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'83 300D - SurfRodder - 05-14-2009
Among other cars, I have an '83 300D.
Current Modifications: **4 speed ** stainless flex oil cooler and brake lines ** powder coated valve cover, oil tower, and injection lines ** manual climate control ** better stereo ** homemade intake and monstercraftsman oil separator ** EGR Delete ** Euros and clear corners ** 4 light brake mod ** Vogtland 50mm drop front springs ** Lesjofors S600 drop rear springs ** 16" rims ** late model 126 brake spindles, rotors and calipers ** full suspension rehab ** Bilstein HDs ** AL129X alternator ** 1/0 starter and charging cables ** late W126 front seats and rear seat back
Mods in the works (parts in hand): Gwagen clutch/flywheel; Sanden A/C compressor and custom refrigerant lines; propane injection; VGT; intake mods; custom IP elements and external fuel rack adjustment; ABS
Future mods (parts budgeted for): A/W Intercooler; 5 speed; 2.65:1 limited slip 210mm diff;
RE: '83 300D - winmutt - 05-18-2009
When you do the springs replace the LCA bearing and LCA strut rod bushing. Use the 3 piece LCA bearing from the 126, it will last longer than the 2 piece found on the 123 normally.
RE: '83 300D - kamel - 05-18-2009
Pics?
RE: '83 300D - SurfRodder - 05-26-2009
(05-18-2009, 06:55 AM)winmutt When you do the springs replace the LCA bearing and LCA strut rod bushing. Use the 3 piece LCA bearing from the 126, it will last longer than the 2 piece found on the 123 normally.thanks for the tip, I already bought the 2 piece style, but if the others are that much better Ill get them instead... the only really sucky part is that this weekend I installed the 123 ones in the arms and threw away the boxes to consolidate space and see what I still have left to buy for the swap... Ill have to look at the cost/benefit tradeoff and go from there... these ones lasted 245K but we'll see... If i find poly bushings for the 126, that might make the difference...
(05-18-2009, 06:55 AM)kamel Pics?I'll see what I can drum up... I have a bunch of pics from my auto to manual climate control conversion...eventually will have a writeup, but too lazy/busy to do it right now... I should take some pics under the hood of my Earl's plumbing... Once I finish the aforementioned suspension/brake upgrade, I will take pics of the exterior... it needs a bit of work, prolly a good scrape and buff but the body is in otherwise good shape, just would rather take pics with the new stance and wheels installed.
RE: '83 300D - SurfRodder - 06-15-2009
Installed this weekend:
Vogtland springs
Late 126 brakes and spindles
full suspension refresh
Bilstein HDs
Earls stainless custom brake lines
these 16" rims: http://www.lakeshorewheelandtire.com/wheels/mbz-98-hs.JPG
225/50 ZR16 tires...off brand, but supposedly made by BF Goodrich: http://www.discounttire.com/dtcs/tires/riken/size/viewProductDetail.do?pc=19012
new brake fluid...
I think thats it...
RE: '83 300D - winmutt - 06-16-2009
Did you use the W126 LCA bushings?
RE: '83 300D - SurfRodder - 06-16-2009
(06-16-2009, 09:24 AM)winmutt Did you use the W126 LCA bushings?
nah... I had already installed the 123 ones into the LCA and threw away their packages about a week before you suggested that... I would have done so otherwise, I just couldnt justify paying 2x for the setup. I looked around for some poly bushings for 126, but didnt find those either, I would have just chocked up the first ones as a loss had I found those. The job really isnt that hard, if I ever have replace 'em I figure I can do it in a few hours...especially with the proper compressor.
RE: '83 300D - winmutt - 06-16-2009
You will be replacing those LCA bearings in a few years so you have time to prepare yourself...
RE: '83 300D - DeliveryValve - 06-17-2009
Let's see a pic of your car with those new wheels. I am interested in them.
RE: '83 300D - SurfRodder - 08-06-2009
(06-17-2009, 03:30 AM)DeliveryValve Let's see a pic of your car with those new wheels. I am interested in them.
here they are... sorry it took so long...
here's the little bit of toe out that I was talking about in another thread... its more noticeable in person
here's a pic of my hybrid 240/300 linkage...
and a larger overall shot of the valve cover minus all the auto trans/egr crap...
also pictured is my manual climate setup and the powdercoated valve cover and oil tower:
here's a pic of the contraption I made to press the subframe bushings into place... below the bushing is one of the dies that I broke trying to add an inch or so of thread to the 7/8" hardened steel bolts I used...turned out to be the perfect spacer to finish drawing them home.
