As I have mentioned in the past, I have a 1950 F2 and a 1949 parts F2. This is a on going project between my 3 sons and myself. The plan is for it to be their high school ride.
I currently have a late 80's fuel injected 4.9 straight six sitting between the frame rails. I also have the matching 5 speed to put behind it.
I have been rethinking things abit. I am now thinking about putting a straight six turbo diesel in it.
Am I losing it?
I have the perfect candidate. A 1987 Mercedes 300 SDL Sedan. The car is in mint condition with a bad tranny and I can get it for $500. It should have plenty of torque and horsepower. The only thing I am not sure of is a 5 speed to fit behind the Mercedes diesel.
One other thing about going the diesel route, there is allot less wiring to mess with compared to putting the 4.9 in.
So here is my thought process. My kids will be coming to me for gas money. The 4.9 on a good day will see low 20's mpg. The diesel averages 30 mpg. I have read with a little tweaking that it can pull mid 30's. I see this as less money out of dear old dads pockets.
Everyone's thoughts, suggestions, and rejections welcome.

 

I like it. M-B's aren't that expensive around here. Maybe you can pick up a nice 5 sp M-B tranny as well.

 

mechmagcn on here did a diesel swap like yer talking about. It sounds like a good way to go.

 

I saw one a few years back with a powerstroke..was a nice setup..I dont know much about the mercedes stuff..but im sure it would work fine..Good luck

 

Only problem I know of with Diesels is about 1 in 4 stations carry it. Maybe its just where I live though...

 

go to find jeffs gallery , aka mechmagcn , as havi mentioned as he did it and it's being used and abused . i believe he has lincoln town car suspension front and rear , the turbo deisel , and a lot of reengineering in it , but it's a sweet ride . he's the man to talk to 'bout this . but whats wrong with the 300 ???? good reliable powerplant , and a lil' easier to find parts for and fix if yer's drive like i did so many moons ago , and my two eldest ..........................

 

Unless you can get a matching tranny with it, and even the driveshaft, I'd go cautiously!! They use a special type of flywheel that is very different than typical American engines.

So you have an EFI 300-inch 6? That is a really good combination, why change anyway?

 

Sure I put a 5 cyl MB turbo diesel in my 53 and love it. If you are thinking it will get as good of fuel economy in the truck, keep dreaming. My engine averaged 28 in the 82 300SD and I only get between 20-23 depending on conditions, these old trucks are like trying to push a brick down the road, no aerodynamics. I am using the MB 4 speed OD auto,but there is a gent over on the mercedesshop.com who is building adapters for some Ford trannies. Check out my galleries and if you have questions, just ask.
My truck has been on the road for over a year and close to 10K miles, absolutely no drivetrain problems do date.

 

In Texas, I don't know of a station with out Diesel. My guess is most rural areas will have it for the Ag equipment.

 

Sweet! And to think that I was going to get the book thrown at me.

So far (with what little research I have done), a 5 speed for the mercedes 6 cylinder diesel was not a common feature in the US. I keep finding the 5 cylinder diesels with manuals, but as of yet I do not know if they are compatible.

No real reason on not using the 4.9. Nothing is in stone as of yet. I might still go that direction.

Basically my plans are to keep the heart of the truck intact. It originally had a flat six in it and I want to stay with a 6 cylinder. Be it gas or diesel. With also bring a manual, I want to keep it one.

Thanks everyone for the comments and suggestions.

mechmagcn I will be looking in your gallery and picking your brain for a ew ideas.

Thanks all.

 

What is your time frame (and then at least double it).

I would think the diesel will require more engineering then the six, (but maybe not with the FI.)

Anyway one year for the six, ..........more for the diesel, big job!

 

I'm in no rush, My oldest turns 13 tomorrow. So I have a few years to get it done.
I do have most of the parts for the truck already. I have a D60 for the rear, toyota steering gear box for the power steering conversion, I have Ford 1 ton calipers and Dodge disc's for the front brake conversion, proportioning valve for the brake set up. Until I changed my mind I had (still have) all the running gear / drive train I wanted.
Really the only thing that is not done is assembly, body work, and paint.

 

I'm surprised with that mileage mechmagcn, my 86 Toyota 12H-T 6 cyl gets 26-28 miles to the gallon pushing a 5000 lb landcruiser wagon, but it was designed for a truck.

 

And perhaps some thinner sheet metal?

 

I'M SUPRISED THE OTHER WAY ....... THE ONLY WAY MY FLATTY WILL GET ANYTHING NEAR THE 15 MPG MARK IN MY OPINION IS BEING DROPPED OUT OF A PLANE INTO A VACUUM. dain caps locks !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! anyway as i drove mine daily i could feel / tell how much more than anything else i own how badly even the slightest of wind pushed the ol' girl .