W107 on diesel - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

cth350 · #1 09-15-2008, 12:38 PM

OK, I've heard at least two people say it's been done. Anybody actually know who's done it?

Namely putting an OM617 into a W107 (SL) body.

Thx -CTH

TylerH860 · #2 09-15-2008, 12:44 PM

If you want a convertible it would be an R107.

#3 09-15-2008, 12:51 PM

Search, there are several threads on this topic.

cth350 · #4 09-15-2008, 01:22 PM

So they tell me, but I have yet to find a single one from a knowledgable first source or one that shows a picture of such a beast.

The closest thing is this thread, for a W126 coupe:
Lead on a 380SL, would a 617 diesel fit?

Zeitgeist · #5 09-15-2008, 09:11 PM

Here's an OM603 --> R107

cth350 · #6 09-16-2008, 09:56 AM

The fellow posted here recently too.

He did the regrettably obvious, cutting down the front subframe.

I am at that stage with my OM617a motor sitting in the engine compartment of a 380slc.

Sigh -CTH

WD8CDH · #7 09-17-2008, 10:23 AM

Hi CTH,

How much different is the 617 oil pan compared to the 110 oil pan? The 110 was available in the W107 in Europe.

bgkast · #8 09-17-2008, 10:56 AM

If my 240D ever bites the dust I am transplanting its guts into a 107

How did the 617 oil pan clear the subframe?

cth350 · #9 09-17-2008, 09:13 PM

Good question on relative oil pan size. I'll have to go check, as I happen to have the OM617 sitting next to an M110 right now.

With the OM617 sitting on the subframe (no mounts), there is still about 4" of interference to deal with.

-CTH

DieselClack · #10 09-17-2008, 11:49 PM

I would rather add an inch or two of hood scoop before cutting the frame out!

I would think this could seriously affect the handling and safety of the vehicle.

HighDesert Benz · #11 09-18-2008, 12:44 AM

617.910 from a 115 would fit without mods, as the 115 & 107 use the same subframe. Oil filter would work too. Only prob is a .910 is an NA engine, so there is just a different list of possible mods if you want a turbo.

alabbasi · #12 09-18-2008, 12:59 AM

Charlie, Didn't the fellow who put the 6.9 in an SLC use spacers instead of cutting? Is that not an option?

t walgamuth · #13 09-18-2008, 05:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HighDesert Benz

617.910 from a 115 would fit without mods, as the 115 & 107 use the same subframe. Oil filter would work too. Only prob is a .910 is an NA engine, so there is just a different list of possible mods if you want a turbo.

While its true the 105 uses the 115 subframe I believe you will find that the motor which sits with the pan in front of the subframe in the sedan will sit with the pan in front of the subframe in the two seater. I believe in the two seater the pans are different on the motors.

Its probably easier for them to redesign a pan than a structural member like a crossmember.

Tom W

WD8CDH · #14 09-18-2008, 12:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HighDesert Benz

617.910 from a 115 would fit without mods, as the 115 & 107 use the same subframe. Oil filter would work too. Only prob is a .910 is an NA engine, so there is just a different list of possible mods if you want a turbo.

Does that mean that the 617.910 has a different oil pan than the 617 from a W123? Then an oil pan swap or mod and 115 engine mounts would make things much easier.

cth350 · #15 09-18-2008, 12:47 PM

I had a 280SL parts car that I gave over to friend a while back. Shoulda kept the oil pan from that motor (not that I'd be able to use it here, but at least I could compare the two). It was before I considered the diesel and its issues.

I've not put the OM617a on a stand to examine the oil pan too carefully. I gravely doubt that it's interchangable with an other motor. Benz didn't consider that kind of interchange for parts. They'd just cast another one from scratch.

But one thing does come to mind that I can check, is if the M110 I have here from a W126 drops in. I just compared the two height-wise. The M110 measures 26" from the bottom of the pan (resting on a set of 2x4s) to the top of the valve cover. The OM617a from an 83 300D (has a vacuum switch on the top) measures 28" to clear that box. In contrast, the OM617a from a 79 300SD, which doesn't have that box, still is about the same height. The hump at the from of the rocker cover is pretty close to the same point.

Just found a spare rocker cover (Thx hitman x). Now to get it, cut off the top and see what the clearance situation is like.

Yes Al, using spacers on the frame is definite possibility. Not sure what that will do to the steering geometry. But it will be explored, since it's a reversable thing.

This car had one of those A-arm failures that aren't supposed to happen to 380SLC's (the recall was only for the 450). It got fixed by welding the broken subframe back together again. In other words, the frame in the car is going to be replaced before any serious driving because I don't trust it. However, it's a great candidate to cut down a bit to see how that helps. Cutting a recess in the top of the frame and welding in replacement metal shaped differently should be OK.

I have to clean space in the garage so that I can install the motor and keep the car around w/o a hood. I do have a spare steel hood that I can cut for a scoop, but I like mercedes for their lines and curves. I'd rather not add some of my own.

Thx -CTH