W123 OM648 Project - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

VaiFanatic · #11 02-20-2022, 11:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BirthdayBenz

Compare to the 617 and even 603, this engine runs amazingly smooth. I was excited to hear the turbo spool up driving the CDI up the hill of my driveway. I think this would be super cool in a w126, but I would think manual conversion could be more trouble than its worth. The transmission I have was very inexpensive. Also being from a diesel car it has better gearing for the CDI engine compare to something from a gasoline car. But also, the adapter plate kit is the most expensive part of this swap.

This swap would probably be simpler in the w126 chassis than it's going to be in the w123.

I've thought of doing this in a W108 also. Some sort of ratty looking one making 500hp

The manual conversion is definitely worth it for me. I HATE automatics. I've already made a manual pedal set by cannibalizing the parts from a W201 pedal box for my 500SE, and can do the same again fairly easy enough.

My '96 F-350 that I bought from the original owner was on its third E4OD automatic, and I quickly swapped it out for a ZF-5 with a transfer case to also make the transition from 2WD to 4WD. I've also completed an auto to manual swap in my '98 Durango with the 5.9 Magnum V8. No manual swap isn't worth whatever troubles it may bring

I can fabricate a lot of what's needed, but my shop time has been reduced by increased work (I work IT) and the fact that I just became a dad last month. DieselPump's kits are reasonably priced (compared to Rennsport, anyway) and I wouldn't mind just paying the piper to get the job done a little quicker.

I am thinking, however, for the sake of not having to deal with too much in the way of electronics, going with a 606 to replace the M103. If my 170S (4cyl) were a 220S (6 cyl), with the longer hood/engine bay, I'd stuff the M103 in it, haha.

The goal would be a peppy, long-wheelbase sedan, that can get fantastic mileage and do well on long trips across the country.