mercedes 3.0 5 cyl can it be trubo charged?

Question

hi, i am looking to buy an 80's 300 wagon. there is one for sale around the corner for a grand, but it's not a turbo (that's a must for me) my question is, are the blocks the same? and can a turbo charger be added to a n/a motor? are the turbo motors a lower compression? i'm new to diesels. thanks john

Answer 1

Same compression, the only difference in the specifications is a stronger crankshaft. I have done the turbo conversion on one of those engines with great results. I used all OE parts from a salvage car. First off if the engine has the A/C compressor in front of the air cleaner it will have to go, switch it with the compressor and hoses from one that has it mounted on the opposite side, under the power steering pump. If the transmission kick down and accelerator linkage is the bar type that attaches to a pivot on the right side of the block (under the manifolds) you will need to change it to the latter type assembly and the kick down link will have to be altered or changed to the type that attaches to the linkage on top of the valve cover. (That particular linkage is extremely difficult to find though.) You will also need to change the oil pan for one that has the tube for the oil return from the turbo. Of course you'll need to change the complete exhaust, you'll need the air cleaner, and the oil feed pipe as well as the plate (shaped like the state of Nevada) that mounts on the back of the oil filter housing for the oil supply pipe to attach to. You might want to change the radiator to the type that uses the external expansion tank instead of the type that has the radiator cap mounted right on the radiator (but that's not completely necessary).
The '82 thru '85 models are the best! The glow plug, climate control and cruise control systems are far better and all the diesel wagons were turbo after '81 (except perhaps for a European model). The most likely problem I'd expect you to have buying one of these great cars is you will probably find that it runs out of fuel before the needle shows empty unless the level sender has already been replaced. And if it has the loop type glow plugs, ('77 to '79) when one goes dead, the whole system is dead and you won't get it to start without replacing the plug first. You can upgrade the glow plug system with the latter type of system but I'd hope you don't mind spending considerable time going over wiring diagrams to be able to adapt the system.
You could use a complete turbo sedan for parts on the project using the block but you will need to use the cylinder head from the wagon because the sedans do not have the mounting for the hydraulic leveling pump and you will need to lengthen the sedans exhaust about 4 or 5 inches to get it to fit properly along the bottom of the wagon.
If you do buy the non-turbo wagon and want to do the turbo conversion... I have all the parts that you would need to do it including the kick down linkage and the complete exhaust but not all of the A/C hoses. I had planned on selling it as a kit on e-bay but if you want to make an offer... just e-mail me.

Answer 2

The turbo motors are the same compression, but I wouldn't mess with this. By the time you're done, you will have the cost of the car tied up in the conversion. Just keep looking and you'll find a turbo. Or take the not turbo, and get used to the performance.

Answer 3

I would stay away from doing an aftermarket job on a Mercedes Diesel(unless you would have an turbo-engine from a TD sedan or wagon, and go from there, that would be probably pretty easy). They even on latter models have intercooled versions which make a lot of torque/decent power.

Turbo systems not specifically designed/engineered for that motor should be stayed away from. Period.

Answer 4

my name is constantin bujorean i work 6 year to mercedes benz in romania in the district Suceava , i can tell you that what you want to make is not posible. My advice ,keep the car and drive .its a good car .The new E KLASSE IS a piece of **** .The new s klasse is like a E klasse . Your car is very good .Keep her because the car is

Answer 5

yes i have one it does make a difference
only if the glow plug solenoid would work...