Project: AeroTank

[Big Dave]

The OM606 Benz might be tough to find. They were only used in late 90s cars and those cars are still serviceable and desirable.

The OW617 would be easier to find. Many more were imported and the early 80s Benz cars are starting to rust out. These are the undisputed kings of longevity with several documented million-mile cars using the OW617. but the little 5-banger is not the quickest thing - particularly at low RPM. Like any engine there are hot-rod mods and you could get maybe 170 HP and expect the engine to outlast the Crown Vic.

Panther engine compartments tend to be tight. The five cylinder might be the easiest thing to stuff into the car.

Benzes in Germany used a Getrag 4 or 5 speed manual but you'd have to source these transmissions from Germany. I don't think any Benzes (other than a few 240D) were imported to the US with sticks. Benz automatics -while durable - seem a little too loose to expect a lost of MPG.

Four cylinder Cummins engines are readily available and mate up to almost any North American transmission. But nearly all of them are super-noisy and they weigh about 800 lb.

[svt98t]

Yeah, T-45. I found one locally on CL for $350 with a bunch of stuff. But I'd rather get my other car up a running first before tackling a manual swap.
However, the engine block swap is on the list of things to do since the current motor is in a dismal state.
I think it may end up being a big PITA if i went for the OM617.
*Note- the OM617 rates at 180ft/lbs, nearly 100 ft/lbs less than a stock Panther*

-ryan s.

[svt98t]

Weighed the Tank today. I was in it, with about 3 gallons of gas.
4040 lbs.

-ryan s.

[svt98t]

Installed a 75mm throttle body. Better throttle response. I have yet to take it on a good long highway trip.
I'm looking at removing the spare tire and jack and an assortment of crap from the trunk this weekend.

-ryan s.

[svt98t]

Working on the trunk lid. Adding a 30 LED strip to the inside of the trunk. Also adding 3 15-LED bulbs to the interior.
Next order will be for the running lights in the headlights and tail lights. Trying to slowly reduce the power consumption.

-ryan s.

[svt98t]

Ordered 4 more 15-bulb LEDs. They should be arriving on Tuesday and will be installed as well.
Mods should be picking up here shortly. I have almost everything needed for the motor swap and a few other things I wanted to do.
I need to get on it soon, too. The national Grand Marquis meet is in August and I want to be ready then.
Oh, and since 20% of my pay is being cut soon. That's another motivator. Less money.

-ryan s.

[svt98t]

Started stripping the paint of the car for repaint. Two light primer coats and flat black. No clear.
I also discovered my car has 3 coats of paint. It was originally dark blue. Then black. Then black again. It's like a gobstopper. Kinda funny.
I've dropped a good bit of weight, but haven't been to the scales as of late.
Maybe I should do that next week...

-ryan s.

[svt98t]

Removed the spare tire: 33.6 lbs
Removed the jack: 8 lbs

Total removed: 41.6 lbs

Total weight removed to date: 75.6 lbs

Getting there....

-ryan s.

[Sporty Modder]

Good keeping track, I should have weighed everything that came out of my car lol.

[svt98t]

It helps keeping track of those things for me. The car empty weighes 3799 lbs stock.
So trying to shave off the weight is relatively easy.
I'm a numbers guy too. I want a way to quanify my results. Not just, "I took my passenger seat out. Here we go."
I'd rather have " I removed my passenger seat at a weight savings of XX lbs."
I'm shooting for 3500 lbs empty. So that's a 300 lbs reduction.
So I'm 25% there. Once the block swap is complete, I'll be easily over half way. Then the nit-picking begins.

-ryan s.