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  • March 28, 2024, 05:07:07 AM

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Author Topic: Mercedes Benz Diesel engine and T5 in my SX4 (frame)- Future Project  (Read 12635 times)

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Offline rollguy

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I will be putting an MB Diesel in my SX4 frame one day (Lord willing), and will be looking for a T5.  I am pretty sure I will not find a 3550 (or be able to afford one if I did).   I found an aluminum bell housing from an early 240 4 speed that will bolt up to my 4 or 5 cyl MB Diesel engine.  The bell is fairly short, so there is plenty of length on the T5 input shaft to fit a nice thick aluminum adapter plate.
Actually, I am thinking of just using the whole body (1980 MB 240D) and putting it on my existing SX4 frame.  It will not be an Eagle anymore, but a 4X4 Mercedes Benz 240D (that started life as a custom built full framed SX4).  I am just looking for ideas as to making the engine work with available transmissions (T5 & NV3550 seem like the only available choice right now).  
The other reason for this thread is to make the research available to others that may want to re-power their Eagle with an MB Diesel engine.  As far as I can tell, only a manual trans will work with this combo.  The MB automatics would necessitate the use of a "divorced" transfer case, as there are no MB trans tail shafts/housings that bolt up to any available transfer case.   As far as I know, all MB TC's are divorced (G wagon and Unimog).   The only available bell housing that I know of that will work comes from an early (up to 1978?) 240 4 speed with an iron case.  The later transmissions are all aluminum (bell and case in one piece). Photos:

« Last Edit: March 06, 2012, 01:04:42 PM by rollguy »
1980 Eagle Turbodiesel Wagon (only 2 known to exist as of 2008)- 7-7-2011 Flight to it's new nest @ Rambler Ranch
1983 Eagle Wagon  Tan over Copper
1982 Eagle SX4 "ALTREGL"  (avatar photo)
1982 Eagle 4 Door Sedan  Copper over Satin Black
1985 Eagle Sport Wagon October 2007 ROTM (SOLD)
4 Biofuel powered Benzs ('98 E300, '82 300 CD, '82 300 TD (wagon), '80 240 D)
1983 GMC Van (6.2 Diesel)
1985 Mitsubishi pickup (2.3 Turbodiesel)

Offline eaglefreek

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Re: Mercedes Benz Diesel engine and T5 in my SX4 (frame)- Future Project
« Reply #1 on: March 06, 2012, 03:12:03 PM »
These guys have an adapter to use an AX15. http://mercedesdiesel4x4.com/OM617AdapterKits.aspx I considered it in the past, but after driving some of the company's diesel trucks cross country, I decided gas was for me. Too noisy and sometimes hard to find diesel. I'd like to see a 240d 4x4.   ;D
1986 AMC Eagle Wagon 4.2L/4.0L head, AW4,NP242, Chrysler 8.25" rear.
1981 AMC Eagle Wagon As Seen On TV  Lost In Transmission


 

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Offline BenM

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Re: Mercedes Benz Diesel engine and T5 in my SX4 (frame)- Future Project
« Reply #2 on: March 07, 2012, 01:13:57 AM »
There's a guy over at the TDI message boards who made adapters from the VW 1.9 turbo diesel to an AMC bell pattern, I believe he had an AW4 in a Cherokee.

I don't know much about the Mercedes engines. Are they all naturally aspirated?
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1987 AMC Eagle Sedan -- 1976 Pacer Coupe -- 1968 Pontiac Tempest Custom S -- 1940 Mercury (& a 2002 Jetta Turbodiesel, 5 spd., the Wife's Daily Driver)

Offline rollguy

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Re: Mercedes Benz Diesel engine and T5 in my SX4 (frame)- Future Project
« Reply #3 on: March 07, 2012, 11:39:30 AM »
There's a guy over at the TDI message boards who made adapters from the VW 1.9 turbo diesel to an AMC bell pattern, I believe he had an AW4 in a Cherokee.

I don't know much about the Mercedes engines. Are they all naturally aspirated?
The 4 cyl (240D) are all N/A, and some 5 cyl (pre-'82 300D & TD).  The best one is the OM 617 TURBODIESEL found in 1978-1985 300SD, and 1982-1985 300D & TD.
1980 Eagle Turbodiesel Wagon (only 2 known to exist as of 2008)- 7-7-2011 Flight to it's new nest @ Rambler Ranch
1983 Eagle Wagon  Tan over Copper
1982 Eagle SX4 "ALTREGL"  (avatar photo)
1982 Eagle 4 Door Sedan  Copper over Satin Black
1985 Eagle Sport Wagon October 2007 ROTM (SOLD)
4 Biofuel powered Benzs ('98 E300, '82 300 CD, '82 300 TD (wagon), '80 240 D)
1983 GMC Van (6.2 Diesel)
1985 Mitsubishi pickup (2.3 Turbodiesel)

