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+--- Thread: Syncro_G's G-wagen (/showthread.php?tid=559)
Syncro_G's G-wagen - Syncro_G - 07-28-2009
I bought this G-wagen in 2007 with the intention of changing it to diesel.
I wanted a rust-free, good condition truck to start with and spent half a year looking before getting this one.
The engine plan is..
gas > diesel > biodiesel > WVO > horsepower.
with the hope of getting about 200 HP without sacrificing mpg or reliability.
I'm still working out fitment details with the engine swap. I wasn't happy with the stock engine position and various other brackets that don't seem to fit perfectly in the conversion.
Overall, it's a pretty fun project vehicle.
BTW, that's the donor car in the background. It had 53K miles on it before getting T-boned.
RE: Syncro_G's G-wagen - MB TECH - 07-28-2009
thats sharp, awesome job! could you send a couple pics of the engine bay?
RE: Syncro_G's G-wagen - DeliveryValve - 07-28-2009
Both of those vehicles look great! Too bad the TD got T-Boned. I was thinking how convenient, but I am sure you weren't thinking that! That car is too nice to tear apart.
BTW - Is the front sway bar from that TD salvageable? If so, do you want to sell it?
RE: Syncro_G's G-wagen - Syncro_G - 07-28-2009
(07-28-2009, 01:14 PM)MB TECH thats sharp, awesome job! could you send a couple pics of the engine bay?
I don't have many pictures of the engine bay yet. here's the engine with the harness and cardboard scratch guards still in place (I haven't removed it since the engine coming back out shortly)
and here is the engine as it's going in (with a buddy's white G in the background)
(07-28-2009, 11:23 PM)DeliveryValve Too bad the TD got T-Boned.yeah, my thinking too but it would have been out of my price range if it hadn't been t-boned.
Quote:I'm pretty sure its good but I might have a local buyer for what remains. In anycase, I'm sitting on the car until the G is dialed in -- just in case there's something else I need. After that, I'll let you know.
BTW - Is the front sway bar from that TD salvageable? If so, do you want to sell it?
RE: Syncro_G's G-wagen - Syncro_G - 10-12-2009
Update: worked intermittently through the summer, designed new engine mounts that I'll be offering to the G-wagen community soon (through gwagenpreserve.com)
Solved some nagging fitment problems and now have the engine back the truck for final assembly. Still have a few more brackets, a power steering hose and a drive shaft to cut down but most everything looks straight forward now.
engine mounts:
engine in truck:
RE: Syncro_G's G-wagen - winmutt - 10-12-2009
Did you compare the arms to the SD ones by any chance? Or were you sure the om617 gwagen arms were specific for the gwagen?
RE: Syncro_G's G-wagen - Syncro_G - 10-13-2009
(10-12-2009, 01:11 PM)winmutt Did you compare the arms to the SD ones by any chance? Or were you sure the om617 gwagen arms were specific for the gwagen?
The mounts are totally different. The mount shape is different and so is the locations for the perches. The G uses really big heavy duty mounts that look more like the tranny triangle mount. the chassis rails are also closer together and one is about 4 inches higher than the other and further forward.
Here's the right side mount in place using the cast iron mount arm from the 300GD (non-turbo 617 version). the bolt hits the wastegate actuator in this position - one of a list of reasons for making custom mounts.
RE: Syncro_G's G-wagen - winmutt - 10-13-2009
Did you use the GWagen 617 oil pan?
RE: Syncro_G's G-wagen - Syncro_G - 10-13-2009
(10-13-2009, 11:22 AM)winmutt Did you use the GWagen 617 oil pan?
I haven't had the opportunity to compare the two but those who have say there are enough differences that it's not worth trying to use it.
Also, many people think that having a two piece pan with steel in the sump is much better than the one piece cast aluminum pan from the N/A 617 when out in the field. If you dent the sedan pan, you can beat it out with a hammer or rock while with the cast one, you're screwed.
also the TD pan has lots of gussetting to the rear that helps with the torque to the transmission.
RE: Syncro_G's G-wagen - winmutt - 10-14-2009
Dont you people carry JB weld? Fixed my friends BMW oil pan with that (solid aluminum 1 piece). I can see the argument though, the steel pan is dirty cheap and easy to find.
