Hi, guys. Not that this has anything to do with what I'm asking but my 90 350 SDL rod bender some of you told me was going to blow up in my face has over 240k and is still running strong.
Anyway, thinking of finding a circa 80's 5 cly turbo and tranny in my 78 Dodge PU. If I decide to get ambitious will a newer 4 speed tranny like the one in my 90 350 bolt up to a 617 engine without too much hassle.

thinking of putting the turbo in the Dodge PU, the slant six is old and very tired. Didn't read the post to correct before I pushed the button.

I am not trying to poo poo your idea, but the 617 is no speed demon, especially in a full size truck. But if you are looking for simplicity and a cool combo, I say do it! There is a thread about doing the same to a chevy truck, somewhere on here. As far as tranny config, I believe the starter location is a major issue between the trans applications. Why not make it a 5speed manual if you are going to go this far? There are also threads on here about putting a US or Mazda 5 speed behind a 617.

__________________
Thanks,
Mark in NC

"Spark plugs?...We don't need no stinking spark plugs!"
1985 300SD "Der Silberne Schlitten" 420,000 mi


Wish these were diesel:
2003 Ford Club Wagon 130,000 mi

If it makes you feel any better I have an om617a in a 1980 G-Wagen that weighs just north of 5,000lbs. It's no speed demon but it does fine. You'll want to install a boost/egt combo while you have the engine out so you can dial in max power - but that gauge combo is easy to install with the engine out. The G has 4.89 gears and 32" tall tires (which is a stock combo with that engine) so you can figure out if your rear end will need to be swapped.

-Tad

__________________
1995 G320
2003 C230 Kompressor Coupe
2005 ML500
2007 ML350

Simple answer without clatter: NO. Starter location is the issue as Mach pointed out, among other things.

__________________
TC
Current stable:
- 2004 Mazda RALLYWANKEL
- 2007 Saturn sky redline
- 2004 Explorer...under surgery.

Past: 135i, GTI, 300E, 300SD, 300SD, Stealth

thanks for the info. FYI a turbo 617 has more hp and torque than the slant 6 that is in there. Sounds like the tranny switch is to much trouble.

Use a 4 speed manual out of a 240d or keep the autobox thats likely on the back of the downer engine. if the truck was a manual, and you like it, your can keep it manual... if the truck auto it will be easy to keep it auto. Like said before the rear end gears may be to high, as the \6 likely had a different power band. all Mercedes 4 speeds are 1=1 4th gear. I know some A833's have 4 speed overdrive. if you have one of these transmissions then you really want to look into the rear end gearing... or get more adventuress and look into finding an overdrive transmission.

__________________