1982 300TD benz Lm7/4L60e swap
03-03-2015, 11:50 PM
#1
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1982 300TD benz Lm7/4L60e swap 
hello all! figured I'd share my build with all of you, I know someone else may like to see it happen. Ive been a Mercedes benz technician for 8 years now and this 1982 300td is my first benz. I picked it up for $100. not a typo, $100! the interior is in very good shape, the transmission was slipping, the engine is still good but a lot of the front end had been pulled off to fix a wrecked car.
Ok, so the build. Ive started with a 5.3L lm7 out of an '01 Silverado. I installed lr4 pistons to up the compression ratio to 10.5:1. Also installed are ls7 lifters, ls6 cam and valve springs, comp cams trunion upgrade, MLS head gaskets, head studs, truck intake manifold (for torque) with cable throttle body and ls6 fuel injectors. Later, I'll be installing a 150 shot of nitrous to push the wheel horse power up to 500ish
The transmission is a one piece case 4L60e with a trans go shift kit. I'll be upgrading the torque converter after its up and running.
For the rear differential I got my hands on the an LSD out of a '78 450sel 6.9. it has a gear ratio of 2.65. which is super high and also the reason im going with a 4L60E.
Brakes will be mostly stock except for the 560sel front brake calipers and rotors. The vented rotors and 300mm diameter will be plenty big enough.
As for wheels ive chosen a very unconventional set to use. I'll be mounting c4 corvette sawblade wheels to the old bus. they are 17" x 8.5" front and 17"x9.5" rear. it took 43mm custom spacer/adapters to fit these how I wanted them.
I did my first test fitting of the engine last weekend and immediately got aggravated with the steering box being constantly in the way. so, I'll be using a w210 steering rack and tandum pump to not only convert to rack and pinion but keep the rear leveling suspension as well. I'll be using a GM muscle car rear sump oil pan. and for starters im using the transdapt hotrod lsx engine mount kit.
Last edited by 1884benz; 10-05-2015 at 11:50 PM.
03-04-2015, 12:10 AM
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Thanks man! I was going to swap this powertrain into my 240sx. then I realized that everyone and their brother has done that. but this swap, I cant find anyone else who's done it. I'll post updates on a weekly basis with plenty of pictures as progress is made.
03-04-2015, 03:22 AM
#4
I really like the looks of the wagon. Never seen one before. Should be a really cool swap!!!
03-04-2015, 09:00 AM
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03-04-2015, 02:14 PM
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There are no new ideas 
This is my 1985 500SEC with Ls1 / T56 swap
Looking forward to seeing your progress.. BTW, I like the AMG wheels on the front but the C4 wheels look pretty cool
This is my 1985 500SEC with Ls1 / T56 swap
Looking forward to seeing your progress.. BTW, I like the AMG wheels on the front but the C4 wheels look pretty cool
03-04-2015, 02:40 PM
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Trending Topics
03-04-2015, 02:44 PM
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the amg mono blocks aren't mine, That was a coworkers car i rolled the wheels up next to Just to see how They'll look. And the idea might not be new, but i can't find any evidence of someone else who's done this swap.
03-06-2015, 12:54 PM
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Thanks 1884benz - This is how it looks today, I found these monoblock look-a-like's for a great price if you need another wheel option. 17 x 8 and 17 x 9
Fun car but I have to sell it. Too many toys
Fun car but I have to sell it. Too many toys
03-06-2015, 06:09 PM
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That's a shame you have to sell, hopefully you'll find a good home for it soon.
03-10-2015, 01:08 PM
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Thanks, It's a blast to drive but I just got too many projects and getting ready to move to a different state so I'm cleaning house. Good luck on your project, I'll be watching
09-02-2015, 03:41 PM
#15
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I have actually made a ton of progress! should be running in the next month. sorry I haven't updated this post at all recently. Ive got a ton of pictures I'll post soon. been having trouble getting the pictures off my phone and onto the post.
09-28-2015, 02:50 PM
#16
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Facebook build page I've been having trouble uploading more pictures of my progress. So I made a Facebook page for the build. Just search: classy wagon. And you'll find it easily
09-28-2015, 04:40 PM
#17
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As cool as this may be, and despite my genuine interest in it, I refuse to reactivate my FaceSpace account to view your build. I would apologize, but social media drama makes me want to kick puppies. And I like puppies, so I stay away from FaceSpace.
Cool project, nonetheless. I support your decision to use the c4 sawblades on the merc-wagon. Should look really good.
Cool project, nonetheless. I support your decision to use the c4 sawblades on the merc-wagon. Should look really good.
10-02-2015, 08:31 AM
#18
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As cool as this may be, and despite my genuine interest in it, I refuse to reactivate my FaceSpace account to view your build. I would apologize, but social media drama makes me want to kick puppies. And I like puppies, so I stay away from FaceSpace.
Cool project, nonetheless. I support your decision to use the c4 sawblades on the merc-wagon. Should look really good.
Cool project, nonetheless. I support your decision to use the c4 sawblades on the merc-wagon. Should look really good.
10-02-2015, 10:39 AM
#19
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Thanks for updating with pictures on here. I love the gold engine paint, orange, whatever it's a good color for an engine. And the sawblades do look good on there, too.