RE: Syncro_G's G-wagen - ForcedInduction - 10-14-2009
(10-14-2009, 03:14 PM)winmutt the steel pan is dirty cheap
Yep, costs about $7 more than it's gasket.
RE: Syncro_G's G-wagen - SurfRodder - 10-15-2009
(10-14-2009, 11:06 PM)ForcedInduction(10-14-2009, 03:14 PM)winmutt the steel pan is dirty cheap
Yep, costs about $7 more than it's gasket.
the fukkin local part yard tried to charge me 40 bux for one (which I almost did 'cause I needed it) but I told them to shove it and the next day discovered my (now regular) new parts place and got one for ~20... brand new vs. slightly beat up... anyway, I though it was just a NOS fluke of some sort, but its good to hear thats a repeatable price.
RE: Syncro_G's G-wagen - ForcedInduction - 10-15-2009
(10-15-2009, 02:38 AM)SurfRodder but its good to hear thats a repeatable price.
My post was kind of an inside joke. On Tuesday I needed the lower pan gasket and the local stealership wanted $45 for it and only $7 more for the lower pan itself.
I ended up ordering the gasket and a bunch of other stuff online for the same $45 as the dealer's gasket alone.
RE: Syncro_G's G-wagen - Syncro_G - 12-11-2009
Good news - Got the engine running last weekend and had the truck certified diesel this morning. It's still running a bit rough - need to go back over the valve clearances and injector pressures because the idle feels like it's going to knock my fillings loose. Not getting full throttle yet - still need to tweak the linkage.
But horse power is there - feels better than the gas motor ever did.
RE: Syncro_G's G-wagen - SurfRodder - 12-11-2009
That's awesome brotha! Nice work, when you get the bugs worked out, post a vid.
RE: Syncro_G's G-wagen - Syncro_G - 01-02-2010
(12-11-2009, 01:42 AM)Syncro_G It's still running a bit rough
Still sorting out details. Engine idles like glass now.
The roughness turned out to be residual gas. took a couple tanks to smooth it out.
I need to make some room under the hood so I'm going to remove the EGR system but need to figure out how to keep the vacuum amplifier to transmission properly hooked up.
RE: Syncro_G's G-wagen - ForcedInduction - 01-03-2010
That air filter is begging for a snorkel....
RE: Syncro_G's G-wagen - Syncro_G - 01-03-2010
(01-03-2010, 06:34 AM)ForcedInduction That air filter is begging for a snorkel....It's an easy mod with this air filter but in doing the engine swap, I nolonger have a waterproofed engine and transmission.
Putting the iron 5-speed in should get it mostly ready.
RE: Syncro_G's G-wagen - Syncro_G - 02-27-2010
I've done a bit more work since the previous post -
- deleted EGR
- smaller SD water pump pulley (thanks DeliveryValve!)
- dual batteries (so I can suck away even more horsepower from the drivetrain)
- new heater hoses
(still haven't hooked up the pyrometer - I'm hoping to get a w115 intake soon and want to do all of that at the same time)
BTW, a moderator can move this thread to the trucks section - (I didn't realize there was an MB trucks forum when I started this thread)
RE: Syncro_G's G-wagen - ForcedInduction - 02-28-2010
(02-27-2010, 06:53 PM)Syncro_G BTW, a moderator can move this thread to the trucks section - (I didn't realize there was an MB trucks forum when I started this thread)
Its a profile of your vehicle, its where it should be.
RE: Syncro_G's G-wagen - DeliveryValve - 02-28-2010
I have say... That is one nice factory-esque looking engine compartment. Great job!
.
RE: Syncro_G's G-wagen - Syncro_G - 03-01-2010
(02-28-2010, 06:45 PM)DeliveryValve I have say... That is one nice factory-esque looking engine compartment. Great job!
Thanks! That was the hope all along. I went to some effort to re-use brackets and bolts from the donor w123 car and there's a number of parts from the 300GD that are direct bolt on. So between the two and some patience, it can look pretty much like it would have if it were a factory motor.
RE: Syncro_G's G-wagen - Syncro_G - 04-07-2010
OK, engine bay (and rest of truck) is no-longer immaculate...
Last weekend I rode through some very muddy trails along the Humbolt Co. "Lost Coast" It was a hoot - lots of fast paced trail driving and a few deep mud bogs to tow each other through.
