Dream 123, something "sporty?" - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

dieslcruisrhead · #1 06-23-2005, 01:58 AM

Hi all,

I had an old Volvo wagon that I added some of the cheezy mods to, 15" wheels, stiffer sway bars and it was a 5 speed already and it really became kind of a pretty sweet little volvo wagon believe it or not... So here is my crazy idea.

I love my 300D sedan but the rear springs are sagging, it is loosing some pep, is generally getting old, etc. Strangely though I find myself driving it 80 mph+ often...

After reading some old posts here about 240D versus 300D and that they can be a little sporty (tighter steering, tighter handling etc) I have kind of a crazy dream. I am not expecting a sports car but something fun to zip around the mountains in. I have done engine swaps before and look forward to this one...

240D, 4 speed, hopefully in nice shape. Put a 300D engine in front of the 4 speed. Them perhaps some slight suspension mods, definetely the heavy duty bilstiens I have seen for the 123, and possibly even have some stiffer springs made, at least for the rear as I cannot stand the spring droop these 123's seem to have... I do not want it lowered or anything of the sort, just handling better.

Engine - I am thinking because I'll have to swap it out hopefully find a good used one or better yet maybe just a complete rebuild. EDIT - I have started reading the threads about the ALDA and full load fuel adjustment screws - these are quite neat. I run EGT and Boost gauges in my Land Cruiser with a Cummins 4 cyl that is quite easy to adjust the fuel on...

I was also thinking at least tested if not completely rebuilt injectors (or brand new). Turbo in good shape if not maybe something aftermarket??? I am not made of money so perhaps stock will have to do. I really wish there were a good 123 intercooler option but it seems like small is about it

Bummer becasue I figured out a good intercooler for this land Cruiser which was a great mod.. Perhaps a tighter wastegate spring or just a new one to replace the old. I am reading and it seems 13 psi is pushing it..?

Any other comments about getting more performance out of a 617? I actually don't mind the engine at all but it would be nice to get a little more pep out of it, at least for the hills up here which are long and steep...

The cheezy part - what about wheels. I do not need bling or anything, just maybe something like a 15" - would wheels off a turbo 240 or 740 volvo fit? Something just slightly sportier than the 14 wheels that seem to be on every benz I have seen...?

Also does anyone make a good limited slip or are there factory ones in certain models that I could replace the rear diff with? This would be for snow driving...

And that is about it. It would basically be a sweet car to go sking in and tool around the mountains in. Comments?

#2 06-23-2005, 03:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dieslcruisrhead

I run EGT and Boost gauges in my Land Cruiser with a Cummins 4 cyl that is quite easy to adjust the fuel on...

Kinda off topic, but...

I'd like to know more about this. How much did you break the bank with this conversion? I've seriously been thinking about a 4BT with a 6-manual in my 240D when my current bad-piston-pin 617 dies.

Veloce300DT · #3 06-23-2005, 06:02 AM

As far as wheels go, there are the usual upgrades-

15" or 16" MB 8-holes
15" AMG Pentas
15" BBS
16" MB CLK wheels
etc etc etc

However, I have always thought that a set of 15" or 16" Panasport wheels would really look the part, and I know that they can be ordered in the correct off-set for the w123. But they cost a pretty penny. Just to throw that out on the table.

boneheaddoctor · #4 06-23-2005, 09:01 AM

These are 16" AMG Pentas circa 1983 same vintage as the car.

t walgamuth · #5 06-23-2005, 10:14 AM

sounds like it might be pretty heavy. i would be interested in the weight of it and the availability of adaptors to use in other applications (not a 240). but my 66 scout snow plower.

bennett · #6 06-23-2005, 10:59 AM

You could plow a field with a 4bt in a 123 ..... that motor is one tall "torky"mutha.. I think it would stick out of the hood a ways with oil pan still on the ground.

dieslcruisrhead · #7 06-23-2005, 03:50 PM

exactly, it is really deep, no way it would fit in a benz... Good option would be a Rover 300 TDI or a 2.8 Ford/International 4cyl, smaller and super powerful /torquey. People think because the Cummins is a 4cyl its smaller but it is still a huge, heavy mohter... 3.9L - nearly 1 liter per cyl

Hatterasguy · #8 06-23-2005, 04:16 PM

A custom set of springs that lower the car and stiffen the ride would help. Also stainless brake lines would improve brake feel.

t walgamuth · #9 06-23-2005, 07:26 PM

is it a short version of the 5.9 offered in the dodges? if so it would weigh 800 pounds at least prob closer to 900, about what 400 more than a mb 300d?.

dieslcruisrhead · #10 06-24-2005, 12:52 AM

Yes it is a shortened 5.9 and weighs right about 800 lbs.. Good for a truck but I had to lift my land cruiser a minimum of 4" to even get it to fit, and chevy V8s etc all fit in a cruiser fine with no lift...

I like everyone's comments, keep 'em coming. I have been reading up on fuel pump adjustments and things like that and am quite excited

#11 06-24-2005, 01:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bennett

You could plow a field with a 4bt in a 123 ..... that motor is one tall "torky"mutha.. I think it would stick out of the hood a ways with oil pan still on the ground.

Hood scoop?

Even hot rod style with the engine poking out a big hole in the hood! I know of a few places that might be able to make springs tough enough for an 800lb engine (But would everythnig else snap under the load!?)

babyjames · #12 06-25-2005, 12:43 AM

As far as the rear springs go, I'm going to try putting a set from a wagon on my sedan. I hated the SLS, and removed it. I put sedan springs on the wagon... so I have this set of slightly shorter, stiffer springs laying around. HD Bilsteins will be installed at all four corners at the same time I put the springs in.
It's an '83 Euro 300D, with a four-speed manual. I have two of these cars. The other sedan already has the beefier shocks, and is much more fun to drive. No turbocharger, but I think the manual tranny makes up for that, off the line anyway. Definitely miss the blower at speed, though. My wagons are turbos, and they have WAY more top-end.

Jay.

t walgamuth · #13 06-25-2005, 08:45 AM

i would never consider putting an 800 pound engine in a benz. one of the most important features on a benz is the near perfect close to 50 50 weight distribution which is always a feature of mbs.

the cummins is no doubt a fine engine but save it for a truck.

babyjames · #14 06-25-2005, 09:58 AM

How much does an OM617.952 weigh? 799lbs? Those suckers are HEAVY, too!

Jay.

t walgamuth · #15 06-25-2005, 02:30 PM

dont know for sure but i would guess 4 to 500#. for sure not light.

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