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...

prometheus

That would be a total disgrace and slap in the face to Mercedes.

CE750

I've heard of it done, but I agree... it's a disgrace to put that engine into a chassis like that.. Restore the 300 engine.. and turn the car into a project.. these are some of the most collectable cars around from that era.

H-townbenzoboy

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.

medici78

Why would you ask this question in the Diesel Forum?

frogstaple

Get a rope.

CE750

Benzalot

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.

cdiken

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

MYNEWRIDE

Keep The Original Engine If Low Miles. If Not Rebilded.long Time For Now You Will Not Be Sorry.

lkchris

Replace a 1975-technology engine with a 1955-technology engine?

Only in America!

harkgar

Glad to hear you are a Suburban guy too. My wife's half ton has under 80,000miles from new, does 16 mpg on the highway and totally reliable. No oil leaks. Starts first time every time and is un-encumbered with electronic throttle and all the high tech stuff. I have been thinking of boosting the horsepower but am afraid of losing the reliability. I am not a shade tree mechanic. Over the years I have taken the truck across Canada (to Nova Scotia), down to Florida (Jacksonville) and many times to Durham. This baby served us well.

To be totally honest the Suburban is more reliable than my sold 560 SEL.

johnshasteen

Years ago in Dallas, I saw a '79 CD that had been cut into a convertible and had a small block Chevy tucked into the engine compartment - he used the Chevy torbo hydromatic so there wasn't the problem of hanging a clutch or mating the Chevy up to the MB trans.
I have no idea how much trouble it was, but I suspect it wasn't too easy.

Untertürkheim

Just sell the car to me, I'll do it justice. I'm sure you can buy any GM car you want with the money. Or I have a '99 Olds I can give you.