Engine Swap
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Joined: Jun 2005
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From: FL410
'05 E320 CDI, '08 BMW X5 4.8i, '11 Duramax 2500HD
Originally Posted by papatel89
i got a 1981 300cd mercedes i want to put a 350 chevy engine in it do anyof you guys know if its possible...
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Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 227
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From: Houston, Texas
1981 300SD TurboDiesel, 1982 300D TurboDiesel
As a W123 enthusiast, I am strongly against your plan. Don't do it, these cars are becoming increasingly rare, the 1981 300CD is the rarest of the CDs. Only 335 1981 300CDs were made. Don't put a Chevy engine in it. 
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Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 54
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From: Galveston, Texas
2001 E430 Designo Edition, 2002 C230K Sport Coupe & 2006 C230 SS
Why would you do that ?
If you have a bad engine, I would suggest a used engine from one of the recycling centers advertised in the Star Magizine. I purchased a 2.5 L Turbo with 100,000 miles on it for $2700.00. It was Fed Ex from Fl. on an 18 Wheeler within just a few days. The cost of retrofitting a gas engine is totally cost prohibitive. I explored all options when I broke a timing chain at 214,000 miles. 
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Super Member
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 551
Likes: 2
From: Virginia
2005 Carlsson CD32 E320 CDI Inline-6
Do a 383 stroker
Use aluminum heads and intake manifold to keep weight down.
If you fuel inject it and use the 700r4 trans with its deep overdrive, you should still see 25-28 mpg as long as you don't go too wild on the camshaft.
DON'T DO THE SWAP if the car is of low mileage and collectors value, keep it diesel.
I built a carbureted 383 stroker with Vortec heads for my Suburban (1980's, big box). It only has a 3-spd auto, and it gets 14 mpg highway, not bad considering its a 2500 Suburban with 34" tires and lifted.
KB
If you fuel inject it and use the 700r4 trans with its deep overdrive, you should still see 25-28 mpg as long as you don't go too wild on the camshaft.
DON'T DO THE SWAP if the car is of low mileage and collectors value, keep it diesel.
I built a carbureted 383 stroker with Vortec heads for my Suburban (1980's, big box). It only has a 3-spd auto, and it gets 14 mpg highway, not bad considering its a 2500 Suburban with 34" tires and lifted.
KB
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Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 1,332
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From: Toronto
2006 E320 CDi, 2008 3/4 Ton Suburban, 2007 "rice rickshaw" Accord 5 speed
Use aluminum heads and intake manifold to keep weight down.
If you fuel inject it and use the 700r4 trans with its deep overdrive, you should still see 25-28 mpg as long as you don't go too wild on the camshaft.
DON'T DO THE SWAP if the car is of low mileage and collectors value, keep it diesel.
I built a carbureted 383 stroker with Vortec heads for my Suburban (1980's, big box). It only has a 3-spd auto, and it gets 14 mpg highway, not bad considering its a 2500 Suburban with 34" tires and lifted.
KB
If you fuel inject it and use the 700r4 trans with its deep overdrive, you should still see 25-28 mpg as long as you don't go too wild on the camshaft.
DON'T DO THE SWAP if the car is of low mileage and collectors value, keep it diesel.
I built a carbureted 383 stroker with Vortec heads for my Suburban (1980's, big box). It only has a 3-spd auto, and it gets 14 mpg highway, not bad considering its a 2500 Suburban with 34" tires and lifted.
KB
To be totally honest the Suburban is more reliable than my sold 560 SEL.
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Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 39
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From: Fort Worth, TX
'84 300CD, '82 300SD, '74 TR6, '99 Land Rover Discovery
300CD w/small block Chevy
I have no idea how much trouble it was, but I suspect it wasn't too easy.
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