220D Pickup Truck

[jaybutter]

I have purchased a 1973 220D that has been modified into a pickup truck! Currently I am awaiting delivery by an auto-transporter, which is taking some time because of the holiday season. There is engine trouble of some severity. Presently ether is used to start it and it is probably only running on three cylinders. Once it arrives here my plan is to evaluate the condition of the engine. If it is solely a head gasket problem, I plan to repair it and keep running the diesel. If the engine needs more major work I want to look at installing a 3.5-liter, 117 motor that is from a 107 350SL that I have from a parts car. It seems that this swap might be possible only because the 107 and the 115 use the same front sub-frame part number. Does anyone have experience with this type of swap? Any input, pro or con, from the get go would be fantastic! Here are some more details.

220D VIN 11511010350100 4 speed manual

350SL VIN 10704312010277 electronic fuel injection, 9.5:1 compression 200+ HP 3 speed automatic.

I am thinking that if I install the 3.5 I will use the automatic transmission because procuring a flywheel and clutch for that engine is not so easy. If all the parts are available from MB I would guess that they would be over $1000 which would eat too much of the money I have available for this project. But again, any input from fellow MB enthusiasts would be welcomed, what do you think?

Thanks again,

Jay Butter
Savannah, GA