Ford V6 or V8 engine swap into 240D??? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

mart34 · #1 09-09-2009, 03:56 AM

Ford V6 or V8 engine swap into 240D???

Hi. I've been lurking here for a while, but
this is my first post .I've got a chance to
get a '78 240D automatic that is in fabulous
condition.....except for a bad engine. The
current owner, an elderly friend who has
babied the car since new and has spent a
fortune on it in upkeep over the years, ran
it out of oil a couple of weeks ago. While it
still runs, it's now got a severe bearing knock
and needs a rebuild. I'd really like to save
this car (it's way too nice to send to the
boneyard!) - fix it up and drive it. If I get
the car, I'd like to replace the ailing diesel
with with an non-MB, North American V6 or
V8 of about 200 to 250 hp. I'm an experienced
welder and fabricator- I've swapped engines
and even built a couple of race cars and a street
rod from the ground up before,so I can handle
the work myself. I've just never worked on a
MB before and don't have a lot of knowledge about
these particular cars! I'm wondering what engine
would be the easiest and most practical to swap
into the W123 chassis? I've got a couple of engines
that look like they might be likely candidates - a
Ford 4 liter SOHC V6 from a 2004 Explorer and a
5 litre pushrod V8 from a mid-'90's Crown Vic. I
can handle the wiring and computer hook-up to
get the EFI to work, so I'm just wondering about
actually fitting either of these engines into the
chassis. Has anybody here put a 4 litre Ford V6 or
a 5 litre Ford V8 in to a W123 before? Both engines
have front-sump oil pans that *look* like they
will clear the MB steering box and linkage If not,
they're probably close enough to clearing that
I can re-work the oil pan enough to make it clear.
Also, if necessary too, I'm not averse to cutting,
welding and then reinforcing the front cross member
too, if that ends up being required. Any advice, ideas,
suggestions or comments appreciated. Thanks in
advance.

===========================

Turbo E320 · #2 09-09-2009, 11:28 AM

The previous owner of my E320 swapped a mustang V6 into an old Mercedes like yours. He didn't portray the swap as very challenging so if you have the metal and welding rod it will be a quick install. Wiring is another issue

.

I'd go for the V8. Is there even a second though when choosing between the V6 or V8?

ColLonewolf · #3 09-09-2009, 02:34 PM

There is another member somewhere around here that has a Supercharged Mustang 5.0 in his either 300 or 240. It is a blue one with a Dodge Dakota air dam on it. It therefore can be done.

mramay · #4 09-09-2009, 10:28 PM

My 560SEC had a problem with the width of the LS6 and the depth of the MB Steering Gearbox - they hit. That meant rack and pinion steering and a new engine crossmember. The engine wasn't that hard to fit, it was the transmission (4L60E) that required the tunnel width modification and the most fabrication effort.

Old carpenter's adage: Measure twice, cut once. Bet the V8 will fit but which transmission are you using??

E150GT · #5 09-09-2009, 10:53 PM

I dont think I would swap a 3.8 mustang v6 in anything. I'd go for a 5.0 from a 1992 mustang gt. 225 hp and they are plentiful. I dont think the crown vics with a 5.0 had but 185 hp.

mart34 · #6 09-10-2009, 04:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by E150GT

I dont think I
would swap a 3.8 mustang v6 in anything.
I'd go for a 5.0 from a 1992 mustang gt.
225 hp and they are plentiful. I dont think
the crown vics with a 5.0 had but 185 hp.

=========================

The V6 I was considering was the SOHC
4 litre 60 degree V6, from a 2000 and up
Explorer - which is completely different from
the 90 degree pushrod 3.8 V6 used in the
older Mustangs and T-birds etc. But if it can
be made to fit without major surgery, I agree
- the 5 litre V8 would definitely be the way
to go - and probably what I'll end up doing.
I'd be very interested in hearing from anybody -
here - either on or off list - who has put a
Ford 5 Litre V8 into a W123.

mart2mns@sympatico.ca
========================

mart34 · #7 09-10-2009, 04:57 AM

Quote:

Old carpenter's adage: Measure twice, cut once. Bet the V8 will fit but which transmission are you using??

==========================
That's one of the things I was wondering about.
If I use the 5 Litre V8, I *hope* to be able to use
the Ford AOD automatic. Without measuring
though I've got no idea if the AOD will fit the
stock tunnel.
============================

mart34 · #8 09-10-2009, 05:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ColLonewolf

There is another member somewhere around here that has a Supercharged Mustang 5.0 in his either 300 or 240. It is a blue one with a Dodge Dakota air dam on it. It therefore can be done.

================================

Thanks. I did see something about that car you
mentioned here on the list. I could be wrong,
but I was under the impression that the engine
was a Ford 3 Litre V6, rather than a 5 Litre V8.
Either way, it's an absolutely gorgeous car and
very well engineered. I'd love to hear from the
owner, either on or off list!

mart2mns@sympatico.ca
==============================

Roncallo · #9 09-11-2009, 04:39 AM

I put the 5.0 into a Pinto years ago. into a 123 should be a piec of cake.

lupin..the..3rd · #10 09-29-2009, 06:02 PM

Personally I'd go for a modern diesel engine, like from a newish E320 CDI. How can you go wrong with 369 ft/lbs of torque and ~40 miles per gallon?

GGR · #11 09-30-2009, 07:40 AM

Unless you have a specific reason for going with a North American engine I would consider a Mercedes M117 V8. It has been done before and in may be a straight fit by combining MB parts from different models. They are plenty around. I would get a complete rusted or totalled W126 or r107 with a good running engine. By experience it's always good to have the donor car next to the other as you always need plenty of little stuff that otherwise will cost you time and money to get from elsewhere.

mramay · #12 10-02-2009, 10:22 AM

The aluminum GM LSx series of engines weigh about 60 pounds less than the aluminum M117 engine and you can have any HP from 350 - 505 in a stock engine depending on which version you purchase (e.g., LS1, LS2, LS3, LS6, LS7, LS9) plus all the LS engines are exactly the same size. My LS6 has been dyno'd at 480 HP and is essentially the same size as the M117 I pulled out of the SEC.

Roncallo · #13 10-03-2009, 12:14 PM

Considering the cost of this project, if the goal is to remain all Mercedes, consider an M119 or M113 engine with 722.6 five speed trans. The price difference between the M117 and the later V8s will be insignificant to the rest of the project and both HP and gas mileage will go up significantly. At this time an M117 engine conversion is more than likely not a good choice, due to the lack of performance by today's standards, couple with the total lack of available bolt on cost effective modifications.

The Chevy offers the absolute best performance option with manual transmissions readily available.

The cost of doing this project well will far out cost the value of the car when complete, even if someone were to drop a suitable engine and transmission on your door step.

niteprss · #14 10-11-2011, 02:35 PM

The best daily driver I have ever owned.
I have been driving for over 10 years and it is Easy to maintain and never needs smog.
I have been told by mechanics that "this is one of the best conversions
they have seen.
Unfortunely, my mortgage is in jepordy and need to sell.

tjts1 · #15 10-11-2011, 03:46 PM

Do you have a picture of the engine? I would love a W123 with a modern EFI gasoline engine in it.