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#1
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California or Federal?
As I continue my search for the Holy Grail of W123s, the question has popped into my simple mind..."do I want a CA or a Federal model?"
I believe I have read about a computer in the kick panel on later CA cars that controls EGR and ...something else? I had considered the CA cars to be desirable because of the general condition of some of them, but are there any reasons to avoid tha CA models? |
#2
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No favortism from the home crowd but with cars of this vintage condition and records are the primary concern and everything else is a distant second. There's nothing about a California model that you can't Federalize with a little time and patience.
Sixto 93 300SD |
#3
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Avoid 84 and 85 Kalifornia models like the plague.
They have a TrapOxidizer (aka Particulate filter) that is harmful to the car and the environment. |
#4
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If you get a california model, get an 83. Later models can be federalized but if you are looking for a nice car (and want to spend the money) I wouldn't want to have to deal with the work. Arizona will have some of the driest 123's around but make sure they have been garaged.
__________________
-Zack K. http://www.maj.com/gallery/Boardmong...-Drive/si2.jpg 1983 300d Turbo (Daily Drive) -- 243,000 miles 1979 280ce AMG (Beginning extreme restoration) -- 141,410 miles 1979 Yamaha Chappy LB50 (Awating new points) -- 1411.6 miles 1981 300d Euro 4 speed -- 188,421 km -- SOLD 1979 300d Euro 4 speed (Sold to Brother) -- 257,000 miles A Collection of w123 AMG Cars and Parts |
#5
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Thanks guys!
ForcedInduction: I think your pic answered another question for me. I was trying to figure out why some turbos had the air cleaner housing forward, and some amidships. I guess the CA models have the forward placement...to make room for extra junk? |
#6
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Quote:
Like I said, the plague. |
#7
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I think I am 100% sure, but the 1984 California didn't come with a TrapOxidizer. It is basically the same setup as the '85 Federal. The '85 California had the odd-ball AirCleaner assembly up front because it couldn't clear the TrapOxidizer.
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1983 123.133 California - GreaseCar Veg System |
#8
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The 84 models had just an ARV valve on the turbo (nasty). The 85 Cali models had the trap ox and the ARV valve (extremely nasty). The ARV can be easily "accommodated" . The trap ox is much harder to "accommodate" and is much more noticeable when you do. There is a reason why Cali cars have lower miles on them, they get lower mileage and cost more to operate.
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green 85 300SD 200K miles "Das Schlepper Frog" With a OM603 TBO360 turbo ( To be intercooled someday )( Kalifornistani emissons ) white 79 300SD 200K'ish miles "Farfegnugen" (RIP - cracked crank) desert storm primer 63 T-bird "The Undead" (long term hibernation) http://ecomodder.com/forum/fe-graphs/sig692a.png |
#9
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If you see a nice CA car and you like it, buy it. Cars aren't powerhouses, does it matter the CA cars make 2 less HP? Still goes 100 mph if I want it to, and it'll get 25mpg on the highway. There are recalls for the CA models and most of them have been done, so there isn't any need to be worried about the trap oxidizer. If it hasn't been done, take it to the dealer.
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1985 CA 300D Turbo , 213K mi |
#10
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I agree, a CA MB up thru 1983 are better choices...
Quote:
How difficult do you suppose it would be to loose/lose(?) that Trap Oxidizer?... what all would I have to replace with a federal version? Regards Last edited by Samuel M. Ross; 10-31-2006 at 01:28 AM. Reason: correction... |
#11
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Quote:
http://www.peachparts.com/Wikka/OM617CalToFed |
#12
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I believe with W123s they replace the trap with a different device in the same place. I don't know if it looks any different from the original trap. There's supposedly a lifetime warranty on the replacement unit. FWIW, I've talked to a couple of local W123'ers who are on their third or fourth cats all courtesy of MB.
I've read of a few 603s with plugged oxidation catalysts but never of anyone getting a free replacement... nor trying. Forced, will an 85 CA turbo bolt up to a Federal intake/exhaust manifold set-up? Sixto 93 300SD |
#13
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Don't let the CA thing scare you away. One of the reasons they make less power is because the boost is lower from the factory. De-tuned I guess you can say.
The manifold swap is pretty easy and straightforward. My CA car runs just fine now. It ran OK before I did the swap, nothing to be ashamed of. If you find one with the original trap you may even get a free turbo. http://www.peachparts.com/Wikka/OM617CalToFed
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'85 300SD (formerly california emissions) '08 Chevy Tahoe '93 Ducati 900 SS '79 Kawasaki KZ 650 '86 Kawasaki KX 250 '88 Kawasaki KDX200 '71 Hodaka Ace 100 '72 Triumph T100R |
#14
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Quote:
I hadn't heard that before. How so?
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Ralph 1985 300D Turbo, CA model 248,650 miles and counting... |
#15
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I don't understand all the 85 Kali hate. Mine runs like a freakin German' top.
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1978 Ford F-150 351M 2002 Kia Spectra 1.8l 5-sp 1985 Volkswagen Scirocco 8V 1.8l 5sp 1985 MB 300D Turbo California "Die Natur verabscheut Vakuum" |
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