy that way. Might be difficult to get out, but that is a long time down the road.

ontheroad · #9 01-26-2012, 12:43 PM

I bought the trans about 7 years ago but started this project about 3 years ago and just now getting it done, so the trans mount in the wrecking yard is long gone. I live in Seattle but this car is a my dad's place in CA, so I only get to work on it about a week or two per year, I'm really hoping to get it driving before I leave!!

My crank was machined to 34mm while the standard pilot bearing is 35mm, so I took the entire engine to a machine shop and had a 1mm (thick) stainless steel shim made with a solid back and used the 32mm bearing. Just one of the many problems I encountered, and I'm not done yet!!

I will check the thread of the the other guy who has already completed this, I probably should have found this message board a few years ago, I think I would have saved a few grey hairs!!

Kevin

Stevo · #10 01-26-2012, 12:47 PM

Junqueyardjim

freezeshrunk, good idea. If you ever have to get it out, I borrowed a puller made by "Snapon" just for pilot bearings. Probaply expinsave but would pull it if need be.