OM603/606 swap into a '74 260z

[grayson260z]

I had this epiphany last night about a Mercedes-Datsun hybrid. I'm a big fan of the Merc turbo diesel engines and how little money you can throw into them for an unhuman amount of torque. Last night I had no idea this is actually a somewhat popular swap and have seen some info on it but is a kinda few and far between so I'm looking to get a Merc diesel thread started. My local pull a part has a few cars that might actually provide me with the OM603 or preferably an OM606 TD engine. My dads job is servicing large Cummins engines on logging equipment so I have a HX40 turbo sitting by on standby I'm waiting to apply to something. For a transmission I've learned that apparently a 300ZXT manual transmission will go up to it but I am quite skeptical about that. But who knows. Obviously engine/trans mounts will be custom made and fuel system doesn't really worry me all that much wiring however is keeping me racking my brain but I'm not too discouraged I've seen crazier swaps out there. Any information you have would help out a ton. Especially if you know of a way to contact the guy with the running OM606 240z that would be incredible. As always thanks in advance- Grayson! 

[CasperIV]

I don't see why the wiring would be hard. Diesels are typically easier than gas engines, and either way, the simplest way to handle it would be to wire the engine standalone from the chassis other than a power feed. That is what I planned to do with my SR but the owner of a shop I work with wanted to make a new loom to swap from RHD to LHD and look factory, so I'm letting him do that right now. The challenge I would think would be dealing with the torque. The S30 chassis isn't very stiff, so you would want to probably brace and stiffen what you can even before you put the engine in, and will likely want to replace the diff and axles. One of my biggest complaints about most of the built v8 swaps I have driven is the chassis tweak that happens if not caged and otherwise stiffened... and that is with an engine that comes into torque much later. Considering the OM606 tubo starts around 250ft-lbs of torque and you are talking about building it up, you would run into the same issues.

Edited August 18, 2014 by CasperIV

[MAG58]

Long block is about the same size as an L28, I have it's gas counterpart sitting next to one. The 300ZX trans will not bolt up to it and you'll need an adapter if you want to go that route. MBZ made some manuals that will fit: the 717.410/.411 from the cosworth, the 717.430 from the 300E and 190E 2.6 and the 6MT from the later cars which used a 2.3L M111 engine. Additionally the gearboxes from the 2.7L Diesels across the pond will fit. If you go with a 6MT in a 240Z you'll probably want a 717.663/.668 which would probably hold 450-500whp assuming you don't regularly launch the car on drag slicks, cossie dog leg a little less. Flywheel requirement will be gearbox dependent. 

 

The Factory FI turo manis suck except for a rare non EGR 603 mani, so otherwise you'll be on your own building one. If you want to go 606 route you'll want an OM603 Turbo M pump, as those do not require the computer and have the turbo ALDA. Non turbo 606's can make 3-400 (IIRC) hp when boosted as well (smaller rods), but they also have better cams if you want to snag some for your turbo 606. Additionally all the engines are front sump, although the W140 is a sort of mid sump deal that might clear the cross member. The M104 oil pain might fit, otherwise you'll have to go fishing in europe for a pan, or make your own. 

[rally]

 

[ktm]

Sweet geezus that is impressive.....

[Tony D]

Mmmmmmm Diesel is Exempt from Smog.....(pre '99).... Mm mm,m gaaaarrrrgggh!