Need advice putting a 300 turboD into a 280SE 126 body?

[SD300]

Hi all
I see a 81 280SE 126 body, with a bad engine. Wondering how much work involve of dropping a 123 300TurboD engine into her?
I knew the rear end may need changing, gasser are high revving, so need taller ratio , or old rear end.

Tranny may not fit exact, so may need the old tranny from 123 with engine in it.
Room shouldn't be a factor. Is going into a bigger engine bay.

Tachometer will be hopeless to get her going. Is only money, to put another one in. RPM is not an real issue.


With Gas so high or else drop a 560 engine in it too.

How about gas tank, flush it out first. Is there 2 pumps? one intank and one some where infront of the tank ouside?

Thats not a difficult issue when u have to deal with more important matters.

Any input will be appreciated.

Hmmm.........

Are you asking if the diesel requires an intank pump? The answer would be no. The diesel does have a mechanical pump on the engine that draws fuel from the tank, then basically distributes that fuel through a secondary filter and on into the IP, or injection pump. Unlike a gasser, there is a diesel fuel return line from the engine back to the tank however. A gasser tank, better known as a GAS tank would have to be modified to accommodate this return fuel line, hose, etc...

[t walgamuth]

the gasser has a return line too. i dont know for sure but the tank may be the same and just fittings need changing.

basically there should not be huge issues but the wiring harness may have some difficulties. are you getting a complete car with the diesel ?

if so you should be able to just keep switching things over. the 126 was offered with the diesel so things that are 126 specific should be available.

obviously the best thing is to get a complete 126 diesel car with other issues such as massive rust or body damage.

good luck.

tom w

[SD300]

May need a 2nd line run back from Fuel filter to tank.

Will find out soon if we get the W126 body. The engine suppose to have some knocking. We do have an extra turbo eng sitting around from a W123.

See if they'll look identical.