240D motor into 65 chevy van - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Diesel Van · #1 04-30-2014, 03:17 PM

I bought a 1982 240D to use the motor in my 65 Sportvan. The van has 3.36 rear gears, 205/70/14 tires. Right now it has a 3 speed muncie transmission, looking to upgrade to 200r4 or 700r4. With the 616 motor, it will have the aerodynamics of a VW bus, with slightly more power. I live in rural Iowa, so its flat and 55mph. Rarely do I end up on the highway.

I bought an intake off of a W115 because the W123 is too wide by 5 inches or more.

Parting out the rest of the car, started a thread in the appropriate section. Will post pictures as it progresses.

Thanks!

charmalu · #2 04-30-2014, 04:39 PM

JB3 installed a 616 or a 617 in a 89 Astro Van a couple years ago, he should see this an give you some pointers.

Charlie

Diesel Van · #3 04-30-2014, 05:08 PM

Yep, love that thread! i had a thread on benzworld, but this seems like a better place for it so I'm starting this one here. I heard from him about his Astro there. Theres no way I can get a 5spd in the van without serious work, the motor and trans sit too far back.

tjts1 · #4 04-30-2014, 05:42 PM

Save yourself the trouble.
https://losangeles.craigslist.org/sfv/cto/4438554380.html

gatorblue92 · #5 04-30-2014, 06:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tjts1

Save yourself the trouble.
https://losangeles.craigslist.org/sfv/cto/4438554380.html

corre muy vien economica

JB3 · #6 04-30-2014, 06:39 PM

welcome!

Looking forward to this project, classic small chevy van seems made for this perfectly. Especially the center front seat engine position, perfect for servicing the diesel with the high valve cover.

I was shocked at how small these sportlines actually are in person once I saw one at a show, always assumed they were full size van range, but definitely not. Gonna be a good swap I think

JB3 · #7 04-30-2014, 06:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gatorblue92

corre muy vien economica

man id love to see how that one does on economy. Could be a bit of a dog though on power, but still, the 617 is pretty decent with the right rear end. Manual tranny too!

Someone needs to go test drive it

Skid Row Joe · #8 04-30-2014, 06:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Diesel Van

240D motor into 65 chevy

gatorblue92 · #9 04-30-2014, 06:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JB3

man id love to see how that one does on economy. Could be a bit of a dog though on power, but still, the 617 is pretty decent with the right rear end. Manual tranny too!

Someone needs to go test drive it

I am VERY curious about that one. What transmission did they use ect...

tjts1 · #10 04-30-2014, 07:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JB3

Someone needs to go test drive it

If it was CA smog legal I would. Unfortunately the state requires the engine you're swapping in to be the same model year or newer than the vehicle its going into. Thats probably why he's trying to sell it. Its been up there for months.

mach4 · #11 04-30-2014, 08:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tjts1

If it was CA smog legal I would. Unfortunately the state requires the engine you're swapping in to be the same model year or newer than the vehicle its going into. Thats probably why he's trying to sell it. Its been up there for months.

In addition you'd probably get caught up in the requirement that the engine has to come from the same class of vehicle too. I believe that the van would be classified as a light truck and a 300d ( presumably a 617) is a passenger car engine. The van is just too new to be a viable swap candidate.

tjts1 · #12 04-30-2014, 08:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mach4

In addition you'd probably get caught up in the requirement that the engine has to come from the same class of vehicle too. I believe that the van would be classified as a light truck and a 300d ( presumably a 617) is a passenger car engine. The van is just too new to be a viable swap candidate.

I wonder where the cut off is exactly. VW guys are getting away with putting 1.9TDI out of the golf/jetta into the T3 van.

mach4 · #13 04-30-2014, 08:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tjts1

I wonder where the cut off is exactly. VW guys are getting away with putting 1.9TDI out of the golf/jetta into the T3 van.

There is no technical cutoff, but the situation gets ever more complex as you start dealing with newer computer controlled engines, and the problem gets ever more complex with the computer controlled transmissions.

Each state is different, so it's almost like there are 50 answers to each question.

OM617YOTA · #14 04-30-2014, 09:06 PM

That's going to be awesome! Smaller van, bulletproof motor, that's going to be an amazing camping/hunting rig!

I would not own the converted full size Dodge van. Talk about a slug.

t walgamuth · #15 05-01-2014, 09:01 AM

you'll probably need to switch the diff for a 410 ratio to get reasonable performance. how much does the van weigh?