Feedback on replacing OM603 diesel 3.0 with 3.5

[Jeff Petty]

Looking for replacement head for my 86 300sdl. Found an engine but want details before pursuing. The ad states that the engine has 'best' parts : it is a 3.5L with 22 head, latest revision timing cover, vacuum pump, 3.5L fuel pump, etc. It has new head gaskets, ported head and custom exhaust manifold with HX35 turbo.. Aren't the 3.5s the notorious 'rod bender' engines? What do I look for and would a swap over in my 300sdl be pretty simple and would it be WISE? Thanks.

[t walgamuth]

It is the rodbender. I would not want one at any price unless I was buying it to put the best parts on a 3 liter block.

[Jeff Petty]

Originally Posted by Jeff Petty

Looking for replacement head for my 86 300sdl. Found an engine but want details before pursuing. The ad states that the engine has 'best' parts : it is a 3.5L with 22 head, latest revision timing cover, vacuum pump, 3.5L fuel pump, etc. It has new head gaskets, ported head and custom exhaust manifold with HX35 turbo.. Aren't the 3.5s the notorious 'rod bender' engines? What do I look for and would a swap over in my 300sdl be pretty simple and would it be WISE? Thanks.

Talked to guy....he said it is actually a 3.0 that has lots of 3.5 parts on it...never been in a car, has started and ran. He built it to go into a wagon and it didn't work out...do you sink 1500.00 into an engine that is not proven?

[compu_85]

Sounds like a winner then. The later turbo and head are much nicer. Not sure why you'd use the 3.5 injection pump though, I guess you could adjust it for the almost 2000 rpm higher redline of the 3.0.

-J

[t walgamuth]

Originally Posted by Jeff Petty

Talked to guy....he said it is actually a 3.0 that has lots of 3.5 parts on it...never been in a car, has started and ran. He built it to go into a wagon and it didn't work out...do you sink 1500.00 into an engine that is not proven?

Depends. It is worth that if it has been gone through by an expert and you can confirm it and what exactly has been done to it. I'd like to hear it start and run if possible too. If its a shop does it carry a warranty?

[Jeff Petty]

Originally Posted by t walgamuth

Depends. It is worth that if it has been gone through by an expert and you can confirm it and what exactly has been done to it. I'd like to hear it start and run if possible too. If its a shop does it carry a warranty?

Not a shop. It's an individual that is an diesel buff. Does a lot of modification stuff and gas to diesel switches. No warranty.

[TheDon]

Usually you go from. 3.5 to a 3.0.....

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