And the last outlook before the light was gone...
RE: Syncro_G's G-wagen - MB TECH - 04-07-2010
Does the 617 give you enough power through the trails and mud bogs?
RE: Syncro_G's G-wagen - fj four o - 04-07-2010
man, i hope you say "yes!"
i'm in the process of swapping an om617 into my fj40.
nice work on the swap, i can really appreciate the amount of thought and planning you put into it.
(04-07-2010, 12:49 PM)MB TECH Does the 617 give you enough power through the trails and mud bogs?
RE: Syncro_G's G-wagen - Syncro_G - 04-08-2010
(04-07-2010, 12:49 PM)MB TECH Does the 617 give you enough power through the trails and mud bogs?
Totally. You don't really need much to drive at trail speeds. The G also has a 4:1 transfere case but I never felt the need to drop it down.
On the freeway I'd love to get more hp though
RE: Syncro_G's G-wagen - MB TECH - 04-09-2010
have you tried any hill climbs?
RE: Syncro_G's G-wagen - Syncro_G - 04-09-2010
(04-09-2010, 08:33 AM)MB TECH have you tried any hill climbs?
I live in the hills. I drive small steep roads and inclined freeways every day.
On that trail ride, I climbed a really steep muddy section that I had to engauge the rear locker for.
The engine is plenty strong enough for the small roads and trail--actually feels peppy. But at freeway speeds, I don't have enough torque at higher RPMs (horsepower) to keep up so I end up slowing to 50-60 depending on the incline. Overdrive should help out a lot (in the plans).
Keep in mind the dry weight of the G is 5500lbs
RE: Syncro_G's G-wagen - MB TECH - 04-09-2010
Excellent, thanks for the responses. Good job with the project by the way.
RE: Syncro_G's G-wagen - Syncro_G - 04-09-2010
(04-09-2010, 09:59 AM)MB TECH Excellent, thanks for the responses. Good job with the project by the way.
Thanks!
RE: Syncro_G's G-wagen - fj four o - 04-09-2010
(04-09-2010, 09:45 AM)Syncro_G(04-09-2010, 08:33 AM)MB TECH have you tried any hill climbs?
I live in the hills. I drive small steep roads and inclined freeways every day.
On that trail ride, I climbed a really steep muddy section that I had to engauge the rear locker for.
The engine is plenty strong enough for the small roads and trail--actually feels peppy. But at freeway speeds, I don't have enough torque at higher RPMs (horsepower) to keep up so I end up slowing to 50-60 depending on the incline. Overdrive should help out a lot (in the plans).
Keep in mind the dry weight of the G is 5500lbs
could you tell us what your gear ratios are (rear end, top tranny gear, transfer high and tire size). being able to pull a grade on the freeway is definitely a concern of mine for my build.
thanks much!
RE: Syncro_G's G-wagen - Syncro_G - 04-10-2010
(04-09-2010, 07:27 PM)fj four o could you tell us what your gear ratios are (rear end, top tranny gear, transfer high and tire size). being able to pull a grade on the freeway is definitely a concern of mine for my build.
thanks much!
Unfortunately I don't know the rear diff gearing. with a little math, you should be able to figure it out from the following:
transfer case is 1:1 for street, transmission is 1:1 and tires are 31"
at 3000 RPM in top gear, it goes about 60MPH (depending on the torque converter load)
RE: Syncro_G's G-wagen - fj four o - 04-13-2010
according to my calculations, you have a 4.60 ring and pinion.
thanks for the info, should help to focus my tire selection.
sweet wagen!!
RE: Syncro_G's G-wagen - rdirtycar - 07-02-2010
have you considered using the 617 a/c compressor for on board air? can it be done?
RE: Syncro_G's G-wagen - saburai - 05-25-2011
(04-09-2010, 09:45 AM)Syncro_G(04-09-2010, 08:33 AM)MB TECH have you tried any hill climbs?
I live in the hills. I drive small steep roads and inclined freeways every day.
On that trail ride, I climbed a really steep muddy section that I had to engauge the rear locker for.
The engine is plenty strong enough for the small roads and trail--actually feels peppy. But at freeway speeds, I don't have enough torque at higher RPMs (horsepower) to keep up so I end up slowing to 50-60 depending on the incline. Overdrive should help out a lot (in the plans).