RE: '83 300D - winmutt - 08-06-2009
Need to take a coil off the fron there, what pads are you using front and back? 1 and 3?
RE: '83 300D - SurfRodder - 08-06-2009
(08-06-2009, 12:01 PM)winmutt Need to take a coil off the fron there, what pads are you using front and back? 1 and 3?
yeah 1 and 3, I probably wont take any more off the front, I like where it sits right now (loads better than stock) and as it is I'm getting a little rubbing on the tires... I'm assuming its happening when I throw her into the corner, but I'm not positive as I dont get any feedback indicating that. stopped and at full lock there is still plenty of clearance for me to run my hand completely around the tire on all sides, but I'm getting a slight 'trim' on the outside edge of the tire. I think maybe I'll have to roll the fenders at some point, but right now it doesnt appear to be too drastic.
RE: '83 300D - willbhere4u - 08-08-2009
I have 16x8 wheels off a mid 90s SL and I have the same problem when I'm turning and the wheel travels up it hit so I had to roll my front fenders
RE: '83 300D - DeliveryValve - 08-08-2009
(08-08-2009, 11:30 AM)willbhere4u I have 16x8 wheels off a mid 90s SL and I have the same problem when I'm turning and the wheel travels up it hit so I had to roll my front fenders
What offset are you fella's running?
RE: '83 300D - willbhere4u - 08-10-2009
I have no idea? I just put them on! they fit perfect in the rear! In the front I had to space my tie rod mounts in a bit and shorten my tie rods a good bit to clear the wheels I would say 1/2 in on each side
RE: '83 300D - DeliveryValve - 08-10-2009
(08-10-2009, 10:58 AM)willbhere4u .....In the front I had to space my tie rod mounts in a bit and shorten my tie rods a good bit to clear the wheels I would say 1/2 in on each side
Well that is smart. I've never thought about that.
RE: '83 300D - tantank79 - 08-10-2009
I have considered spacing the steering arms inward, but was concerned about how it would affect the geometry. Any thoughts on this Willb? Does your car seems to steer differently since doing this?
RE: '83 300D - SurfRodder - 08-11-2009
I am running a custom low offset I picked up at lakeshore wheel and tire (ITN Style #98, 16 inch here: http://www.lakeshorewheelandtire.com/specials/mercedes.shtml ) I believe they are ET15...I have plenty of clearance between the tie rod and rim as they are low offset and 16, I'd say theres at least 40mm clearance, but next time Im under there, ill take a pic and post it...
(08-08-2009, 11:30 AM)willbhere4u I have 16x8 wheels off a mid 90s SL and I have the same problem when I'm turning and the wheel travels up it hit so I had to roll my front fendersdo you feel it rub in the corners? what tire size are you running?
RE: '83 300D - Motorhead - 08-12-2009
[/align]Another nice Merc, man I have got to get my work done and start on the coupe.
RE: '83 300D - willbhere4u - 08-12-2009
The car drives and handes normal. I put put 1 washer between the front of the arm and 3 behind the rear arm to make it go at an angle. I also replace my tie rods because the old one where rusty and wouldn't adjust!
I first tried 3 in front and 3 in back but it still rubbed the wheel! make sure they are tight and use lock tight!!!
I still need an alignment as I set my toe with a tape measure but it doesn't pull or act funny I replace the upper control arms/ balljoints and steering stabilizer when I put my Bilsteins HD's in and it handles sweet! now I need seats to keep me centered! I keep sliding out of the seat in corners!
I'll take a pic of the searing arm next time I'm up at at my shop I'll also check the tire size
RE: '83 300D - SurfRodder - 08-31-2009
So, my Pappy backed into my car the other weekend and smashed my grill insert...
thus forcing me to buy a new one. While I was at it, I changed it to the 'sport' style found on fleabay. I took a chance and actually like the way it looks, esp. with the euros. I was going to switch the clear corners back the the stock amber ones, but may not with this new grill. Still missing is the MB emblem below the hood ornament...gotta snag another one next time I hit the part yard.
unfortunately, I also have to get a replacement aux. fan as the one that is in there now is unplugged because the aluminum bracket is also now cracked. sucks major, because I just installed that one new about a year ago... gonna hit the yard for a replacement tho... not going to shell out another 200 bux for a replacement.
RE: '83 300D - ForcedInduction - 08-31-2009
I'd keep the cracked grill on instead of a "sport" grille.
