I'm new to the forum and apologize if I'm posting this in the wrong place, that said, here goes.

First a little about me; I'm a field engineer for an Asian car manufacturer, I believe GM calls my position a 'Tech Rep'. I also build resto mods, the latest being a 51 Studebaker that I replaced the engine, trans and rearend with Chevy 350, Chevy 700R, Ford 8". Why I mention this will make sense as you read further.

Here's my issue/question: I have a 1963 Studebaker Lark Wagonaire (station wagon with a sliding roof) that I'm tossing around the idea of putting a diesel engine in. I'm leaning toward picking up a >80's Mercedes Turbo Diesel to use the mechanicals from (engine and trans only). Keep in mind that I don't know S**t from Shinola about the Mercedes engine's used from one year to the next so would greatly appreiciate any suggestions; i.e. 'stay away from...'

Thank you in advance and I look forward to hearing what you have to say.

Paul Baldassarre
Orange, CA

 

How much does that old Iron weigh ? I'm not familiar with the mercedes other than what I've read, seems like they're good for newer jeeps but your rig may be heavier. I think you would be way more impressed with a Cummins 4BT.

 

I don't know if I can help you much but it's hard to find Studebaker guys around here. I have a 53 Champion with a fuel injected Pontiac 400 in it and a 64 Champ truck which is the closest thing I have to what you have. I know there not identical but they used the same dog house as on the Larks. I think a early Mercedes diesel would be a good choice. I don't know how the frames on the larks are built because every Studebaker car I have ever owned have been a Loewy coupes so I don't know if they run a similar frame as them or not. If they do you will probably be tight on space height and length wise they just had a little 6 banger in them which is why I think a Mercedes would be a good choice because if I am not mistaken its not that big of a 6 cylinder. I can't really tell you which one is the best because I don't know alot about them. Good luck sounds like a neat project.

 

Thanks!

Tireman9669: The car weighs around 2800 lbs. Is the 4BT the engine used in the Dodge P/U?

2MuchJunk: Very cool to find another Studebaker fan in the forum - My 1st Stude was a 53 Coupe. My main concern is the frame and how it would hold up to the torque of a diesel. It's much like your 53 in that it's not much more than stamped & boxed sheet metal.