Keep in mind the dry weight of the G is 5500lbs
This is good news for me!
I'm putting a om617 in my '99 Jeep XJ.
It's pretty heavy for an XJ, at around 4300lbs. I was worried about over the road power at highway speed...
With 31" tires, 4.10 RP and a .79 5th gear, it seems to me that I should be O.K.!
What do you think?
RE: Syncro_G's G-wagen - Captain America - 05-27-2011
Thats sounds a bit heavy for an XJ ... subtract 1000lbs?
RE: Syncro_G's G-wagen - saburai - 05-27-2011
(05-27-2011, 12:52 AM)Captain America Thats sounds a bit heavy for an XJ ... subtract 1000lbs?
Nah, just add Skids, rails, OBA, fridge, full Jerry cans, water system, heavy rear deck w/ drawers, dual batt., lots of tools, winch, big bumpers, full size spare and a RTT...
RE: Syncro_G's G-wagen - Captain America - 05-27-2011
(05-27-2011, 06:11 AM)saburai(05-27-2011, 12:52 AM)Captain America Thats sounds a bit heavy for an XJ ... subtract 1000lbs?
Nah, just add Skids, rails, OBA, fridge, full Jerry cans, water system, heavy rear deck w/ drawers, dual batt., lots of tools, winch, big bumpers, full size spare and a RTT...
Gotcha. I think pictures and a thread of it is required!
RE: Syncro_G's G-wagen - saburai - 05-27-2011
There are a few pictures in this thread:
http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/33725-Progress....?highlight=
RE: Syncro_G's G-wagen - Syncro_G - 05-27-2011
(07-02-2010, 04:59 PM)rdirtycar have you considered using the 617 a/c compressor for on board air? can it be done?
Unfortunately, the York compressor doesn't fit in front of the turbo.
RE: Syncro_G's G-wagen - cjcosta - 05-30-2011
Hi Syncro_G
Congratulations for your project.
I only seen your post today
i have done a swap too with a short GD300 NA now it has the same engine you have 
and its a big difference.Have you done any mods at the IP? Mine need a little more torque, i only have adjust ALDA and its better but to off-road a little more torque at low rpm is welcome.
Best Regards,
Carlos
RE: Syncro_G's G-wagen - JustPassinThru - 05-01-2012
I just want to drop a note in here, so I can conveniently find this thread, and if someone will point me to other OM617-into-G-wagen threads I would appreciate it. I may end up referring to threads on later-model 5-speed manual transmission swaps, too.
I met a young man last evening in a lot, just before closing, he approached me as I was poking around in a 1980 300SD.
Two days ago, he bought from a local MB dealer's used lot a car which strikes me as something of a mystery: a W201 (I know the difference between the smaller, compacter W201 and the slightly larger W124; it is definitely a W201, not a W124) with no trunk badging, no B-pillar manufacture plate. I am not familiar with Mercedes gassers, but, under the hood, it carries a gasoline I6 which looks too big to be a 2.6, and indeed the EPA sticker (which looks new, as if a replacement for the original) says it's a 3-liter. My deduction is, it's an M103 or M104 out of a 1991 (the EPA sticker date) W124. Transmission is a 5-speed manual.
The young man has the idea of extracting the 5-speed from this W201, and buy an OM617 (I led him to an '83 300D whose instrument cluster I pulled a couple weeks ago, odometer says only 143K) and mate it to this 5-speed, and emplace this combination in a G-wagen he owns, which was bought new by his father.
I gave him my contact info; right now, he needs to finish putting a new head he had just finished pulling when he approached me, into a 3-series Beemer. But, after that, I expect he will call me in hope that I am a Mercedes Guru. Which is, mmm, more half-true than not...and, as always, it isn't always *what* ya know, it's *who* ya know...
RE: Syncro_G's G-wagen - willbhere4u - 05-01-2012
The starter is on the LH side of the m103 and the RH side of the om617 ie different bell housings
But a om603/om606 has a LH starter and will bolt right up to that transmission!
RE: Syncro_G's G-wagen - JustPassinThru - 05-01-2012
LOL Once again, the good ol' STD gang of angels keeps me from looking even more foolish than I am! Much thanks, as always. I am vaguely aware, though, that to a *determined* cannibal the RH/LH mismatch may not necessarily be a stopper.