Hello Noob here,

A month ago I just acquired a '81 300D through my family (family bought new in '81). The car ran strong and is in really good shape. It's pretty much complete. Was plan on using it as a daily driver.

Well the car had a oil leak so I had it parked until I could find out the source and fix it. Well I left for the week and my g/f decided to drive the car after I left her the keys so that she could park it up the drive way on street sweeping day. The car ran out of oil and the engine seized. The car was towed back to my home and when I got back I added oil and turn over the engine. It started and when I accelerate I hear this tapping/banging sound.

I am assuming I need a short block, but they are like $3k. I found a '83 300D 617 turbo with a bad tranny. Will this engine swap into my '81 300D?, could I use my tranny? What do I need to make this work? Just new exhaust?

I would rather have a easy swap and economical swap, so if that means sticking with the non-turbo its OK. What years should I be looking for?

Worst comes to worst, I'll let it go for $500.

yes....

just swap everything over from the turbo 300D that is related to the turbo 617 including the exhaust, radiator(if you feel like it), radiator overflow tank, etc.. do a search this has been done many times

the trannys are not the same though. you will want the turbo tranny too, and the rear end as the ratios are different.

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.

The tranny from the turbo car doesn't work. I think I am going to stick with a n/a 617. I want to keep cost and make this a simple as possible swap (I already have other toys that I need to maintain). Plus the tranny I have shifts nice and smooth.

Which year n/a 300D should I look for to work with my trans?

I have never messed with a 300n/a. But would the n/a intake and exhaust bolt up to the turbo motor?? In other words swap the motors, leave the tranny in, swap intakes?

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No matter how many times you explain it to me, I'm still right.....Surf-n-Turf

So you would have a turbo engine with out the turbo?

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1979 240D- 316K miles - VGT Turbo, Intercooler, Stick Shift, Many Other Mods - Daily Driver

1982 300SD - 232K miles - Wife's Daily Driver

1986 560SL - Wife's red speed machine

Actually that is far from being a farfetched idea. You would just have a grossly overbuilt NA engine, with hardened piston, crank and oil sprinklers.
It will work fine...

May be a tad slow on the pick up... remember you get 1:17 compression instead of 1:22..

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Aquilae non capunt muscas! (Eagles don't hunt flies!)


1979 300SD Black/Black MBtex239000mi
1983 300TD euro-NA. White/Olive Cloth-MBtex 201000mi. Fleet car of the USA embassy in Morocco
1983 240D Labrador Blue/Blue MBtex 161000mi

I'd grab up that 617, and find a four speed box to throw in there!

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1989 300E 144K

That's what I was thinking, it would last for ever! You sure about those compression ratio diffrences?

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1979 240D- 316K miles - VGT Turbo, Intercooler, Stick Shift, Many Other Mods - Daily Driver

1982 300SD - 232K miles - Wife's Daily Driver

1986 560SL - Wife's red speed machine

Tom, tried to PM you but your mail box is full. I have a dumb question, knowing zip about auto trannys, A tranny from an 82 240D would NOT work for a 84 300TD?

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1985 Euro 240D 5 spd 140K
1979 240D 5 spd, 40K on engine rebuild
1994 Dodge/Cummins, 5 spd, 121K
1964 Allice Chalmers D15 tractor
2014 Kubota L3800 tractor
1964 VW bug

"Lifes too short to drive a boring car"

What if I use just the short block if the turbo engine and keep the rest from my car. Would that work?

What model and years normally aspirated engines will bolt on my '81 trans? Just the "81 or could I ick up any n/a 617.

I believe any NA will work, the turbo may even bolt up. Not positive though.

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1979 240D- 316K miles - VGT Turbo, Intercooler, Stick Shift, Many Other Mods - Daily Driver

1982 300SD - 232K miles - Wife's Daily Driver

1986 560SL - Wife's red speed machine

it may be possible to de turbo a turbo motor but i dont know why you would want to. the turbos are very long lived and if the rest of the motor is fine it should be too.

according to my books the turbo motors have the same compression ratio as the non turbo.

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.

In my opinion the na 300D with a 3.07 rear differential is the way to go for the 123's. I think I am right at 30 mpg on the hwy with mine. I'd keep it na by either rebuilding$ or replacement$, maybe find a good used engine.

If the car was in Ga as is for $500 I'd be over in a minute to purchase it.

Did the g'friend have a clue to the cost of the damage? Did she care?

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Jim

The N/A tranny should be able to hold the power. Old300D has his turbo 617 mated to a 240D auto tranny without problems.