Not sure if this is the right section, but it never hurts to ask...

I have the oppurtunity to purchase a 1987 Mercedes 300DSL with a OM603 turbo diesel in it, so here's my question...

Anybody ever swapped a Mercedes OM603 Turbo Diesel into one of these trucks, and does anybody know where to get the adaptar plate for the trans?

Thanks in advance for the help.

 

Im considering this swap myself.

This should get you started...
https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f162...0-p-up-244419/

 

Different motor, but same idea, Thanks for the link, maybe i can get an idea on how to make the adapter (gotta be cheaper than buying it lol)
603 is a I6 with a turbo, 617 is a I5...
thats pretty much where my knowledge of mercedes ends...
I also read somewhere that the bell housing bolt pattern is different...

 

yes it has been done a bunch of time https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f162/ there is a hole bunch...sorry i just realize ur is the the 603 but if u read the different threads there is 2 different companies that make a complete kit for a bolt in swap for the 6176 u might be able to call them and see if they will help u??? but the concept is the same from the other guys...but i know that the 617 fits in there so tight i think it would be super hard to get that in there but def would be bad ass!

 

yeah, I've read through a bunch of the 617 threads, and that is what i was looking for, and I have a chance to buy this car with the 603 now... I've only seen the one (name escapes me) I may give them a call, I have seen a couple people make their own adapter plate, and may give that a try...
I don't know if it will fit, I've got to get some measurements, from my 89's engine bay, and then get some from the car (when I go look at it)... If I can get it at a decent price, I'll make it fit... Somehow??

 

Be careful of the 60X engines. They had aluminum heads that were very notorious for cracking and or blowing head gaskets. Many had the heads replaced under warranty and had a later casting number. The number 14's were the weak ones I believe. They were replaced by 18 & 22. They also had weird exhaust issues because they originally came out with a trap oxidizer which was later recalled, but many escaped that. Some of these also were known to bend rods, more so the 3.5's but its still possible. I'm not trying to scare you just look out for this on the one you are looking at. Be sure to measure real good, the 617 is pretty tight in my truck.

 

I've read about the head problems, seems the 605? was the weaker ones, the 603 was supposed to be a decent motor, the biggest problem was the bent rods from what I've read... I haven't heard anything about the exhaust problems.

Appreciate the information!