Parts Catalog Accessories Catalog How To Articles Tech Forums
Call Pelican Parts at 888-280-7799
Shopping Cart Cart | Project List | Order Status | Help



Go Back   PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum > Mercedes-Benz Tech Information and Support > Diesel Discussion

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 12-26-2013, 01:05 AM
4x4_Welder's Avatar
Registered User
 
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Poulsbo, WA
Posts: 504
Does someone want to put a 5speed behind an OM617?

I make a kit to bolt a Ford small block pattern transmission to an OM617, and I would like to know if it'll actually fit under a Mercedes car. I have seen a W116 with a 302, so I know this will fit in that body style, but I'd like to see one in a 123 or 126.
The trans required is an M5R2 from a Thunderbird with a supercharger, there are several available in the NW and if you'd like I can rebuild one. This trans has both the rear mounted shifter and 164tooth bellhousing required for this particular application.
The kit I make retails for $1250, but if someone wants to document the install in a Mercedes car, I would give a substantial discount for pics and installation details to post on my website.

Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 12-26-2013, 02:09 AM
Stretch's Avatar
...like a shield of steel
 
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Somewhere in the Netherlands
Posts: 14,461
You've got a website?
__________________
1992 W201 190E 1.8 171,000 km - Daily driver
1981 W123 300D ~ 100,000 miles / 160,000 km - project car stripped to the bone
1965 Land Rover Series 2a Station Wagon CIS recovery therapy!
1961 Volvo PV544 Bare metal rat rod-ish thing

I'm here to chat about cars and to help others - I'm not here "to always be right" like an internet warrior



Don't leave that there - I'll take it to bits!
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 12-26-2013, 11:21 AM
ROLLGUY's Avatar
ROLLGUY
 
Join Date: Oct 2007
Posts: 7,229
Doesn't everyone?

At first glance of the title, my first thought was: doesn't everyone?. After reading, I see that the trans needed seems to be somewhat rare and expensive. That, along with the cost of the adapter, would seem to be cost prohibitive to most (if not all) members. There are other adapters available for other transmissions for a fraction of the cost of yours. The adapter for a Jeep trans (AX5/15) is around $250, and the Jeep transmissions are plentiful and cheap. Yes the AX15 is for a 4X4 application, but there may be 2WD units available. I have plans to 4X4 a 300D, and have the AX15, TC and adapter. I only have about $600 invested in the 3 parts (trans, adapter, and TC). The AX5 is mostly used in the 2WD Jeeps, so that would be the cheapest 5 speed swap for a 123/126. However, I don't know that I have seen this done yet, as the adapters are mostly used when installing a 617 in a Jeep product. I may be the first one to try it (AX in a Diesel 'Benz).....Rich
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 12-26-2013, 12:42 PM
JB3 JB3 is offline
Registered User
 
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: RI
Posts: 7,246
x2 to above, thats a pretty rare source vehicle, would the adapter work for the M5OD-R1 gearbox also? That ones in like 25 years of ford rangers, though lighter duty. Do we need the heavy duty version for a mercedes sedan?

would they have the same bolt pattern and similar shifter position? Since its a Mazda box, are there mazda versions that would be more common?

People are super likely to find manual tranny rangers in yards meaning they could easily use your adapter if the patterns were the same, vs finding something as rare as a thunderbird or cougar thats both supercharged, and has a stick on top of that.
__________________
This post brought to you by Carl's Jr.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 12-26-2013, 01:21 PM
ROLLGUY's Avatar
ROLLGUY
 
Join Date: Oct 2007
Posts: 7,229
Quote:
Originally Posted by JB3 View Post
x2 to above, thats a pretty rare source vehicle, would the adapter work for the M5OD-R1 gearbox also? That ones in like 25 years of ford rangers, though lighter duty. Do we need the heavy duty version for a mercedes sedan?
That is a similar question I would have for the AX5. I am not sure how strong it is even compared to a 4 speed found in the 240. It is known that the 4 speed will handle the power/torque of a 617. I have yet to find a 2WD AX15 (not saying they don't exist, but may be as rare as the Tbird trans), so the AX5 may be the only 2WD Jeep trans that will work.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 12-26-2013, 02:24 PM
t walgamuth's Avatar
dieselarchitect
 
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Lafayette Indiana
Posts: 38,613
Just a comment....may or may not apply in this case.

