Okay, so I bought the 240d, paid too much for it i'm sure, but I love it, at least so far. The reason I was thinking of buying it and pulling the engine is because I thought it may be a rust bucket. I still haven't took a really good look at the body. Long story short, I bought it without taking a hard look and drove it home in the dark, so I still haven't checked it out really well. I'm almost certain I can make the engine fit in my Nissan truck if I choose to do it. I know of people putting the five cylinder in toyota's.
The other part of the equation is this. I'm on the east coast and wated to buy a car to drive while i'm here, so why not buy something I like and can use. If the car is in good shape and I can repair the rust relatively easily I won't have the heart to tear it apart. Beleive me, I love these cars and wouldn't tear one apart that had potential.
Having said all that, if anyone knows of a good 4 banger with a 4 speed manual tranny for sale, let me know.
Of course, if I decide not to tear this one up for my truck I'll either have to sell it when I get back to Cali, or sell my 300TD. No easy way out. It's like loving multiple women.
There is no emissions check for diesel vehicles in Cali.

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Resurrected Nov 2010 - 79 240(SD) with 83 617 engine and 4 speed manual, 2.88 rear and 2.5" straight pipe unknown mileage (Salmon)
83 240D parting out
96 Dodge Cummins 5 sp 4X4 long bed - 310k

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