Hello everyone,
We have just performed the test run of our 1994 Landcruiser with a 1985 Mercedes Benz 3.0L Turbo Diesel installed. The engine is bolted to the Landcruiser automatic transmission and transfercase through our adapter plate. The 4x4 is fully functional. We did not have to lift the body to get clearance for the oil pan away from the front diff. assembly. We designed and built a custom pan and oil sump pick up. We built a turbo back exhaust out of 3" 304 stainless steel with V-band joints, all TIG welded. Here is a link to the short clip of the test run. I'll put up some pics. and more videos as we proceed through further tests.

What does everyone think?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F0qTqwXJ_MQ

 

 

mad props sir. nicely done! looks like it was designed to fit in there

 

Looks good man , congrats.

looking forward to seeing more pics .

 

killer swap any other pics or vids of it?

 

Some pics. More to come including video!

 

I like what you did and your install looks very professional and clean but personally I would have went with a 4BT Cummings which is more powerful than your Mercedes engine. Those Mercedes diesels are bulletproof though. Nice work!

 

170lbs/ft.

 

Thank You very much. We spent alot of time making sure we had something that looked "factory". I'll put up some pics. of the machined parts and other goodies. The 4BT has more torque which would help the cruiser get off the line better. But the cruiser's transmission has a bit too high of RPM for the 4BT to be comfortable and still produce good mpg's on the freeway. We also wanted to have something that any "home mechanic" can go to a junk yard and pull parts from an old Benz for very little money.

Yeah, the OM617 has been quoted many times as "possibly the most reliable mass produced diesel ever" We have owned alot of them and know them inside and out with our eyes closed.

 

ok in here you state that you wanted to build something that any back yard mech can do... just curious did you build the oil pan yourself?
if so can we see some progress pics of that?

 

bump for pics of the pan .......

 

bump....

 

Gorgeous

So are you planning on selling a kit or something?

 

Looks good and snug. How is the Torque and Power?

 

Hello, Your conversion is beautiful! I also have a '94 FJ80, and a Mercedes OM617 engine that I would like to install. What adapter plate did you use? Where did you get it, and are there any more for sale? Thanks very much! George

 

im planning the benz swap in the spring in my 94 4runner, sas'd, 5.5 runnin 36s with 4.56 and my wee lil 3.0 can suck my left nut for all im concerned, the things chugging fuel :/ and has no balls! im gonna make an adapter for my r150 and driveshaft issues i dont care bout, im planning dual cases after the diesel so yea no worries there. but all im concerned about is the oil pan!! post picssss!! i need a different one to clear my tie rods. or its on to full hydro xD

 

he states that they fab'ed their own adapter plate and oil pan/pick-up...

very interested in the driveability of this swap... when my 3.0 dies or I have money again I'm considering this swap for my truck...

 

just a lil fyi for a s.a.s truck you should have enough clearence
ill get pics for you over new years

 

Super clean install, any idea on the MPG? Think the motor has enough low end power for 35" tires without gears? The 4bt would most likely be helped out by larger tires but not sure about the mb engine. I think they make most of their power around 2500 - 3000 rpm, i could be wrong though. I know the cummins can spin up to and above 3k but start drinking the fuel above 2k. The MB motor might just be the ticket.

 

Would like to know more details about the swap like what you built the adapter plate and motor mounts out of and if you used the toyota wiring harness. Also did you get all the toyota gauges to work with the diesel?