OM617 to chev pickup,conversions,,
#2
#3
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.
#4
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.
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.
#5
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.
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.
#7
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.
#9
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.
#10