We also discussed yesterday evening
:
1. a 5.7 gm diesel. My favorite machinist used to get 30 mpg with his in a full sized Olds 88. He says he can build one that will last. With a turbo 400 tranny it would make a pretty sweet driving piece which should be capable of mid twenties on fuel economy and at resale time a belly button 350 could be dropped in if necessary by me or the new owner.

2. Going full Studebaker. My favorite machinist has a 63 parts car with a complete 259 v8 which with the right gears should deliver 20 mph highway. That would appeal to the studey guys.

I dunno, a nicely done mb diesel swap would not appeal to everybody but there are some pretty nutty guys out there who might like it. The advantage is I have a lot of the parts on hand now.....but all the engine swapping books ridicule people who make a swap because thats what they have on hand!

__________________
[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.