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  #1  
Old 11-08-2007, 02:42 PM
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87 300DT Diesel engine swap to W124 86 300E... or parts other way around?

Hi all,

I located a non-operable California 86 300E that I am going to check out over the weekend. Owner says that the interior is in good shape (non smoker), all vaccuum stuff works well, no rust, good suspension/bushings (a huge and costly concern of mine), tires that are 6 months old, etc. Engine does not work and thats not a problem for me. Cost is under $900, but depending on condition, I am sure i can get it lower.

I dont know if you guys remember, but I am the fella who bought the rusty 87 300D and doing some rust repair and after correcting those issues, I will have to do some serious bushing replacement. Not to mention, the front springs need to be replace as well as the shocks.

Here's my dilemma: which way should i go?

Pros for putting my diesel engine + tranny + everything else into the 300E

1. If the body and suspension is good, then I dont have to complete the rust repair/body work, no need to tear down and replace all the suspension bushings on my current 87 300DT

2. New tires. I need to buy new tires as they are completely worn on the inner part of the tires

3. I could part out the rest of the 87 300DT like the interior parts which are still in very, very good condition.

4. It might be a less costly proposition. If i were to buy non-MBZ OEM suspension parts, new tires, new shocks, etc. we are talking about $700 in suspension parts, $500 for tires, $500 for shocks, and i'd say 10% overage on top of all that for mis other stuff.


Cons for 300DT into 300E:

1. Well, just one con: I've never done it before and though some of the guys say its easy, it doesnt sound easy. Here's a cut/paste from one of the better descriptions I found on the forum:

"I did one a few years ago, and right now Im doing it to a 500 SEC and a 380 SEC. Its pretty plug and play, no cutting, no welding, depending on bodystyle your exhaust might fit as it.

My first one was a 83 300 SD into a 85 500 SEL. Ill briefly outline what I did, and im sure you can do it, as stated its much easier if you have both cars, and not just an engine laying around.

For starters, I swapped the engine and trans, I changed the output yolk on the SD trans to accept the flexdisk and driveshaft from the 500 SEL, I had to have the exhaust lengthened, I swapped the ignition switch from the diesel to the gaser, tranfering the gasser lock tumbler, I rigged up a pushbutton to activate the glow relay, (originally a switch, but I drained the battery so I opted for the pushbutton), I left the cluster from the gasser, and lived without a glow light, wireing was pretty easy, oil pressure, water temp, switch to the gasser alternator, since its 85 amp.

I had no problem getting it registered, and i dont need a etest for a vehicle 20 years old. I put 60K miles on it before selling it. Only one engine shock will mount up unless you make a custom braket. you will prefer the gearing in the gasser the 2.47 rear gears make for an awesome cruiser and are not that slow around town with the 5cyl.

***

PROS FOR 86 300E Parts into 87 300DT

Assuming suspension bushings, springs and shocks are in good shape:

1. Swap out suspension parts and tires/rims and be done with it.
2. No hassle wtih registration issues with CA DMV
3. No engine, trans, etc swap. That just sounds really involved

So i'm going to check it out on Monday. I think the biggest determining factor will be the condition of the bushings and shocks. perhaps he'd be cool and allowe me to jack up the vehicle, remove the tires and start pulling on the suspension parts, but is there an alternate way to test? remember, this is a non-op vehicle so no drive test. I can jump on the corners to test the shocks, but thats about it.

Thanks,
Bob

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  #2  
Old 11-08-2007, 03:11 PM
Ran when parked.
 
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Aix, France and Salt Lake City, Utah.
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I'd put the 300D drivetrain in the 300E. Find a transmission from a 190D while you're at it Seems like a better option, provided the 300E is in sound shape.

For the bushings, you can look at them.. do they look cracked/dried/etc?

Something to keep in mind-- what's easy for some people is impossible for others. Do you have the space, tools and time necessary for such a job?
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  #3  
Old 11-08-2007, 04:19 PM
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alfa,

yes, i can find the room to do it. im looking at the car on monday so i'll know the shape of the bushings. i know mine gave up the rubber ghost many moons ago.

tools: aside from the basic hand tools, i do not have any specialized tools if that is what youre asking. i can always buy more. if i were to replace my own bushings, i'll probably buy a harbor freight shop press for the job. theyre about $120 now..not a stretch at all

time: plenty of time. patience is another story
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Old 11-08-2007, 05:16 PM
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Location: Lutz, Florida (N of Tampa)
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Quote:
Originally Posted by bob_98sr5 View Post
alfa,

yes, i can find the room to do it. im looking at the car on monday so i'll know the shape of the bushings. i know mine gave up the rubber ghost many moons ago.

tools: aside from the basic hand tools, i do not have any specialized tools if that is what youre asking. i can always buy more. if i were to replace my own bushings, i'll probably buy a harbor freight shop press for the job. theyre about $120 now..not a stretch at all

time: plenty of time. patience is another story

dont waste your time on a shop press from harbor freight or northern that is under 20 ton. I bought the 12 tonner from northern which was beefier than the one from harbor freight. I ended up having to weld supports under the bridge because it buckled so bad under the 12 ton jack that was provided. you would think it would at least be able to take the force generated by the included jack, but it wasnt even close.
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Old 11-08-2007, 05:46 PM
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lutz,

great advice. ill see what else they have

bob
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  #6  
Old 11-08-2007, 06:18 PM
Ran when parked.
 
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Aix, France and Salt Lake City, Utah.
Posts: 294
Quote:
Originally Posted by bob_98sr5 View Post

time: plenty of time. patience is another story
Ha, I know how that goes.

For bigger stuff like an engine crane and what not, see if you can borrow a friend's. If it's just something you'll use for a weekend and then never use again, no sense in buying one..

If at all possible provide pictures of the bushings/etc.. it'd give us a better idea of what you're dealing with.

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