Offline rollguy

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Re: Mercedes Benz Diesel engine and T5 in my SX4 (frame)- Future Project
« Reply #4 on: March 07, 2012, 11:48:18 AM »
These guys have an adapter to use an AX15. http://mercedesdiesel4x4.com/OM617AdapterKits.aspx I considered it in the past, but after driving some of the company's diesel trucks cross country, I decided gas was for me. Too noisy and sometimes hard to find diesel. I'd like to see a 240d 4x4.   ;D
Thanks for the link!  I am glad someone else has done the R&D.   However, I am a cheapskate, and may just try my idea out first. It may end up costing more in the long run, but I am willing to try first, and maybe learn something.  There are T5's out there that are cheaper than AX15's, so I may be able to do it cheaper.  It is nice to have another option though, and I may end up ordering the kit anyway!   The question is, does the T5 and AX15 share the same output shaft size and spline count?   I know a Dana 300 TC will bolt directly to a 998 with no mods, so I assume the Dana 300 will bolt to an AX15 with no mods as well.
1980 Eagle Turbodiesel Wagon (only 2 known to exist as of 2008)- 7-7-2011 Flight to it's new nest @ Rambler Ranch
1983 Eagle Wagon  Tan over Copper
1982 Eagle SX4 "ALTREGL"  (avatar photo)
1982 Eagle 4 Door Sedan  Copper over Satin Black
1985 Eagle Sport Wagon October 2007 ROTM (SOLD)
4 Biofuel powered Benzs ('98 E300, '82 300 CD, '82 300 TD (wagon), '80 240 D)
1983 GMC Van (6.2 Diesel)
1985 Mitsubishi pickup (2.3 Turbodiesel)

Offline rollguy

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Re: Mercedes Benz Diesel engine and T5 in my SX4 (frame)- Future Project
« Reply #5 on: June 28, 2012, 04:11:23 PM »
With more research and measuring done, the adapter from Koch Enterprises seems the best way to go, and one will be ordered soon.  I already have the AX15, and most everything else I need.  Stay tuned!
1980 Eagle Turbodiesel Wagon (only 2 known to exist as of 2008)- 7-7-2011 Flight to it's new nest @ Rambler Ranch
1983 Eagle Wagon  Tan over Copper
1982 Eagle SX4 "ALTREGL"  (avatar photo)
1982 Eagle 4 Door Sedan  Copper over Satin Black
1985 Eagle Sport Wagon October 2007 ROTM (SOLD)
4 Biofuel powered Benzs ('98 E300, '82 300 CD, '82 300 TD (wagon), '80 240 D)
1983 GMC Van (6.2 Diesel)
1985 Mitsubishi pickup (2.3 Turbodiesel)

Offline vangremlin

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Re: Mercedes Benz Diesel engine and T5 in my SX4 (frame)- Future Project
« Reply #6 on: June 28, 2012, 11:20:29 PM »
Good luck with this Rollguy! I'm looking forward to following your progress!
1981 Kammback 258 - "Pepe"
1980 Coupe 258 - "Ginger
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Offline Baskinator

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Re: Mercedes Benz Diesel engine and T5 in my SX4 (frame)- Future Project
« Reply #7 on: June 30, 2012, 12:52:34 AM »
I got to see an '82 5 cylinder turbodiesel wagon up close for the first time the other day. Looks like a viable engine swap, at least in terms of size. Sure won't see any power increase, maybe a little better on gas mileage though. Good luck, it will be interesting to see this complete!
1982 AMC Eagle SX/4 (Work In Progress)

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Offline carnuck

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Re: Mercedes Benz Diesel engine and T5 in my SX4 (frame)- Future Project
« Reply #8 on: June 30, 2012, 12:18:45 PM »
No maybe about it. Should get close to 30 mpg
AMC/Jeep gauges are for amusement only. Any correlation between them and reality is purely coincidental!

Offline mach1mustang351

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Re: Mercedes Benz Diesel engine and T5 in my SX4 (frame)- Future Project
« Reply #9 on: July 01, 2012, 06:09:10 PM »
I've always wanted a diesel Eagle.  Very interested in your progress.  MAKE IT HAPPEN!!!
Fleet:

1987 AMC Wagon 4.0L, 3" Body lift, AX15, NP242
1981 AMC SX4 Sport
1969 Mustang (A Mach 1 with a 351)
1973 GMC K2500
2007 Suzuki Vstrom

