PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum - View Single Post - 123 chassis 4-speed conversion parts available

Matt Petty · #6 10-24-2003, 12:15 PM

Contrary to the doomsayers I have spoke to many people who have done the swap from 5 cylinder auto to 5 cylinder manual with little problems. First off I don't think that comparing the cost of a replacement automatic really relates, even though the costs for the doityeselfer is similar. The point of doing this swap is to have a manual transmission, an advantage which is priceless for some drivers.

Tom J, I would really not worry about the fact that the engine was originally ballanced as a lump. Try the setup, if there is any vibration, balance the new flywheel to match the balance of the old flywheel using the witness marks as a reference. Tearing the engine apart is totally impractical and by most accounts totally unecessary. The sources who I have talked with used 240d 4cylinder flywheels on 5 cylinder engines for many years. I guess that this has been a dream of Merc Diesel owners for some time. You will probably be very happy with having a much more controllable car in the end!

Anyway, if anybody is interested in the parts gimme a call and save yourself a few headaches getting all of the parts. That way you will have patience to spare doing the conversion.

Another plus for the conversion is the BIG boost in value of your car in the end. I personally would have paid quite a premium for a 4-speed wagon.

Matt Petty
650-347-1542