best MB diesel for a swap - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

lutzTD · #1 02-20-2009, 10:05 PM

Im thinking I would like to find a small 2wd PU with a blown motor and swap in a diesel for PNP runs. which is the best MB diesel for this? I was thinking a 240D or 300D turbo with a 4 speed. I would really like to have a 5 speed. Is the 190D with a 5 speed easy enough to get running in a swap, how about the later 6 cylinder diesels? can the electronics be adapted to a swap? I would prefer the more modern motros with 5 speeds, but if its too much issue would a 240D pull an older S10 or Ranger?

babymog · #2 02-20-2009, 10:15 PM

All of the diesels through '91 I believe (might be '90) have pressure-actuated wastegate controls and need no engine electrical/electronics to operate except for idle control (to keep a constant idle speed when the A/C turns on etc.).

The best one IMO is the one you find for sale. Size might be an issue, inline-6 engines don't fit all mini pickups, even the fives might be a squeeze, and the larger they are the more they weigh.

lutzTD · #3 02-20-2009, 10:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by babymog

All of the diesels through '91 I believe (might be '90) have pressure-actuated wastegate controls and need no engine electrical/electronics to operate except for idle control (to keep a constant idle speed when the A/C turns on etc.).

The best one IMO is the one you find for sale. Size might be an issue, inline-6 engines don't fit all mini pickups, even the fives might be a squeeze, and the larger they are the more they weigh.

what do you think of the 190D motors? was there a turbo version? I would really like a more modern design and a 5 speed.

rcounts · #4 02-20-2009, 10:36 PM

Get yourself a Jeep Commanche or Pioneer pickup. Their engine bay is designed for the 4.0 liter inline 6. A 5 or 6 cylinder MB would fit in there nicely...

babymog · #5 02-20-2009, 10:38 PM

I like the 190D 2.5L (5cylinder) engine (OM602). There is a turbo version of it, used in the '87 190D 2.5turbo and the '90-'93 300D 2.5turbo. Watch for head-crack issues on the '87 engine.

The 4cylinder OM601 I haven't had, and I'm not sure of its reputation.

babymog · #6 02-20-2009, 10:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by babymog

I like the 190D 2.5L (5cylinder) engine (OM602). There is a turbo version of it, used in the '87 190D 2.5turbo and the '90-'93 300D 2.5turbo. Watch for head-crack issues on the '87 engine.

The 4cylinder OM601 I haven't had, and I'm not sure of its reputation.

If you go 6cylinder, I'd recommend looking for the OM603 6-cylinder turbo 3.0L engine, becoming easier to find used, but again look for the early (pre-17 casting) heads to have crack concerns if no history on the engine is known.

UriahT · #7 02-20-2009, 10:48 PM

The 190D came as a turbo in 1987. People love that car. But I don't think it came as a manual in 87. The most reliable, and fuel efficient, 190D with a 5 speed you'll find is the 84-85 variant. But I think it'd be really underpowered for any type of pickup application, unless you're talking Mazda B2200 or some such.

lutzTD · #8 02-20-2009, 11:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by UriahT

The 190D came as a turbo in 1987. People love that car. But I don't think it came as a manual in 87. The most reliable, and fuel efficient, 190D with a 5 speed you'll find is the 84-85 variant. But I think it'd be really underpowered for any type of pickup application, unless you're talking Mazda B2200 or some such.

yeh Im thinking the small S10 or Ranger single cab, 6 ft bed 2wd. a mazda or toyota would be ok too. I can swap on a 5 speed to a 190D 2.2-2.3-2.5, I have a swap kit sitting in my garage sans flywheel. I was thinking maybe a 603, but I was worried it had some electronics I couldnt get around. and of course the extra size. Is it about the same as the 617 or is it even longer with the 6th cylinder. Those motors put out some good HP and MPG numbers.

babymog · #9 02-21-2009, 11:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by UriahT

The 190D came as a turbo in 1987. People love that car. But I don't think it came as a manual in 87. The most reliable, and fuel efficient, 190D with a 5 speed you'll find is the 84-85 variant. But I think it'd be really underpowered for any type of pickup application, unless you're talking Mazda B2200 or some such.

It came in a turbo in '87, or a 5-speed. The 5-speed was n/a only.

dealwithit · #10 02-22-2009, 01:57 AM

hey im currently just waiting for garage space to drop my 617 turbo into my 91 b2200 mazda 2wd pickup ext cab. good luck with everything

JackG · #11 02-22-2009, 10:56 AM

Wanna Make An El CaBenz outta My TD??????

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lutzTD · #12 02-22-2009, 11:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JackG

Wanna Make An El CaBenz outta My TD??????

.

I wish you were closer. I would like a cheap wagon, but someone has said there is nothing so expensive as a cheap mercedes. To be honest I am going to buy as bare bones a truck as possible and leave it as bare bones as possible, I want nothing complicated like SLS