Guys - I'm a MB virgin - please don't hurt me!

I JUST bought an '84 300SD (somewhat past 208K miles but actual mileage unknown) for the purpose of stealing the driveline (engine, trans, and driveshaft) for installation into an '82 Chevrolet S10. I drove the car last week before I bought it and other than being a bit slow everything worked other than some of the accessories. I'm a Land Speed racer (think Bonneville, though I race with the ECTA at Wilmington, Ohio) and this will fit in a specific Diesel truck category.

The level of my ignorance is astounding although I do have quite a bit of Diesel experience with Navistar DT466, Cummins ISB and others, mostly on an engine dyno.

So the deal is this: The whole car is currently in my shop (pretty well equipped w/hoist and shop crane, welders, etc.etc.) and I'm in the process of extracting the engine. I spoke with Roy in Michigan and he signed me up here and strongly suggested that I post here for ideas and suggestions.

So first of all, are there any tricks to yanking the engine out? What will I need to make the installation work in the S10?

My current plan is to send the turbo off (bearings are wobbly - I think that's the technical term) and I found a turbo guy with LSR experience to handle this. He'll do some minor improvements while he has it.

Should I pull the head for a freshening? Flatten the head, grind the valves, maybe valve guides if needed. Obviously, new gaskets as needed. I don't know if this is necessary in this engine with these miles.

Roy suggested that there are economical (read "cheap") changes that one can make to the fuel system to push more fuel. Any specifics would be welcome - pics help a LOT for a rookie like me.

I have to convert the truck to Diesel and I'm retired on a fixed income so I have to be frugal but there are a few $$ to kick start this project.

Roy also mentioned that some of you might have an interest in the carcass once I've picked the mechanicals out of it. Anyone interested? I'd trade labor for interior bits and such, and the sheetmetal seems excellent. The rest goes off the Pick & Pull.

Oops - I didn't mention that I'm in Wilmington, NC.

Dan

If it starts and runs good I would not pull the head, especially if funding is limited.

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Jim

Thanks Jim. It seemed OK although it felt like it was running on 5 cylinders (A little humor here!). But seriously it did seem OK. The trans had all it's gears, etc. The goal is to get it running properly and moving down the track, then refine and modify as funds allow.

Dan