New project thread which car to choose

[scottycboy]

Hey guys I've got a question concerning an upcoming project. I's like to build some crazy horsepower diesel car, and have settled on possibly a 1993-1995 E300 W124 Chassis. I don't particularly like the look of the W210 models with their bug eyed headlights. I did notice that the W124 of that vintage only came with the non turbo OM606. So what I plan to do is either swap in a turbo OM606, or boost the one I get but have some questions..

What internal mods are required from the OM606 to get say 300-400 horsepower?
Is there a manual trans available in the USA or europe to swap for the Auto?Anything particular I should be looking out for when searching for a vehicle?
Any other comments, recomendations, or insults?