RE: '83 300D - winmutt - 09-01-2009
I dont really care for the sport grill myself either. I do like the blacked out grill look.
RE: '83 300D - SurfRodder - 09-11-2009
(08-31-2009, 02:31 AM)ForcedInduction I'd keep the cracked grill on instead of a "sport" grille.
winmutt I dont really care for the sport grill myself either. I do like the blacked out grill look.
I def. like the blacked out grill and I dont mind the sport grill so much, but the dueling tri-stars is off-putting, I may pull another insert from a junker and mess with it until I get something I like better. Perhaps something similar to MB TECH's wagon.
Anyway, here's the new pics of the ride, also posted on the SLS removal thread:
I like the slight rake it has now, It will probably settle out a little in the next few days, but I think it will still retain a bit.
Heres a pic showing the drastic difference between the way it was above and the way it sits now... it no longer looks like its dragging nuts across the road.
I think now that most of the mechanical issues are ironed out, I will start keeping an eye out for some darker interior, I'm not a big fan of the parchment color and most of mine is trashed anyway. I think I will call MBCA about one of those taxi dashes too, with the better real estate for gages and a better center vent setup for my manual climate system. Now I gotta do a better job of keeping her clean, sucks not having a garage tho. Hopefully after I find out about my scholarship I will buy a house and have a place to keep her out of the rough San Diego weather.
RE: '83 300D - garage - 09-11-2009
Surfrodder, that sure is a great looking clean w123.
I like those wheels, and actually really like the grill upgrade..yes upgrade=]
RE: '83 300D - SurfRodder - 09-11-2009
(09-11-2009, 10:04 PM)garage Surfrodder, that sure is a great looking clean w123.
I like those wheels, and actually really like the grill upgrade..yes upgrade=]
I dunno about *clean*, but it shows okay in pics...
(actually you can see where a bird dialed me up on the back bumper moulding) I really need to detail it, but I don't have the time right now and as posted above I dont have a garage to keep the dew and dust off of it so I dont wanna spend all the time to have to do it again in a few weeks. Anyway, thanks for the compliments.
RE: '83 300D - garage - 09-11-2009
To each his own.
I didnt say your car was pristine or amazing
haha=]
I do think it is a clean car though.
RE: '83 300D - winmutt - 09-12-2009
What did you end up doing to fix the rake? Look just about perfect now.
RE: '83 300D - SurfRodder - 09-12-2009
(09-12-2009, 08:16 AM)winmutt What did you end up doing to fix the rake? Look just about perfect now.
S600 springs without rubber isolators...no "nubs"
RE: '83 300D - SurfRodder - 01-05-2010
got an alignment last week and finally installed my AL129X alternator, plus 1/0 cable to the starter and from the alt to the battery. I had to go with a 10mm oversize belt and had to trim the adjuster bolt for the alt bracket to get it to fit. pics to come in a few days...
I also pulled a complete ABS system a few weeks ago to install at some point in the future.
RE: '83 300D - garage - 09-14-2010
(05-14-2009, 02:19 PM)SurfRodder Among other cars, I have an '83 300D.
Current Modifications: late W126 front seats and rear seat back
The w126 rear seatback will fit in a w123??
If so i really wanna pick up a nice one at the yard tomorrow..or asap.
RE: '83 300D - stan - 09-14-2010
(01-05-2010, 12:46 AM)SurfRodder I had to go with a 10mm oversize belt and had to trim the adjuster bolt for the alt bracket to get it to fit. pics to come in a few days...
why all the funky stuff? i got mine in with the stock bolt and bracket, and with a stock size belt with no problems.
RE: '83 300D - SurfRodder - 10-12-2011
(09-14-2010, 11:21 PM)stan why all the funky stuff? i got mine in with the stock bolt and bracket, and with a stock size belt with no problems.
Im guessing that you either dont have an AL129X and/or perhaps your adjuster bolt was already shorter than mine. My first take on it I trimmed the hell out of the bracket and then realized all I had to do was shorten the bolt. at any rate I there was definitely not enough slack in the stock belt to get it to work on my car.
(09-14-2010, 11:10 PM)garage The w126 rear seatback will fit in a w123??
If so i really wanna pick up a nice one at the yard tomorrow..or asap.
yeah, itll fit. Whenever I see something that looks close, I try it out in the part yard to see. Its a little tight, doorskins are up against it, and depending on the generation the top is a bit of a PITA to attach at the package tray, but I think itll look good once I get around to making a custom insert for the package tray, my intention is to utilize most of a 126 one with the speaker mounts and 3rd brake light.
