I know this is opening up a can of worms... but here we go.
What
if I wanted to do something really dumb, like swap my om603 into my '90 300TE?
I have ZERO concern about the legal logistics. I am more concerned about mechanical/electrical differences.
The actual engine/transmission swap in pretty straight forward. But as we know, the 603 has
some electronically controlled systems.
Emissions crap? Don't worry about. I have removed all that anyway. Even the "flapper" thingy under the air box. My concern is OVP and idle control. I would VERY much like to be able to get the a/c compressor to work properly after the swap. I know some of that stuff is located in the right foot/kick panel on the 603 w124, the '90 TE doesn't even have the access panel in that position. I must assume nothing is behind that panel in the TE.
Then we have the "stuff" that lives behind the batt. On the TE there look's to be a "computer" of sorts. The 300d has little to nothing back there. There is also the glow circuit. I
think that is pretty straight forward, just move the relay and associated wiring to the TE.
Speedo/cluster swap(easy). Fuel tank.. probably get away with using gas fuel tank.
Let's see...
Transmission/rear diff. As you can see from my signature, I have a 5 spd 300d. I do still have the auto tranny in the garage. However, the 2.65 diff in my 300d is BAD. So if I want to go om603/automatic in the TE... I NEED to find a new 2.65 rear diff, easier said than done. Jeff had one but I think it's gone now.
On the flip side: I
could put the 5 spd in the TE
. Some would LOVE that combination, I am not so sure though. The thought of a 5 spd wagon does not really appeal to me. BUT, I would not need to find a 2.65 rear diff. AND more than likely, the gas TE diff will be more suited for the 5 spd. See my diesel performance thread about my 5 spd swap to see why the 2.65 is too tall for a 5 spd.
So why not just buy an '87 TD? Welllll, I have yet to see a 100% rust free, nearly mint '87 TD that was less that $6-7K, Even IF I found one, I would have to swap the newer body moldings, interior trim, power window "convenience" option, etc.
My TE
is 100% rust free and nearly mint. The m103 is silky smooth BUT I hate the MPG's. The 103 runs really warm(all related parts have been replaced) and starts in 2nd gear. That 2nd gear start kinda sucks with the a/c on.... lot's of "flooring" it to get it to move. Plus my fuel pumps are kinda loud.. I would hate to have to buy new ones.
Let's talk 300d. The one I have is mostly rust free(jack points), runs GREAT. But does need new interior parts, fender has a big dent from storm damage, paint is so so.
If I had a 603 powered 124 wagon, I would be
very happy. I would, however, like to have another 400e/e420(m119) as a second car. The only concession to the V8.. M104 powered 124 sedan, and I
would use my OTHER 5 spd stuff and swap it.
So what do you think?
