Engine swap in a 1970's merc
Discussion
Just asking, not going to be a thing unless I get really rich.
I've always liked w108 era mercs, 3.5 or 4m5 petrol engine is a little thirsty if this was going to be a daily driver.
Looking at the specs a b5 Passat is about 100kg less than the w108.
So why couldn't you put a pd130 into the Merc?
I understand the gearbox etc would have to be sourced.
Ta Ray
I've always liked w108 era mercs, 3.5 or 4m5 petrol engine is a little thirsty if this was going to be a daily driver.
Looking at the specs a b5 Passat is about 100kg less than the w108.
So why couldn't you put a pd130 into the Merc?
I understand the gearbox etc would have to be sourced.
Ta Ray
One reason is that the car would lose its zero VED status and probably acquire a Q plate?
How many miles a year is anyone going to do in a 70s Merc?
I'd expect packback in fuel savings to take a long time indeed.
I did know someone who had done a DIY EFI conversion on a couple of big old gas guzzlers, resulting in a significant fuel saving.
How many miles a year is anyone going to do in a 70s Merc?
I'd expect packback in fuel savings to take a long time indeed.
I did know someone who had done a DIY EFI conversion on a couple of big old gas guzzlers, resulting in a significant fuel saving.
Would it work ?
Probably, assuming that it physically fitted and you could fabricate mounts
you'd have to figure out CAN wiring or standalone system, (probably) junk the original dash and use a passat one or aftermarket.
Fuel system transplant too.
Gearbox would also need some attention to ensure ratios worked well and probably make or have made an adapter / bellhousing.
But a VAG engine its an odd choice frankly.
If you were determined to do it, why not look at the V6 diesels from an older C class (and others). The newer GLE etc have a straight 6 diesel, at least you'd be keeping it in the family and could be seen as resto mod. A quick look around shows AMG V8 engines being used so thats an known path and thus simpler as all the headaches have been tackled.
Probably, assuming that it physically fitted and you could fabricate mounts
you'd have to figure out CAN wiring or standalone system, (probably) junk the original dash and use a passat one or aftermarket.
Fuel system transplant too.
Gearbox would also need some attention to ensure ratios worked well and probably make or have made an adapter / bellhousing.
But a VAG engine its an odd choice frankly.
If you were determined to do it, why not look at the V6 diesels from an older C class (and others). The newer GLE etc have a straight 6 diesel, at least you'd be keeping it in the family and could be seen as resto mod. A quick look around shows AMG V8 engines being used so thats an known path and thus simpler as all the headaches have been tackled.
I am in the middle of fitting an 5.0l SEC V8 into the 1966 W111, similar chassis architecture as a 108.
This is the M117 engine.
The M104 is a good choice too as both are relatively easy to make work with the original ECUs and good power and efficiency.
No wheel speed sensors or aftermarket ECUs.
Anything manufactured post mid 90's will be difficult.
But a clattery VW diesel? no thanks!
The difficult bit is not fitting the engine and making it work.
It is finding a reasonably affordable car that isn't rotten. They are all rotten.
This is the M117 engine.
The M104 is a good choice too as both are relatively easy to make work with the original ECUs and good power and efficiency.
No wheel speed sensors or aftermarket ECUs.
Anything manufactured post mid 90's will be difficult.
But a clattery VW diesel? no thanks!
The difficult bit is not fitting the engine and making it work.
It is finding a reasonably affordable car that isn't rotten. They are all rotten.
ssray said:
Just asking, not going to be a thing unless I get really rich.
I've always liked w108 era mercs, 3.5 or 4m5 petrol engine is a little thirsty if this was going to be a daily driver.
If you were really rich, engine thirst wouldn't be a consideration in the first place and so, it becomes an irrelevant question surely?I've always liked w108 era mercs, 3.5 or 4m5 petrol engine is a little thirsty if this was going to be a daily driver.
aeropilot said:
ssray said:
Just asking, not going to be a thing unless I get really rich.
I've always liked w108 era mercs, 3.5 or 4m5 petrol engine is a little thirsty if this was going to be a daily driver.
If you were really rich, engine thirst wouldn't be a consideration in the first place and so, it becomes an irrelevant question surely?I've always liked w108 era mercs, 3.5 or 4m5 petrol engine is a little thirsty if this was going to be a daily driver.
https://www.mechatronik.de/en/new-tech/m-coupe/
Dapster said:
aeropilot said:
ssray said:
Just asking, not going to be a thing unless I get really rich.
I've always liked w108 era mercs, 3.5 or 4m5 petrol engine is a little thirsty if this was going to be a daily driver.
If you were really rich, engine thirst wouldn't be a consideration in the first place and so, it becomes an irrelevant question surely?I've always liked w108 era mercs, 3.5 or 4m5 petrol engine is a little thirsty if this was going to be a daily driver.
https://www.mechatronik.de/en/new-tech/m-coupe/
lufbramatt said:
OM605/606 would make more sense?
If you must have a smelly diesel, this is the way to go. Peden Conceptz on youtube has put one in a 190E mated to an 8HP gearbox.https://www.youtube.com/@pedenconceptz/videos
W220 s class are very cheap and the m118 5.0 engine, along with brembos, hubs etc would transfer across alot easier than getting all the bits separately. There's even a chance some engine/gearbox mounts could be reused.
Again why waste money putting such a crap engine in? It would cost similar money to have something much better.
Again why waste money putting such a crap engine in? It would cost similar money to have something much better.
thegreenhell said:
lufbramatt said:
OM605/606 would make more sense?
If you must have a smelly diesel, this is the way to go. Peden Conceptz on youtube has put one in a 190E mated to an 8HP gearbox.https://www.youtube.com/@pedenconceptz/videos
I have a 1972 350slc with the m116, it’s underpowered and the gearbox is woeful. Everything else is fine it is just crying out for a drivetrain swap.
I’m going with the 5.4 n/a m113 and zf8hp. More work and more expense but I think this will make a better car than the 5.0. Mechatronik use a tuned 5.0 but the price difference for a used engine has me leaning towards the stroker from the off.
I’m going with the 5.4 n/a m113 and zf8hp. More work and more expense but I think this will make a better car than the 5.0. Mechatronik use a tuned 5.0 but the price difference for a used engine has me leaning towards the stroker from the off.
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