108 250 SE: What would you do?

[Vegestar]

Hello everyone

I recently purchased a pretty clean 67 250SE from a guy around the corner from me. The engine has a rod knock and has been sitting for some time, still runs though and he's been keeping it covered. I have the resources and expertise to repair the engine, that is not an issue. I have always wanted a 108 chassis car, I'm just not that fond of the underpowered gas guzzling six cylinders and their thirst for maintenance. Not to mention I am predominately a diesel fanatic...

So I propose this solution: I have a 617 engine from a 75 115 that I am building for a 114 coupe project I have always wanted to do but I haven't found the right coupe yet... I also have some manual transmissions and shifter and pedal assemblies from 114/115 cars and some other bits. I know the engine will fit but I haven't had enough experience with the 108's to know if the shifter/pedal assemblies will interchange between vehicles like the later cars (my 87 300D with 190E 5spd comes to mind). My second concern is taking a complete original car and potentially compromising it's integrity and worth. These feelings would be slightly offset by selling the 129 engine core and all the fuel injection goodies to someone in need. I'm not even get into a cost comparison, both options are well out of my price range, lol.

So let me know what you think, thanks for your thoughts.

[bwostosh]

Do anything you want,
I have a friend with a diesel 450SL.

[Vegestar]

Interesting... I've had a few people contact me about building them a diesel SL. Knew it was possible, still haven't seen one in person. I told these guys "find the car and I will build it", nobody ever got back to me. Believe it or not I have seen a 603 engine in a 129 chassis SL, not sure what he was thinking...

[Skippy]

The conventional thinking on modifying any vehicle is that it will generally hurt the value, as most buyers are looking for factory originality as much as possible. However, for some vehicles in some markets, modifications can increase value because enough people are looking for cars with the changed characteristics. I don't think doing a diesel swap to your 108 will increase the value much (if any), but I also don't see it hurting the value much (if any).

Now, you say you have manual transmissions and parts for 114/115 cars. I have a 114 with an automatic that I hate. We may need to talk soon.

[cth350]

you will need the W108 specific clutch pedal assembly and the right transmission tunnel mount.

There's no major value difference between a 250se that doesn't run and one that does unless the car is fantastic, so do the swap. But you want a turbo for all that work, don't you?

-CTH

[Vegestar]

Skippy: I hear ya, those old transmissions that start off in 2nd mated up to a 250 motor is one the worst cars I ever drove. I have the parts whenever you're ready.

CTH: That is exactly what I found out in my travels today.

I'm hoping since 111's and 108's were derived in part from 110 chassis vehicles that i can either a) make a 110 pedal work or b) graft the 108 and 110 pedals together somehow. I have done the latter on a 126 chassis before.

I'm not terribly worried about the trans tunnel, that wouldn't to difficult a feat to fabricate. We'll see when I actually get the car in my hands (I don't have room for it yet, car is still around the corner). Thanks for the replies.

[GGR]

The W108 250 has a top shift transmission and the 114/5 trans are side shift. You may have to modify the 250 tunnel to fit the shifter and clear the shift rods. Best is to sell one of the side shift trans you have and buy a top shift one with the money, or find one in a JY (just got one out of a W110 for a project I have).

[t walgamuth]

I tend to think a clean mostly factory parts diesel conversion would more than likely increase the value of a car which is too prolific to be actually very valuable as a collectible.

I say go for it.

[strelnik]

Originally Posted by Vegestar

Hello everyone

I recently purchased a pretty clean 67 250SE from a guy around the corner from me. The engine has a rod knock and has been sitting for some time, still runs though and he's been keeping it covered. I have the resources and expertise to repair the engine, that is not an issue. I have always wanted a 108 chassis car, I'm just not that fond of the underpowered gas guzzling six cylinders and their thirst for maintenance. Not to mention I am predominately a diesel fanatic...

So I propose this solution: I have a 617 engine from a 75 115 that I am building for a 114 coupe project I have always wanted to do but I haven't found the right coupe yet... I also have some manual transmissions and shifter and pedal assemblies from 114/115 cars and some other bits. I know the engine will fit but I haven't had enough experience with the 108's to know if the shifter/pedal assemblies will interchange between vehicles like the later cars (my 87 300D with 190E 5spd comes to mind). My second concern is taking a complete original car and potentially compromising it's integrity and worth. These feelings would be slightly offset by selling the 129 engine core and all the fuel injection goodies to someone in need. I'm not even get into a cost comparison, both options are well out of my price range, lol.

So let me know what you think, thanks for your thoughts.

Why don't you buy the 250SE power train daw two has? Instant fit

[Vegestar]

I could repair the current engine for far less money than I could buy a runner for. No offense to anyone trying to sell an engine, just not my style. I have access to my fathers machine shop and nearly ten years experience building these engines.

I am aware of the top shift trannys as well, I think I have one somewhere... But I have seen 108's with floor shifters as well but I think they use the top shift tranny too now that I think about it. Rats! Well, I can live with a column shift four speed, just more parts I have to procure... Anything but an automatic!

[WANT '71 280SEL]

...you must not have priced pistons, bearings, or the other parts you'll end up replacing when rebuilding the engine...

Pistons for my 450SEL, a full set, cost $1,200...

Best Regards,

David

[daw_two]

Originally Posted by strelnik

Why don't you buy the 250SE power train daw two has? Instant fit

Thanks, Strelnik, for the adverstisement! Yeah, I have a 250SE engine AND transmission.

[dewolf1]

This is the diesel you need:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C0SFu7cHibU

[t walgamuth]

I had a hard time watching that video. I couldn't decide whether he was going to get his clothing caught in the pullys up front and emasculate himself or just sieze it up with heat.

[daw_two]

Originally Posted by t walgamuth

I had a hard time watching that video. I couldn't decide whether he was going to get his clothing caught in the pullys up front and emasculate himself or just sieze it up with heat.

Sorry for the thread hijack, Vegestar!

Yeah, I'm very careful about making sure my shirt is tucked in and all when I'm getting ready to put an engine into motion. My uncle had a PTO accident a long time ago and really messed up his leg.

He had a garden hose hooked up to it --- would that dissipate enough heat? I'm in the "thought process" of building an engine stand of sorts that would include a radiator on the front, so I can run these "bring it back to life diesel engines" a bit longer.