does anyone know if the engine and transmission from a 1986 300sdl would be a direct fit into 1992 350 sdl? my 300sdl's running gear is giving way to the maine winters and i've found this 350sdl with a blown motor- i'm considering doing a transplant- i'm assuming it would be a slam dunk

The engine is extremely close, might be some minor accessory/plumbing changes but otherwise the same engine.

Also, the '92 has a vacuum-operated wastegate on the turbo, the '86 is pressure actuated, you'll need to keep the '92 system or search the forum for the upgrade (from '92 to '86 wastegate is an upgrade) discussed on the similar 602 engine. You'll be keeping the '92 exhaust manifold also.

The '92 has a better fuel system, better head, and better glow-plug system if you want to do it "right" you'd retain those from the '92. If not, dibs on the '92 head.

__________________

Gone to the dark side

- Jeff

My mistake- the 350sdl is a 1991- not a 1992- with that said, i'm assuming it would be even easier

furthermore- what's a 1986 300sdl worth w/220k miles, perfect burgundy leather interior, engine and transmission in perfect running order, unfortunately there's a hole in the unibody and it won't take a sticker-

I just did this swap and while the engines are very similar- bolt in swap has vanished from my vocabulary. Glow plugs are different-temp sending units,Alternator-A/C compressor- PS pump different- you will need to cut and splice a wire or 4- try to put the later vacuum pump on. If you decide to swap injectors,and the pump-you need the lines for it as well. The oil pan needs to be swapped. I am certain I am missing some stuff but I am really happy with the results. Also if you can -the early trans(I have been told is a more robust unit. Make certain you remove the entire oil cooler setup at the oil filter canister-lines and all. Chances of unbolting this at the cooler end successfully are marginal at best. There were quite a lot more steps than I had planned on- I thought MB parts commonality would be better- but just be certain to have every thing from both cars right there-throw NOTHING out till you are completely done.I am certain you will be happy.Good luck,Sneezls

thanks for your info- were you installing in a 1991 350 or a 1992 350? in my feeble mind my 3 liter would bolt into the same engine mounts as the 3.5 liter did- my 3 liter would come out complete- inj. pump, p.s. pump, alternator, turbo, etc.- drop it in the '91- hook up the fuel line, radiator, extraneous vac lines and such-not sure about the transmission- could easily put my '86 into the '91- am i way off ?

So simple even I could do it.

IMO the transmission should follow the injection pump. If you keep the '86 IP on the engine when you install it, the '86 transmission with its shift points and stall speed should go with it.

If you choose to install the '91 IP on the '86 engine when you install it, you will have a lower RPM than the engine is capable of, unless you have it recalibrated by a Bosch shop for the 3.0L engine's RPM (about an extra $500 for the calibration and DV re-seal, doing that now and hoping it'll be worth it for the extra power).

The mounts are the same for all 603s in 126 bodies.

__________________

Gone to the dark side

- Jeff