Best of all worlds? Neat conversion!!

[Catrinus]

OK, some will love this and others will hate it... but here is a guy in my town (Portland, OR) selling a 1970 280SE that's been retrofitted with a 300D engine! Personally, I love the 108 body and love the 300D engine but I never thought you could actually pull this off. Take a look and tell us what you think (but you purists, please keep it polite!!)

http://portland.craigslist.org/car/48412004.html

Catrinus
73 280C

[68_Mercedes]

well, the conversion part doesn't bother me, obviously lol!!!! But I personally HATE diesel motors..... So my own thoughts would be "what a waste of money".... but that's my opinion, cuz I hate diesels.....

[Mark DiSilvestro]

Somone here posted that this conversion is/was popular in Europe. Now if only I could find one with a 5-speed....

Happy Motoring, Mark

[psfred]

I'd love to put a 603 in mine -- the 15 mpg is killing me!

68_Mercedes:

Diesels are great -- same perfomance, 30% better milage, and the normally run 500,000 miles....

Peter

[68_Mercedes]

Originally Posted by psfred

68_Mercedes:

Diesels are great -- same perfomance, 30% better milage, and the normally run 500,000 miles....

Peter

It's just a matter of taste. I know they have some advantages, as well as disadvantages. I personally just don't like them. Ya know.... That's not to say they aren't any good, and aren't great motors. I just like the good ole 350 v8 better I've just honestly never cared for diesels... some people like vanilla, some people like chocolate.. that's what makes the world go 'round...

[wbain5280]

Did anyone see this line:

*Paint is a bit worn, but the frame has almost no rust.

'almost' no rust is a code word for rustbucket.

[Catrinus]

You're right -- it's something like saying "she's almost not pregnant"!

[Tomguy]

Peter: I wouldn't care for diesel simply because I'd be afraid of going outside on one of these cold northeast mornings and cranking my car, only to find out it wont start because my fuel has turned to Jello. Besides, who's to say a well-maintained 4.5 can't get 500k miles? The main reason they don't is because of stuff like my car - runs great, has (probably terminal if not fixed quite soon) RUST! 68 likes his 350, I like my 4.5. You should like your 4.5 too, Peter... Oterwise, find someone willing to "Suffer" through 15MPG! (HELL I wish my 4.5 got 12MPG! I'd be thrilled with 15! 50% better milage! )

[psfred]

Well, you do need to use antigell in the fuel.

Pretty much a tossup between the 300D and the 280 4.5 -- very similar performance, but the diesel gets 30+ mpg. Comfort and handling will be very much the same when I get the 280 back into decent shape.

Peter

[Q45Denver]

To bad they didn't put a turbo diesel in it.

[popeface]

I love both. On the one hand, it seems to me that the gasoline engines run quieter, and they're probably more "acceptable" in a sedan, but I love the sound of a good-running diesel. Then again, the better milage is a plus, too...