So I picked up a 1991 350 sdl minus a head. Rust free but white paint was chaulked out and had a lot of small dents and dings. I repaired the body, and my local maaco has put a rather nice base clear on it. Next will be a few new pieces of leather and some dying of the front seats. Which leads me to the engine. I have a great running 300 sdl 603 waiting to go in after I have the head redone. Do you guys think replacing the 350 with a 300 will hurt value. The car will be finished with euro lights and 16" bbs rims. Should be an axtremely nice car in the end.

It should increase the value, IMHO.

The 3.0 has no issues with bent rods....or at least very very few.

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.

Assuming you do an engine swap job that's quality is worthy of the condition of the car you'll definitely be able to get the same amount of money as a 3.5 and possibly a little more for someone that knows some stuff about MB diesels.

I say go for it because that's a great idea. I've done a 3.0 turbo engine swap and its not bad at all especially with an engine leveler. It's much easier to do a full engine + tranny swap as well...the engine itself is very tricky but totally doable (I've done it this way also).

Keep organized and Good Luck! With a little common sense any job is doable on these cars...

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1974 240d "Peace, Love and Empathy" - Kurt Cobain
1982 300sd "It all depends upon the Benz!" - Me
1983 300sd
1985 500sel
1992 300se

If you plan to sell it to a Mercedes enthusiast, the value won't be negatively affected.

If you plan to sell it to a member of the "general public"..........you tell them nothing about the 603.961 and the value won't be negatively affected. If you attempt to explain the replacement engine to them.........the vehicle is worthless.

Please take plenty of pictures and keep us up to date on the progress.
I also have future inspirations of this undertaking.

I knew of a black/black 91 350sdl exactly like this in a yard in Hillsborough, same car?

No... this was a fla rust free car. nice car actually. Ive always wanted an sdl, but with the higher prices and the painting and the wheels and the stereo on and on, things were just to expensive. I bought this one right , and happened very luckily to get a great parts car with a good engine and the bbs wheels I wanted from another forum member.
Is the one in Hillsbourough in a junkyard? where? I could always use parts.

Not sure if it's there any more.. you're welcome to check it out.. looks like it's in a tow yard. It's on Old Camplain Road. If you're coming from 206, it's about 1/2 mile down on the left behind a chain link fence.