Anyway, I'd definitely check it out on a yard car so you can see what the issues are for yourself.
RE: '83 300D - SurfRodder - 11-06-2011
Finally installed the 300GD clutch and flywheel, much more pleasant to drive at lower RPM now. Also there are now no longer ANY driveline vibrations whatsoever. Although I attribute that more to properly balancing of the flywheel than anything else...
RE: '83 300D - mike-81-240d - 11-07-2011
Good luck on the xenon projector retro... Been there done that. The flutted lenses absolutely kills the output. The only proper way to do it would be to vaccu-form some de-flutted plastic lenses.
RE: '83 300D - SurfRodder - 03-05-2012
(11-07-2011, 02:55 AM)mike-81-240d Good luck on the xenon projector retro... Been there done that. The flutted lenses absolutely kills the output. The only proper way to do it would be to vaccu-form some de-flutted plastic lenses.
here's what I'm thinking about modifying for the custom euro projectors:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/MERCEDES-W123-Model-2-1976-8-1979-Left-Headlight-Glass-HELLA-Original-New-/280788894379?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item41605282ab&vxp=mtr
I plan on polishing/having someone else do it these lenses so they are optically clear and then using those with the modified euro housings... thoughts?
RE: '83 300D - SurfRodder - 03-19-2012
Here's what I did this weekend...
New TIG welded aluminum AFCO 80103N radiator:
installed:
new Earl's 41610 oil cooler:
installed:
'85 Kalitucky intake:
New cooler lines:
New Power Steering lines:
RE: '83 300D - JB3 - 03-20-2012
wow! never thought to do that to the power steering lines, but that looks great!
Might steal your method on the oil cooler, I hate those hard lines
RE: '83 300D - SurfRodder - 03-20-2012
(03-20-2012, 08:42 AM)dropnosky wow! never thought to do that to the power steering lines, but that looks great!yeah, I've had the fittings over a year, but never got around to getting and installing the hose...had to get more stuff for the oil lines so decided to knock it all out at once... I went AN -6 onthe HP side and -8 on the LP side, similar to stock dimensions, the HP side decided it wanted to leak a bit so Iended up putting an o-ring between the conversion fitting and the pump, which is likely a good idea anyway, even tho the stock setup had no thread sealant or o-ring.
dropnosky Might steal your method on the oil cooler, I hate those hard linesI had custom hard lines before that I modified from a JY set. Basically lopped the rubber section out and had steel AN -10 fittings welded to the hardline. That worked pretty well, but I like this setup even more, even tho it takes up a bit more real estate along the fenderwell... that 45* bottom fitting was a major PITA to get started, but it should be a lot better i nthe long run, IP removal may be somewhat moer difficult now too, but well see...
RE: '83 300D - Kozuka - 03-20-2012
Do you have the thread sizes for the PS & Oil Cooler?
RE: '83 300D - willbhere4u - 03-20-2012
very cool! I may do this also where did you get your fittings? what adapter did you use on the oil filter housing? i may do this on the 240d turbo
RE: '83 300D - SurfRodder - 03-21-2012
(03-20-2012, 02:32 PM)Kozuka Do you have the thread sizes for the PS & Oil Cooler?
willbhere4u ...where did you get your fittings? what adapter did you use on the oil filter housing?
you know, as I was posting this I knew it would come up, I dont have the numbers with me right now, but I can get them easily enough...I got my fittings locally at a place called surplus depot (used to be industrial liquidators), but they should be available from any place that sells AN fittings...These are Earl's brand, but Russell and Aeroquip (would've been my 1st choice if they were readily available) should make a similar part...
I just took the hoses (PS pump end) and fittings (PS gearbox and oil filter housing) from a junker and took them to my AN guy at Surplus Depot, also picked up my cooler there as well. The stock oil cooler is a bit different as it has that metric flare fitting thread...when retaining the stock oil cooler, you will likely need to take a hose set off a junker and have an -10 AN adapter welded to the metal connectors that attach to the stock oil cooler...this is what I ended up doing before I did it this way with the aftermarket cooler...there may be an adapter available, but my guy didnt stock it, so I used the above method.
At any rate, I will get back over there at some point next week and get Earl's part numbers so you guys can cross reference them.
