My Mercedes' Dead Motor

[Kimbrelljk]

I'm looking for a conversion kit for our '83 240D - we're thinking of converting to a Ford V8 or V6. Any help?

[Swifster]

Originally posted by Kimbrelljk
I'm looking for a conversion kit for our '83 240D - we're thinking of converting to a Ford V8 or V6. Any help?

I don't know about any kits, but when deciding on an engine, the old adage of 'measure twice, cut once' sure applies.

[windwalker]

I worked as a MB rep for puite a few years back in the 80"s I saw two cars one 250C and one 280 SE 4,5 converted to ford 302, Both used the ford trans and MB rear. They both loked and ran good.

[Kimbrelljk]

Thanks Dave - good information. We are still looking to convert or just replace the old diesel. The diesel will run forever.......well, as long as it has oil in it!
Thanks again,
James

[windwalker]

It all depends on what you want. 240D will give economy, dependable, and long life, it's for sure the easy way and maybe the cheapest. 302 or 351 would give more power and speed and a much higher fun factor. I believe you could find a 240 in the local wrecking yard maybe even a turbo version. I believe a 300TD would fit also and be much more fun. good luck
dave

[Matt167]

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.

[jramshu]

I found a site that sold the exact conversion you are looking for but I can't seem to find it again. I also have a 76 240D. I was thinking about a 302 myself, such a small car. Drive train set up off center also.
www.benzbin.com has tons of harder to find parts, might be able to find something thru them.

[Kimbrelljk]

Many thanks for your help. I am glad I ran across this forum, seems like a lot of good folks!!! We are still scratching our heads about our "dead" MBZ and what avenue to take.
THANK-YOU!

[Matt167]

What's wrong with the original 2.4 4cyl, other than it's rated at 67 groundpounding horsepower. My '83 has 252k on it and it was running great until my dad took the head of it as the head on his car developed a crack and needed a new 1. I bought my car off my dad for 250 bucks, with the motor apart, he paid 500 for it, for a parts car for his.

[drg84]

Seems to me that if you have a problem with your current motor, instead o putting in a 302, how about a mercedes motor? Either a gas motor or a large diesel. As you already have the fuel system in place, it would be easiest to go diesel to diesel.

[Kimbrelljk]

Matt167 & drg84 - Yea, that is/was our intent. Either rebuild what we got or find another engine. A rebuilt engine is a little expensive. I'm trying to convince my wife (it is her wheels) that we should buy an old junker with a decent engine and put our engine on the stand and rebuild a little at a time - plus we got our own MBZ junkyard for parts. The "302" idea just seems cool,especially against a 5000.00 rebuit and install. I'm a prev hot rodder (my love was my '70 chevelle malibu BUT was ordered new with SS "stuff" (Muncie 4sp, buckets, factory guages, 12bolt rear,etc). But, honestly, the diesel with the injection junk along with the MBZ vacuum stuff??????? A little intimidating. So, I had heard that swithing to the Ford V8 was not too bad and there was a kit that really helped make the swap do-able. Now I think it would be more project than what it is worth.
So, more than likely, we will find a used engine or junk car to work with.
What's wrong with my engine? Our son checked and added oil and did not put the cap back on. The next day my wife called me and said there was a puddle of oil under the car and that the cap was gone. She keeps oil in the car. I told her to add oil and go to a parts store and buy a generic cap (Help!). Well, the clerk could not think independently of the computer and told her they did not have anything that would work. It is just a plain two pronged cap that goes in the slots and turns! So, I told her to put a cloth in the hole and go to work, that evening we would fix it. Well, the cloth (MY MISTAKE) was too close to the overhead cam and was drawn in the engine and quikly starved something(s) of oil. The chain is broke, it was squealing like a stuck pig B4 it died.
WHEW!!!
It is a beautiful old car, and my wife's heart is broken. We bought the car from the original owner for a grand!
So, to finally sum up - Yea I think we will go back with a diesel and keep "original" as possible.
Thank-you to all those reading and helping!!!!

[mercmad]

I sold a real low mileage 300SEL 3.5 (air suspesion etc ) to a guy here who is going to remove the MERC v8 and install a Lexus V8 and trans.A far better idea than the using a ford.
If you check the jap wreckers you will see lexus setups are cheap,the engines are powerful,ultrareliable and there is no demand for used engines.keeps the price way down.
Here in Australia we get ship loads of used engines all the time,the wreckers buy up whole yards of late model cars in Japan,cut the front clips off and bring them here.You buy the front half of a car for $2000 ,that gives you everything,engine,trans,computor,steering, brakes etc etc .They are used to repower any thing.From ancient datsuns to late model GM Holdens.

[Kimbrelljk]

Thanks for the information! Something to look into. By the way, what is a Holden? A version of an American chevy model?
Thanks again!!
JcK

[mercmad]

These days a Holden is a lot higher up the scale than a Chev.the "Stateman" modle has been compared to Caddillacs and is regarded in the Arab states as being a better car.
You would Know the two door Holden monaro as the New pontiac GTO,
They are built here and shipped to the states.

[Ives Bradley]

I like the idea of the ford engine for parts availability and siplicity, but thats my 2 cents worth.