A friend just asked me something and I was so embarassed not knowing the answer.

He has a '96. C-class 220 diesel, and would like to upgrade to a bigger diesel engine. Now, what he wanted to know was; what engines can be installed in the mentioned vehicle without making too much adjustments?

Thank you guys in advance...

 

Hi lunatic,
Sorry i won't be much help, don't know what will fit. but i would check to see if you need to get the wiring harness and computer out of the donor car if that's possible. cause i don't know if the computer in your car can be programmed for a different engine. an engine out of the same body style car and around the same year would make things like motor mounts and whether the hood will shut and life in general a lot more easy. do a search on what transmissions came with the cars to be sure the bell housing will work. make sure the flexplates are the same or interchangeble. if you are buying the engine from a salvage yard, they or your dealer parts guy should be able to cross the numbers for you. check that the radiators are the same size. bigger motor=more heat. good idea to check the compression on a used motor if you haven't bought it, check that the antifreze and oil look ok to see if it's got a cracked head or whatnot. and usual stuff like it being way filthy or smashed/burnt if it's out of a wreck, or if the tailpipe is real oily or sweet smelling don't want to end up pulling it back out for a while. If it's going to be a way bigger engine, you might need to rob all the springs out of the donor too. Sorry i can't be more help. I usualy wrench on chevys. but most people will say it's cheaper/easier to sell the car and just buy one with a bigger engine. something to consider if it still runs ok. but I can dig being attached to a machine though. I have a z28 i will never part with. 3 different engines in it. low tech and $ almost fast enough, but i will say that after the next mod too. always wanted a 6-71 and a pair of holleys poking out from under the hood, maybe if i can get out from under the benz payments, hahaa... yea right...
Good luck to you.

 

13benz, thank you so much for your answer. We'll keep those pointers in mind. This friend of mine has a crush on 250 TDI engine, we're going to check it out this afternoon. Thanks one more time.

 

Hope your new motor checks out and drops right in lunatic. someone on the tech boards here might be able to let you know if the computer is an issue, or know something i don't about your car / engine. maybe someone else who knows more will post here? there are a few good folks on the board who know what time it is when it comes to spinning a wrench. good luck with the car.