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Garage => Mechanicals => Topic started by: OldMercs3 on 26 August 2019, 01:18 PM

Title: Diesel to gas engine swap
Post by: OldMercs3 on 26 August 2019, 01:18 PM
Been a looong time since I posted here since I sold off my '73 450SEL but considering getting back in the game. A couple problems around my neck of the woods: 1) smog inspections for all gas-engined post '75 vehicles, 2) decent pre-'76 W116s are really scarce. There are plenty of later cars available relatively cheaply mostly because nobody wants to deal with the hassle of smog checks on such an old car. Diesel cars are even cheaper because nobody seems to want a 300SD. So I had a crazy thought, most diesel-powered vehs are "smog-exempt" in California, not sure of the full legality of this but one could technically swap a M117 into a later 300SD and never be bothered with smog checks since the motor vehicle dept has no idea what engine is in this car. Legal issues aside, has anyone actually attempted to swap a M117 into a 300SD?
Title: Re: Diesel to gas engine swap
Post by: rumb on 26 August 2019, 05:26 PM
I dont know about that but just yesterday we were talking about rebadging a car with electric vehicle emblems so one could use the express lane for free.....

Still thinking about custom euro front plate for my 6.9, how about "10 MPG" ?
Title: Re: Diesel to gas engine swap
Post by: Diesel 617 on 27 August 2019, 05:20 AM
using two w116 chassis, 100% possible. However, buy one of each vehicle. Otherwise, you will need a garage and lots of time trying to reinvent the wheel.
Title: Re: Diesel to gas engine swap
Post by: Mattr on 17 September 2019, 10:56 AM
Have you seen this car? It's pre-75, gas, and in LA for $6k. Currently the best-priced W116 in your area.
https://orangecounty.craigslist.org/cto/d/yorba-linda-1973-mercedes-450-se/6972754296.html