Deboss Garage Finally Gets ‘LS Swapped’ W124 Running
Apparently ‘just dropping an LS in it’ is much easier said than done.
There’s a vicious rumor that permeates the modified car scene. LS swapping your Mercedes/Mazda/Nissan/BMW/etc is the way to fix all your problems. They’re reliable, people say. They make big power, they say. They’re a nightmare to install, nobody says. Ah, the trouble: while the idea of an LS swap makes sense, the reality can be less than ideal.
Rich Bosch, who runs Deboss Garage, does some great diesel swaps. He’s the guy undertaking a “budget” sleeper build with a W124 wagon for a customer. We had a sedan for a few years, so the W124 silhouette is near and dear. The style is great, and they’re absolutely bulletproof. But, as the owner no doubt realized: they’re not fast. Especially if you have the straight six like we did. The idea of the LS in the W124 probably sounded perfect: easy power, rear-wheel drive, and everybody has done LS swaps, so it’ll be a piece of cake.
Not so much. Just listen to Bosch talk about the process. More than 40 hours to just get the engine into the engine bay. One that stood out to us was the fact that he placed the headers in place, installed the engine, then bolted the heads on, and finally attached the headers to the heads. Partly because of a poor design by the exhaust shop, and no doubt related to the fact that they’re running a turbo, too.
The car runs though, which is quite the accomplishment. This is Part 13 of the install, which has been going since Part 1 back in September of 2016! Now, don’t get the idea we’re trying to discourage you from jumping into that LS swap for your W124. Far from it. But, we do think you should start by watching all 13 parts of this series. Then visit this thread in the forums and ask around. Good luck!
Join the MB World forums now!
