Potential OM617 Comanche swap
 

I am considering an OM617 turbo swap into a comanche. I don't currently have either a comanche or an engine but I may have both by the end of next week...

Here are my few questions...

First, I want to use an AX-15 tranny. I am considering using a dodge dakota AX-15 bell housing if I can find one. The reason for this is to move the starter away from the turbo. Has anyone had any trouble with the starter being too close to the turbo in this swap if I used a Jeep bell housing?

I know a machinist who has access to a lot of shop equipment. I can do the measuring and have him make me an adapter plate. I have never actually swapped an engine but I am very tech savvy and am fairly certain I can do it. I should still be able to give him an idea of what I need made... However, would you recommend spending the money on a premade one for a jeep bell housing or is it not that bad to fabricate/have one fabricated?

I have the whole summer to do this swap and I am only working part time (sub 30 hours) so I should be able to dedicate ALOT of time to this. Ideally, I want this thing running by no latter than mid-August. Is this a reasonable goal given 20+ hours a week working on it?

I have a budget of about 3k. I know that when you do an engine swap that budgets get blown out of the water BUT if I get the comanche and 300D parts car for under 1500 is this a reasonable budgetary goal?

There is about a 75-80% chance I will be doing this. If I do work will start within 2 weeks. What do you guys think?

And zero chance of being able to register it legally. Just a warning so you won't find your time wasted.
http://www.epa.gov/compliance/resour.../engswitch.pdf

The starter won't fit on the other side due to the oil filter, it's not an issue under the turbo.

Thanks for the information about the bell housing. Thats really good to know.

As far as EPA stuff. Florida does not do emissions testing. That does not make it any more legal just far less likely to actually run into a problem. Technically the Comanche was approved for a diesel engine. Unfortunately OM617s where mostly produced prior to 1986 with some being made after. The parts car that I am looking at is an '84 and the comanche I am most likely going to buy is an '89 so it would be illegal in that respect. It is still good to know but atleast I can get it registered in Florida without a problem.

i would just call kotch enterprises and order plate and crank adapter. they are very reasonable. dont forget that big oil pan on the omc617. and for the smog it depends who you talk to in dmv to know what is legal. just if you run in to problems make shure you consult with a supervisor.

I saw the adapter from Koch. I may do that but I might have a lead on a used adapter plate from a guy on another forum. The 84 parts car got sold already but I will find another one. That is as long as my cherokee sells tomorrow.

Last I checked, Jeep never used Mercedes' diesel engines until 2008.

Ya, but they did come with a diesel so it doesn't matter what make.

Read the link I posted. It matters 100%.

http://www.epa.gov/compliance/resour.../engswitch.pdf

Yeah, it won't be legal... He is right. However, its not a terribly huge issue here where I live and will live for atleast the next 4 years. I am still going to do the swap but I appreciate Whargoul's concern.