Can you put a 617 diesel engine from a 82 300 SD 126 into a 88 420 SEL 126? The chassis are the same and i figured besides the engine and trans that the ignition, radiator, instrumet cluster, fuel tank and possibly rear end would have to be changed. Any one have any comments?

Yes it would fit, you'd have to use a diesel tranny too though, the gasser ones have way higher shift points. The modifications you mentioned about sum it up, it just needs to be "dieselized", the engine itself will fit in there just fine.

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There are different parts numbers for the various components of the 300SD and the 420SEL. Diesels usually have some heavy duty parts such as the alternators, starters, etc, so you should check it out before doing the change over.

There's always much talk of these swaps, but no one really seems to follow through. Probably because it's less of a hassle to find a decent 300SD or SDL!

If you had two complete cars side by side yeah you probably could. They did change a lot between diesel and gas W126's though so you really need two complete cars.

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1999 SL500
1969 280SE
2023 Ram 1500
2007 Tiara 3200

I would just find a decent 300 SD or SDL but i came across a mint 86 420 SEL No rust great paint not a mark anywere on it but it has a HORRIBLE engine knock. I picked the car up for 200 bucks with the idea of parting it out and making my 300 SD a better car. I got it home and it was way to nice to tear apart. I have my eye on a 300 SD in the junk yard so hopefully i can make the swap.

What state do you live in......many states do not allow engine swaps to have an engine older than the chassis.

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Proud owner of ....
1971 280SE W108
1979 300SD W116
1983 300D W123
1975 Ironhead Sportster chopper
1987 GMC 3/4 ton 4X4 Diesel
1989 Honda Civic (Heavily modified)
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Section 609 MVAC Certified
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"He who fights with monsters might take care lest he thereby become a monster. And if you gaze for long into an abyss, the abyss gazes also into you." - Friedrich Nietzsche

I would have to assume that the diesel block is heavier than the M116, and that certain front suspension parts would have to be changed.

I am in Virginia


The diesel engine is heavier than the 4.2 V8?

its been done.. i posted about it.. i belive it was a 420 sel... i saw one in the teacher parking lot today and thought.. that needs a diesel

ok i lied its a 380 sl http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?t=142107

Virginia inspection boys are going to be unhappy with that swap.....most of the state is run by environazi's.....not sure the weight of the 4.2 V-8 but I am 98% certain the older vintage engine (the newest OM617 is a 1985) is going to be counted as a big No-No by the authorities. I would recomend getting something in writing by them stating it is allowed before you embark on this and you make something you can't register.

__________________
Proud owner of ....
1971 280SE W108
1979 300SD W116
1983 300D W123
1975 Ironhead Sportster chopper
1987 GMC 3/4 ton 4X4 Diesel
1989 Honda Civic (Heavily modified)
---------------------
Section 609 MVAC Certified
---------------------
"He who fights with monsters might take care lest he thereby become a monster. And if you gaze for long into an abyss, the abyss gazes also into you." - Friedrich Nietzsche

The guy i get to inspect the car is my neighbor. He says go for it.

then count that as the official word....but ask him if he would say the same if it was someone he didn't know.....just to be sure.

__________________
Proud owner of ....
1971 280SE W108
1979 300SD W116
1983 300D W123
1975 Ironhead Sportster chopper
1987 GMC 3/4 ton 4X4 Diesel
1989 Honda Civic (Heavily modified)
---------------------
Section 609 MVAC Certified
---------------------
"He who fights with monsters might take care lest he thereby become a monster. And if you gaze for long into an abyss, the abyss gazes also into you." - Friedrich Nietzsche

but in indiana an engine swap would never come to the attention of the authorities.

tom w

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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.