Offline rollguy

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Re: Mercedes Benz Diesel engine and T5 in my SX4 (frame)- Future Project
« Reply #10 on: July 01, 2012, 11:38:58 PM »
I've always wanted a diesel Eagle.  Very interested in your progress.  MAKE IT HAPPEN!!!
Actually, it will not be a Diesel Eagle.  I will be using the frame and suspension from my old SX4 (avatar photo), and making a M B Diesel sedan 4X4.  The only real Diesel Eagles were very rare (I had one, Rambler Ranch has it now).  If I were to make one, it would have an M B 5 cyl engine.  I don't know if anyone else has done a Diesel Eagle conversion yet (other than the 5 or so done in 1980), but I would like to see one done and documented here.
1980 Eagle Turbodiesel Wagon (only 2 known to exist as of 2008)- 7-7-2011 Flight to it's new nest @ Rambler Ranch
1983 Eagle Wagon  Tan over Copper
1982 Eagle SX4 "ALTREGL"  (avatar photo)
1982 Eagle 4 Door Sedan  Copper over Satin Black
1985 Eagle Sport Wagon October 2007 ROTM (SOLD)
4 Biofuel powered Benzs ('98 E300, '82 300 CD, '82 300 TD (wagon), '80 240 D)
1983 GMC Van (6.2 Diesel)
1985 Mitsubishi pickup (2.3 Turbodiesel)

Offline mach1mustang351

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Re: Mercedes Benz Diesel engine and T5 in my SX4 (frame)- Future Project
« Reply #11 on: July 02, 2012, 12:12:51 AM »
I've always wanted a diesel Eagle.  Very interested in your progress.  MAKE IT HAPPEN!!!
Actually, it will not be a Diesel Eagle.  I will be using the frame and suspension from my old SX4 (avatar photo), and making a M B Diesel sedan 4X4.  The only real Diesel Eagles were very rare (I had one, Rambler Ranch has it now).  If I were to make one, it would have an M B 5 cyl engine.  I don't know if anyone else has done a Diesel Eagle conversion yet (other than the 5 or so done in 1980), but I would like to see one done and documented here.

It will end up having a diesel in it... close enough for me.   
Fleet:

1987 AMC Wagon 4.0L, 3" Body lift, AX15, NP242
1981 AMC SX4 Sport
1969 Mustang (A Mach 1 with a 351)
1973 GMC K2500
2007 Suzuki Vstrom

Offline carnuck

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Re: Mercedes Benz Diesel engine and T5 in my SX4 (frame)- Future Project
« Reply #12 on: July 02, 2012, 12:16:26 AM »
I was looking at an '80 Gwagen yesterday for $6,000 but it had rust issues (less than an eastern car, but still not impressing me) It was non-turbo 4 speed so 20 MPG is what it would get average. A 300TD motor and 5 speed would be nice, but I have a house to pay for. (to build that is)
AMC/Jeep gauges are for amusement only. Any correlation between them and reality is purely coincidental!

Offline Baskinator

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Re: Mercedes Benz Diesel engine and T5 in my SX4 (frame)- Future Project
« Reply #13 on: July 03, 2012, 12:45:09 AM »
Captspillane is also working on his SD33T Turbodiesel Eagle, along with a 401 V8 SX/4, Spirit-to-Eagle conversion, and MANY other projects. He will definitely have it documented here when it's finished, though I'm not sure how much free time he will have to do it along the way. I'd say it's probably going to be a year or two until that's complete, but it should be awfully cool when it is. I'm personally awaiting the 401 conversion, I can't wait to see an SX/4 with almost 400hp. I forget which one he's using for the Eagle, but he has a stock 401 to rebuild and a nearly perfect hi-po 401 to assemble.

I love these build threads, so neat to see how creative people can be!
1982 AMC Eagle SX/4 (Work In Progress)

Photobucket Album: http://s1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff479/Baskinator/

Offline rollguy

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Re: Mercedes Benz Diesel engine and T5 in my SX4 (frame)- Future Project
« Reply #14 on: July 03, 2012, 01:09:29 AM »
Captspillane is also working on his SD33T Turbodiesel Eagle, along with a 401 V8 SX/4, Spirit-to-Eagle conversion, and MANY other projects. He will definitely have it documented here when it's finished, though I'm not sure how much free time he will have to do it along the way. I'd say it's probably going to be a year or two until that's complete, but it should be awfully cool when it is. I'm personally awaiting the 401 conversion, I can't wait to see an SX/4 with almost 400hp. I forget which one he's using for the Eagle, but he has a stock 401 to rebuild and a nearly perfect hi-po 401 to assemble.

I love these build threads, so neat to see how creative people can be!
I have been following his threads. 
1980 Eagle Turbodiesel Wagon (only 2 known to exist as of 2008)- 7-7-2011 Flight to it's new nest @ Rambler Ranch
1983 Eagle Wagon  Tan over Copper
1982 Eagle SX4 "ALTREGL"  (avatar photo)
1982 Eagle 4 Door Sedan  Copper over Satin Black
1985 Eagle Sport Wagon October 2007 ROTM (SOLD)
4 Biofuel powered Benzs ('98 E300, '82 300 CD, '82 300 TD (wagon), '80 240 D)
1983 GMC Van (6.2 Diesel)
1985 Mitsubishi pickup (2.3 Turbodiesel)

 

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