I was going to do a American V8 conversion to an '83 240D, I wanted SBC but learned the only motor that would fit w/o a new front end or wacky headder setup, was the ford 302. Search these forums for diesel to gas conversion, you will find info from my original plans and info from a former MB tech who still posts on this forum from time to time. If you look in car domain, in the 240D section, there is a 1977 240D converted to a 302, you might want to attemp to email him for what he did to make it work, looks like it fits nice. I didn't do mine over because I arleady bought a SBC ( 267 Impala motor, 1981 model year ) and found out it wouldn't fit with out a lot of work and I junked the impala and the motor, the mercedes is now a parts car, the motor was bad anyway. My dad has a mint 1983 240D, China blue/ blue int, 4spd car though.