Anyone here do that conversion?

 

OM617 is to weak for a full size.There only 125HP and guessing maybe 180 ft lbs tq.However,they would work well in an S10,if you can work around the front oil sump.It can't be changed like on some other vehicles.

 

The OM617 puts out enough power to move a 3500+ lb Benz down the road, a Chevy 1/2 ton truck isn't that much heavier - especially if you go with a regular cab, a short bed and no 4WD. It won't be a powerhouse or a serious tow-beast - but the manual tranny Chevy used (NV3500) won't hold up to that much power or towing abuse anyway. It wouldn't be the engine of choice in a 1 ton dually with a crew cab - but in a lighter duty setup, it could be a good choice. Didn't the old 4.8 liter inline 6 only put out around 115 hp?

There are plenty of people that have beefed the power on an OM617 to a pretty serious level. Don't dismiss them as "weak" until you check into it more. They have a lot of unleashed potential.

 

I have checked into and I am gathering parts for a OM617 conversion.To get more than about 140hp the IP has to have new bigger delivery valves which requires a complete pump tear down and machining.I've gotten prices between $1400 to $2400.With that much fuel a bigger turbo is needed.I'm not saying it won't work, but there is a hell of a lot better choices than an OM617 for a truck.

 

It is expensive to build big power - there is a company in Finland (Myna?) that modifies and sells Mercedes IP's that produce 300 hp and 400 hp. All things considered, it's not THAT expensive - pulling 400 hp out of a Chevy 350 eats up about as much money.

A 6.2 or 6.5 diesel is a bolt on situation, for "cheap" - it's tough to beat. It's a good route to take if f you want to tow anything - or if you have a heavier truck. C models only kick out about 120 hp and 250 lb ft - they aren't that much better than the Benz motor, the J model engine is a better choice at 150 hp/ 270 lb ft. A 4bt would be a nice choice - but that's a pretty hefty little motor.

What would you pick? I've got a couple of little Stepside Chevies - one with the stock 350, the other with a 6.2. I've also got a 300SD that I'll be harvesting the engine out of. I've been toying with the idea of pulling the 6.2 and switching to the Benz motor.

 

ok fine cant the 617 be boosted up to 175-200 hp with out too much trouble?Thats my objective a 1/2 ton pickup that gets GOOD fuel econ,but can pull itself uphills easily,

 

140HP is about what everyone I talk to can pull out of the Benz engine using the stock IP.At last check is was $2000 for Myna of Finland to to rework an M type IP that's capable of 200+ hp.Myna doesn't work on MW pumps that are on 99% of American Mercedes.Benz diesel is a high reving engine,red line is at 5100rpm.4bt guys are getting high 20 to low 30 mpgs.I agree with DieselBurps that the 4bt is a heafty motor,but they last for ever.The 6.2/6.5 is an option but I've seen those motors toss rods for what seems like no reason.I never investigate.Just toss them in the scrap pile and drop in a GM parts 300hp 350ci small block is what most people ask me to do.

 

A friend tells me he knows where 4BT's are for sale with a turbo 400 for 2300,out of bread vans, is that a good price,and will that power plant fit easily in the 1500 ser trucks?

 

If they run and come with a good transmission, it's not a bad price at all. 4BT's include a turbo - making it much better than a 4B. If you can find out whether they come with P7100 IP's - that would make it a steal!!! Odds are they will only have the VE pumps - which wouldn't be as desireable, but still pretty good.

Will it fit? It should - but that's a pretty hefty engine (~800 lbs with accessories) for the truck. I'd have a 1st gen diesel Dodge suffer frame cracks from a 6BT - the Chevy frame is much lighter than the 1 ton Dodge had and it may be a good idea for the long term to reinforce the frame. I'm betting that it will handle like a pig with that much more weight up front. I really like the Cummins engines, but they aren't always the best choice for lighter vehicles.

What's the target truck? A crew cab, long bed with 4wd that sees some hefty towing would need a stronger engine than a reg cab, short bed, 2wd commuter/grocery getter.

For more power out of a Benz 3.0 TD, consider propane and/or methanol injection as well as ALDA mods and IP tuning. Running a bigger turbo should let you burn that extra fuel. Electric fans will help get more power to the tires as well.

 

Another option that I might have is a BMW 6 cyl turbo diesel from 80s kid is asking 2200 for the car?it has like 165k on it,,That has a vac waste gate which could be made to''not throw as far'' as it should!,