RE: '83 300D - SurfRodder - 05-01-2012
so I had some IP issues last week that forced my hand into installing my Tomnik Holly 6.5mm element IP. boy does this thing pull a lot harder now. another benefit: Ill have to install my VGT ASAP to keep the cops and environazis at bay because if I give it more than about 1/3 pedal itll roll a bit of coal...luckily that still gives more than adequate performance... and I can now leave it in 4th gear and still accelerate uphill on the 805 south by normal/university heights...the Diego locals will now what that hill is all about, anyway, its a decent grade where I always had to downshift to even maintain speed before...cant wait to see how it does on the toll road next time i visit LA.
here's the link to the youtube video of the way it sounds now... cant decide if its more DD or cummins in nature, but the video doesnt really do it justice...its not annoyingly loud, but quite a bit more than stock. at freeway speeds I cant even tell the difference, but at idle its noticeable..mroe like a pickup diesel...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yL--y0OhY60&feature=youtu.be
more videos to come as I get the time to make 'em
new, shiny, purty...
RE: '83 300D - larsalan - 05-01-2012
By god that is shiny and sounds mean. Where did you get such clear fuel? Mine never seems so clean
RE: '83 300D - SurfRodder - 05-01-2012
(05-01-2012, 07:10 PM)larsalan By god that is shiny and sounds mean. Where did you get such clear fuel? Mine never seems so clean
ever since they switched over to ULS diesel I havent HAD to change out a prefilter... I do it anyway every 10-15K just because thats about as long as I'd get out of a filter before... The old prefilter was a bit dirtier than the new one on there, but still pretty good as it only had about 2 oil changes on it...
RE: '83 300D - w123love - 05-01-2012
(05-01-2012, 06:44 PM)SurfRodder s and I can now leave it in 4th gear and still accelerate uphill on the 805 south by normal/university heights...the Diego locals will now what that hill is all about, anyway, its a decent grade where I always had to downshift to even maintain speed before...cant wait to see how it does on the toll road next time i visit LA.
Know exactly what you are talking about.
Btw...spotted you ecology the other day
RE: '83 300D - larsalan - 05-01-2012
(05-01-2012, 07:19 PM)SurfRodder ever since they switched over to ULS diesel I havent HAD to change out a prefilter... I do it anyway every 10-15K just because thats about as long as I'd get out of a filter before... The old prefilter was a bit dirtier than the new one on there, but still pretty good as it only had about 2 oil changes on it...
Damn, send them to me. I'm so cheap I have a set of about 4 that I rinse out with gas or toluene stripper when they get too clogged
I swear our ULSD looks more like yellow.. And I swear my buddy has blue fuel. Mine is usually more dark like brown or orange
Touch of linseed and mineral spirits
RE: '83 300D - sassparilla_kid - 05-02-2012
I was looking at my filter one day and was like "wtf, why is the diesel red??" thinking I had somehow managed to get red diesel but then I realised that it was just the screen in the filter that was red lol
RE: '83 300D - SurfRodder - 05-02-2012
(01-16-1970, 06:05 AM)w123love Btw...spotted you ecology the other dayYep, had to get a couple small fittings to have tig welded so i could install the AN lines on the top of the filter housing and the line that connects the lift pump to the filter housing. I ended up not using the one on the lift pump because the bozo that welded it missed a spot and it pissed fuel when running. Going to have to take it back and make him fix it.(my normal welded would've been better, but he knocked off early last friday)
Did you actually see me in the yard?
Edit: did you see my duct tape "surgery" on the left quarter?
(05-01-2012, 08:17 PM)larsalan [quote='SurfRodder' pid='40980' dateline='1335917988]I think i still have the one i just removed in my garage waste bin, PM me your addy and ill send it to you. I get the good ones dirt cheap, like less than $5 from my local OEM distributor.
Damn, send them to me. I'm so cheap I have a set of about 4 that I rinse out with gas or toluene stripper when they get too clogged
RE: '83 300D - w123love - 05-02-2012
(05-02-2012, 09:07 AM)SurfRodder I ended up not using the one on the lift pump because the bozo that welded it missed a spot and it pissed fuel when running. Going to have to take it back and make him fix it.(my normal welded would've been better, but he knocked off early last friday)
Did you actually see me in the yard?
Edit: did you see my duct tape "surgery" on the left quarter?
No I was rolling out right when I saw the car. Thought about going back in but I’d look like a kook asking each dude near a w123 if he was affiliated with “std”. Might come off a little strange.
Saw that duck tape...didn’t want to say anything but damn that is ugly. Tough spot to fix I can imagine.