Diesel Modification

[Jetmugg]

Earlier in this thread, someone suggested a Mercedes Turbodiesel. I will wholeheartedly second this suggestion. There are several good options from MB, depending on how much you want to spend and how much power you want. From the '80's era 617 turbodiesels, up through the later 60x series of engines, which were available as 2.2L 4 cylinders, 2.5L 5 cylinders (with or without turbo power), 3.0 or 3.5L 6 cylinders, and the 4 valve per cylinder 605 and 606 engines, again with or without turbos.

There are a variety of transmission choices from MB, from 3 speed autos all the way up to 6 speed manual trans.

For a full sized Jaguar, I would be looking for an OM605 or OM606 turbo, which are 2.5L and 3.0L, respectively, 4-valve per cylinder diesels which will work with both 100% mechanical injection pumps or electronically controlled pumps.

SteveM.

[TheDon]

I's go for a Mercedes om602 (2.5 5 cylinder turbo). The om606 turbo or non is a great engine but the electronic throttle control is a pain when swapping, the glow plugs are extra long (due to the twin cam) and will on occasion snap off in the head. You can mate an om603 injecting pump with mechanical throttle control, no problem.

But I'd suggest an om603 or om602 due to their great track records. The om617 is great, but the om60x series is a more modern design. The 61x series was designed I think in the 60's and took a lot of the technology from the earlier diesels. With the om60x series you get a modern diesel, mechanical fuel injection, turbocharged, cross flow head, reliability, and ease of maintenance.

Some out there in the Mercedes diesel world are afraid of the om60x series because of its aluminum head. Especially the om603 with its head. Like any aluminum head if you over heat it it will crack or warp. So don't let that scare you.

I've owned a 617 powered car, loved it. But it sounded like a farm tractor. I had an SDL with the 603 and now a 300D with the 3.0 603. Both great, strong, torque'y engines. Especially in the lighter 300D. Plus getting 30+ mpg with a 3.0 turbo engine is pretty sweet. If the jag has an overdrive gear you'll love it even more.


IIRC the 6 speeds did not go with the om606's. I believe a 5 speed was standard for the '98-99 E300D's.

The om617, and om60x series all had the 4 speed. With the om615 having an option of a 4 speed manual and a rare 5 speed option(more common in europe). I do believe the 5 speed from a 300E will mate to an om60x engine. The 190D 2.2 did come with a 5 speed and the 190D 2.5 non turbo/turbo I believe, dont quote me on this, but I believe had the option of a 5 speed as we..

[Jetmugg]

I totally agree with The Don. True, the 6 speed was never offered with a diesel, but it is possible to bolt it up to a 60X series engine using all MB parts. Also, the mechanical pumps from the 603 will work on the 606 engines, but you are getting in pretty deep at that point.

My 602 Turbo has about 240,000 miles, and it is still very strong, showing no signs of giving up any time soon.

Any of these MB into Jag conversions will involve some complexity.

Perhaps the more straightforward option is to buy a '92 or '93 300D 2.5T complete car. If well cared for, these are very fine automobiles.

SteveM.

[Jetmugg]

I used the 5-speed manual from an earlier 190D to put behind the 2.5 TD in my 190D 2.5 Turbo. It's a very good running and efficient combination.

[instarx]

Originally Posted by cleanspeed1

instead of the Nissan motor, get a 6.2 / 6.5 GM and swap it in. This engine bolts to wherever a small block GM can fit.

If you do a search here, there's a gentleman that swapped one of these into a Corvette. He's doing 40 mpg.

These engines can be bought for no money, they're easy to fix and better match for that heavy Jag.

Its a good thing 6.5 L are are easy to fix, because they break a lot. I know because I used to own a 6.5L. That how I learned diesel mechanic'ing. I used to call myself a diesel mechanic when I owned it even though I had a real job. I think a Cummins BT4 would be a much better fit - it's smaller, lighter, 120-130 hp, bullet-proof and very common.

[oldbeaver]

Hello,

I suggest that you visit my page, while I am not suggesting you to use the same engine I used. You may, but make yr own decission:

https://sites.google.com/site/rd28engineswap/

This engine is good, but you may find one better, as for example, the 1.9 TDI, which is a lot lighter and has more power and economy.

OldBeaver

[rmay635703]

Originally Posted by instarx

I think a Cummins BT4 would be a much better fit - it's smaller, lighter, 120-130 hp, bullet-proof and very common.

Not exactly very common, when I was in the mood for one the blasted things were all $3k, obviously not common enough.

[oldbeaver]

Originally Posted by Jetmugg

I used the 5-speed manual from an earlier 190D to put behind the 2.5 TD in my 190D 2.5 Turbo. It's a very good running and efficient combination.

I found a W124 MB with a 2.5 turbo diesel. However, it is located in a special region from which you are not allowed to import.

Just sad.

This is a car I would like to have for ever.

OldBeaver

[cleanspeed1]

Originally Posted by Jetmugg

I used the 5-speed manual from an earlier 190D to put behind the 2.5 TD in my 190D 2.5 Turbo. It's a very good running and efficient combination.

Talk about a killer diesel car, even with an automatic it just flies. I can just imagine what it's like with a 5 speed.

[Odin]

Originally Posted by cleanspeed1

Talk about a killer diesel car, even with an automatic it just flies. I can just imagine what it's like with a 5 speed.

why is it the best model only came out for one year