Engine Swap: '83 SWB W460

[MG736]

Hey Guys,
I've got a '83 SWB 300GD, as much as I love my G as a "going nowhere slowly" cruiser, using her as a daily isn't as practical as I'd like, especially in major traffic - my "knee light" comes on now and again. I'm looking for someone to do an engine and transmission swop for me. I've read almost all the forum threads and I've come to the conclusion that an OM606 is the most successful transplant of the lot. However, finding one is also a near impossible mission currently, so I've been looking into something like an OM613/642/648 320 CDI or M112/113. Preferences for a diesel with an automatic transmission with enough power to overtake a truck.

Is there perhaps someone who can do this work for me in Jhb without much fuss? (Sourcing, fitting and re-map/programming)
Looking forward to hearing your thoughts on what would work best.

Thank you, really appreciate all your support and knowledge.

 

[Alan]

Hi MG736, Why do you discount the OM605 or even the 290 SsangYong engines?
Are you sure about a transplant as that comes at a considerable cost excluding the engine, why not get a small runaround as a daily?

 

[MG736]

Hi Alan,
Thank you for your response -Those would definitely be great options, although I'd like more power. I'm pretty sure about the transplant if it can be done. The G works well for my type of work, so I wouldn't consider a smaller vehicle with less capability than what my G can do on and offroad. The ideal would be a bigger LWB but with current pricing, that isn't an option at this stage.

 

[JJVDMZN]

The OM605 from the W202 C250TD tuned with 6.0mm/7.7mm elements gives quite a bit of power and fits a lot easier into the engine bay.
They are also available in SA, I bought one with a manual gearbox for R15k.

J.J.

 

[Alan]

I think the engine is the least cost. Time to do conversion and all hidden costs quickly add up.
Not sure what diff ratios you have in your G , but that will come into play and you might need taller tyres.......
Propshaft, Intercooler, etc.

 

[MG736]

Thanks Gentlemen, I really appreciate all your advice and knowledge on this. Means alot!