I'm confused, isn't the OM617.952 a 3.0 Turbo Diesel?

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1983 W123 300TD US spec Turbo engine, with Euro bumpers and manual climate control, and manual transmission.

Yeah, I think he's building up a 617.952 on the bench to install in this car.

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"Senior Luna, your sense of humor is still loco... but we love it, anyway." -rickymay ____ "Your sense of humor is still loco... " -MBeige ____ "Señor Luna, your sense of humor is quite järjetön" -Delibes

1982 300SD -- 211k, Texas car, tranny issues ____ 1979 240D 4-speed 234k -- turbo and tuned IP, third world taxi hot rod

2 Samuel 12:13: "David said to Nathan, “I have sinned against the Lord.” And Nathan said to David, “The Lord also has put away your sin; you shall not die."

Yes, OM617.952 is a 5 cylinder, in-line, turbo diesel engine in the W123 chassis. It's a rather mod'd engine. I got a "M" pump mod'd by Goran with 6mm elements, sure-seal (total seal) rings, ceramic coated pistons, ceramic coated pre-chambers, most of the parasitic drag off that engine is gone or reduced, compression is reduced by way of special head gasket in the works, intercooler, water injection (more for the WVO than anything else), W115 longrunner intake, special injectors, and the list goes on. I am not sure my Getrag 717.400 five speed transmission will hold up, but I got 3 so I am OK with one going ka-put. lol ... I doubt I will hit the performance achievements of the C111, but I am trying my best.

Much more of a project than I anticipated, but the 2:65 LSD is installed.

I lost my exhaust system in the process ... VSTECH's welds held up 100% better than the metal, which broke as the muffler completely broke off as well as the center resonater.

I also finally repaired my driveshaft ... living on truly borrowed time. I know I promised VSTECH I would do this about a year ago, but it's now done. My mod'd driveshaft with grease fittings is installed too. I will post some pictures when the new exhaust goes in. That was just ordered.

Although my car sounds like a PT Boat or a tank, I got it up to around 70 and then put the ol'e girl in neutral and it drifted along like a dream, smooth as silk. I did not notice any of the lug or sluggish behavior which a few said I would have with the 2:65 gearing.

I could have NEVER done this job without a car lift or trans jack. Lining up the 4 threaded studs was a killer ... 2 hours just for that. Total PITA. But, it's in, a little fine tuning maybe, but overall well worth the effort. I cannot wait until I have an exhaust system so I can truly "feel" the ride so to speak.

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It'll be a fun and sneaky car that's for sure!

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1983 W123 300TD US spec Turbo engine, with Euro bumpers and manual climate control, and manual transmission.

Test drove it some more, and the 2:65 is definitely the ticket. Even with the 300D NA (88HP),

1st gear ... still peppy and responsive off the line
2nd gear ... still responsive
3rd gear ... still responsive
4th gear ... got the slugishness and lopey which some folks warned about, but with the turbo I am thinking this will be just fine down the road
5th gear ... definitely a highway cruiser where I am betting I could drift along at 75 and barely break 2K RPM. Need to fix my speedo now.

Overall, very very happy. Well worth the hassels IMO. With my exhaust installed, I can hear the car on the road. No funky noises ... just a weird squeek when I shift gears now, whatever the heck that is.

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That tall final drive would be ideal for my project...but, alas, I think the best I'll accomplish will be finding a 2.88 from an 85, if I keep my eyes open.

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1983 W123 300TD US spec Turbo engine, with Euro bumpers and manual climate control, and manual transmission.

I can get you the 2:88 from a 1985. $150.00 plus shipping. I just shipped one to TX and it cost around $60.00 bucks. Let me know if you're interested. I think zone 8 or 9 would be around $75-ish.

What's the trick to installing the LSD?

It weighs a TON. I don't think I would have been able to physically install it without the car on a lift and a trans jack. Even with an adjustable 3-axis jack, it was a PITA. I recall about 2 hours fussing with it. BUT, it does in fact bolt right up and everything fits perfectly. I was really surprised and I had my doubts because the 2:65LSD is much bigger than the OEM differential, and the weight is about double.

As for the 4 threaded studs off the differential which holds the differential to the trailing arms, I ultimately believe its just luck and getting them lined up perfectly. I bet if one is adroit with this operation, it might have been a different story.

Where's the limited slip gubbins in the differential?

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1992 W201 190E 1.8 171,000 km - Daily driver
1981 W123 300D ~ 100,000 miles / 160,000 km - project car stripped to the bone
1965 Land Rover Series 2a Station Wagon CIS recovery therapy!
1961 Volvo PV544 Bare metal rat rod-ish thing

I'm here to chat about cars and to help others - I'm not here "to always be right" like an internet warrior



Don't leave that there - I'll take it to bits!

Mark, have you weighed the car as it sits? I am assuming you have reduced the weight...?

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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.

I am guessing it weighs about the same as it originally rolled off the line. The car was originally a 240D. The auto trans is gone, and that weighed a bunch compared to a 5 speed which tips the scale at 70. The original 4 cylinder vs. 5 cylinder weight difference probably balances out the trans difference. As for the diff, it weighs about double but that is offset by a few odds and ends removed, e.g., power to manual window regulators, manual steering, et cet.

They're in there ... the 2nd picture is the original diff 3:69 being removed.

I was just wondering about taking off with the taller diff. It was a little dicey even with the 307 if on a hill.

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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.