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Thanks guys! The color is an orange metallic I picked up at auto zone. Nothing fancy but it looks damn good! Should be running in the next couple weeks
Got some exhaust work done today. Everything is pretty tight but I'm able to fit a true duel 2.5" with an H pipe, duel flow master 40 series and all v bands. Out the back is two simple turn downs that look very stock!
Interesting swap! I'm partial to the older Mercedes sedans. I had a W123 with the 2.4 NA diesel as my first car, 0-60mph in over a minute, but it never asked for much more than oil and fuel. I believe it had close to 1mil miles on it when I got rid of it.
The LS should scoot quite a bit quicker than the stock motor!
i wanted to do this swap but just couldnt make the rear steer work in my mind. kudos for a clean fit and using the tandem pump. slick.
Thanks man! It's literally been a hell of a swap! Way more work then I had originally planned on. But with some luck, it'll start and drive a little next weekend.
Your not the only one ! Op nice wagon and definitely a unique swap .
Thanks man! I searched high and low and so far I'm the only one who is going to have a running and driving ls swapped w123. So being unique has been major motivation for this build!
very cool. I had a 240d in high school and they have always held a special place in my heart. You answered my question about the steering box. Ive looked in the junk yards at 123s when they come in and couldn't figure out how people got around the sterring box.
Yeah that ancient steering had to go! But I have good news! I started it Saturday and drove it around the parking lot! Sounds nasty! Now I just have to iron out a few issues with my cluster, figure out how to stop my p/s line from blowing off at lock and get some fenders and headlights.
This is one of the most awesome LS swap's I've ever seen. How many hours do you feel you have in it?
I'd love to have a 300d with this!
Thank you so much! if I had to guess, its probably around 600 hours in it, give or take 100 or so. Since no one has completed this swap before I've literally had nothing to go off of, so there's been a lot of trial and error to figure everything out.
What other issues have you run into? Any advice to others considering to this swap?
Steering was the major issue, im still trying to iron that out. with the w210 rack, the turning radius went to ****, but I think ive figured out how to resolve that problem. If I move the outer tierod mounting point closer to the lower ball joint, the tire will turn more with the same amount of movement from the rack. also, with the decreased leverage, it should stiffen the steering feel some.
It still rides like a w123 which isn't exactly comforting with the increase in power. im currently researching springs and perches from summit, jegs, speedway, etc. to find higher spring rate springs and adjustable perches to fabricate in so that its not so sketchy around corners and on the highway.
The rear end ratio is also disheartening. No burnouts for me! but, we have a 380se sitting out behind my work with a 3.47 gear ratio. in time im going to yank it out and see if the LSD I currently have will bolt to the 3.47 ring gear. Im keeping my fingers crossed that it does!
When you did the steering rack, did you change the front hubs? The W123 is a rear steer hub, right? Getting the right outer tierod location should help you out. I've been researching other ideas of front/rear suspension swaps. See your comments here and your FB make me want to look more. Need to get mine up in the air and start taking measurements.
Layout your Ackerman and toe out in turns angles carefully when you start messing with steering arm or other lengths......you can create real handling issues, don't ask me how I know.
10-05-2015, 03:41 PM