I have a f150 five speed transmission I was planning to use in the 39 studebaker truck. Turns out there is not nearly enough room for it around the bellhousing with its massive 14"d clutch and flywheel....so if using any american made flywheel and clutch be sure to check carefully the clearance around the bell housing.
__________________
[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 12-26-2013, 02:43 PM
auspumpen's Avatar
Weit aus dem nirgends
 
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Östfalia
Posts: 319
I believe several Ssangyong models use a Borg-Warner/Tremec T5 transmission coupled to OM60X/M104 engines, so if you could locate one of those bellhousings, it probably could open up lots of interesting possibilities using the more modern MB engine designs.
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 12-26-2013, 02:59 PM
4x4_Welder's Avatar
Registered User
 
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Poulsbo, WA
Posts: 504
I can have five of the speciied transmissions here tomorrow, for less than $500 each. The rebuild kit is $300.
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 12-26-2013, 03:26 PM
ROLLGUY's Avatar
ROLLGUY
 
Join Date: Oct 2007
Posts: 7,229
Quote:
Originally Posted by 4x4_Welder View Post
I can have five of the speciied transmissions here tomorrow, for less than $500 each. The rebuild kit is $300.
Even with that price ($800 max), it is cheaper than an MB 5 speed (if you could find one). However, adding the adapter ($1250 regular price), and the added fabrication needed (don't forget about the clutch parts), the cost still seems higher than other options available. I am sure I can find a complete MB 5 speed setup for less than $2,000. Most other options that I have seen are looking better. Don't misunderstand me, I am not saying that your way is a bad idea or anything like that. I am sure that trans is near bullet proof (being behind a supercharged V8, it would have to be), but most all of us are looking for near bolt-in, inexpensive options for a 5 speed behind our Diesels (+ I like many others, am a cheapskate!) . Working options I have heard of are: cutting and welding the bell from a 617 trans to a 190 5 speed, reworking a BMW trans (adapter and/or cut and weld the bell), T-5 with Chevy bell and adapter. I am sure there are others, and I will add the AX15 to the list when it is complete (I will start a new thread).
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 12-26-2013, 03:30 PM
ngarover's Avatar
Registered User
 
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Northern Georgia
Posts: 1,964
I've been toying with this for some time on my Rover. It's got the R380 5speed. Really a pretty crappy transmission, rare, impossible to get rebuilt in the states it seems. But, because it's rare and a 5 speed people do seem to want them in their rovers. I hit a road block when the metal company sent me a pice of aluminum twice as thick as I ordered.... and none of the 5 shops around here seem to have the equipment to cut in in half. (so I'm basically out 180 bucks plus the shipping.) The project kind of went into hibernation after. The parts that got done so far are we machined the original rover flywheel to accept the parts to bolt to the om617, along with a new custom throwout bearing. I also had the clutch plate resurfaced with much better material. But as I look at the project, I'm thinking that I may just part it and use the engine in something else simpler, like a Toyota. (since there are ready off the shelf kits for these that are ready to go and done often.)
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 12-26-2013, 04:18 PM
JB3 JB3 is offline
Registered User
 
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: RI
Posts: 7,246
Quote:
Originally Posted by 4x4_Welder View Post
I can have five of the speciied transmissions here tomorrow, for less than $500 each. The rebuild kit is $300.
What does your adapter kit include?
__________________
This post brought to you by Carl's Jr.
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 12-26-2013, 08:21 PM
4x4_Welder's Avatar
Registered User
 
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Poulsbo, WA
Posts: 504
Adapter plate, flywheel adapter, flywheel, bolts, oil filter relocation plates, and starter.
I'm working on getting a website up and running, I have a ton of pics like this:

I've had a lot of stuff taking priority over getting the site up, but should have it going by about mid-February.
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 12-26-2013, 11:43 PM
t walgamuth's Avatar
dieselarchitect
 
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Lafayette Indiana
Posts: 38,613
It looks like quality work.
__________________
[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 12-26-2013, 11:46 PM
sixto's Avatar
smoke gets in your eyes
 
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: Eastern TN
Posts: 20,841
Does the oil filter have to be relocated in a 123 or 126 for this swap?

Sixto
87 300D
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 12-27-2013, 01:22 PM
ROLLGUY's Avatar
ROLLGUY
 
Join Date: Oct 2007
Posts: 7,229
Quote:
Originally Posted by 4x4_Welder View Post
Adapter plate, flywheel adapter, flywheel, bolts, oil filter relocation plates, and starter.
I'm working on getting a website up and running, I have a ton of pics like this:

I've had a lot of stuff taking priority over getting the site up, but should have it going by about mid-February.
Now seeing the amount and quality of the parts, it seems that the price you are charging is reasonable. You get what you pay for. Some folks don't mind paying extra for better quality and ease of installation. I have to say, it looks like your kit may be as "bolt in" as they get for putting a 5 spd behind a 617.

Reply With Quote
Reply

Bookmarks

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is On
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On




All times are GMT -4. The time now is 09:05 PM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.7
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.
Search Engine Optimization by vBSEO 3.6.0
Copyright 2024 Pelican Parts, LLC - Posts may be archived for display on the Peach Parts or Pelican Parts Website -    DMCA Registered Agent Contact Page