Help I need a merc engine conversion specialist

[ChasesDragons]

Hello,
I am interested in converting a W123 CE to carry a 2.5D (from an old W201) or a later more powerful OM605 2.5td. It will need to carry a manual gearbox too.

Can some please provide a contact or ten, for me to speak with?

It needs to be done within about a month or so, not a long term project.

Regards
U

I am in Lancs, BTW.

 

[jaymanek]

This has been done a lot, you used to see diesel converted cars pop up all the time.. so id say its doable.

You need a donor car though..

 

[V12]

Think very carefully about why you want this done.
Although technically it is pretty straightforward. Anyone will charge you good money.
If you are doing it to save money at the pumps then it is unlikely you will ever see your investment back.

Sent from my GT-I9300 using MBClub UK

 

[Bluebird]

Google 'm-bV8conversions' they are based in Devon. I've spoken to them recently regarding a V8 conversion i'm planning for my W124 E280 but I'm pretty sure they also can or have done the diesel conversion you are interested in.

 

[grober]

IF YOUR EXISTING ENGINE IS OK consider a single point LPG injection system- deffo the cheapest option. -- install and running costs wise. Don't install a non turbo'd diesel if you want any performance at all

 

[Deleted member 11979]

MERCEDES W123 COUPE, 230CE 240D 280CE, DIESEL, MANUAL, LEATHER | eBay

That do ya?

1 cylinder shot though

 

[Deleted member 11979]

MERCEDES W123 COUPE, 230CE 240D 280CE, DIESEL, MANUAL, LEATHER | eBay

That do ya?

1 cylinder short though

 

[ChasesDragons]

Hello guys, thanks to all who replied. In order;

Jay - Yup, there used to be a time that these were knocked out on a regular basis. A few fingers point to an obscure garage/wizard in Dublin, but no further details. They apparently didnt just use Merc donors, they had used Nissan units too.

V12 - Good point. It is a mix of fuel saving and not ever wanting to drive a jelly mould again. I do a daily 75-80 mile RT and at least one 110mile trip....There must be a way......

Bluebird - That would be poor Nigel Ball, he has already got two of my projects crammed into his schedule (a W114 OM605 conversion and a CLK convertible getting an OM606 conversion). At this stage he has been battling with these for about 18 months. I need to look for someone else to ease the pressue on Nigel and also get at least one car on the road before I have to sell my 180k 330D.

Grober - I had been warned off LPG conversions on these cars....something about MBs of this age being very fussy about LPG? I hope I am not imagining stuff, but I thought we might need multipoint and some kind of a custom management like Megasquirt or ummm dammit cannot remmember the other one, Megajolt?? I will gladly pick this up and run with it, if it will keep me on the road without resorting to robbing grannies for sustinance.

Calvin - Thank you mate, but I chucked this one off the list as I heard the OM616 doesnt give me more than about 30mpg and even that is a frought adventure on modern roads.

What do you think people? Any advice appreciated. I NEED a motor on the road, and I back V12's advice in needing something that wont cost the earth.

Does anyone really think LPG is a trustworthy system IN a W123?..especially a shexxy CE, as dangled by Calvin?

Warmest Regards

 

[Deleted member 11979]

There is a guy here in Devon called Nigel who does plenty of diesel engine conversions for Mercs of this era, I would bet he did the W123 that I linked to as the guy who owns it has had plenty done, even putting a 2.5 na diesel into an R129!

If you need Nigel's telephone number then Rob Parker from 3 pointed parts will pass it on, Google threepointedparts and that will give you Robs number, both are really decent chaps, if not a little way away from you.

 

[ChasesDragons]

I am aware of Nigel and Rob. Nigel is sorting out two projects for me at this time, but the cars are going to be a while before they get into my hands.
​

So I am looking for any other choices who may be able to do me a W123 om605 tout suite.

 

[a111r]

Did you make any progress with the conversion yet?
If so, do tell!

 

[Chris Merc E320]

Try calling John at South West Mercedes - sound chap, straight talker - may have what you need 07899801373 based in Gloucester, has helped me on several occasions.

 

[grober]

The thing with diesel is --its expensive fuel--- and likely to stay that way while the bulk of motorists use it--- the chancellor has to have his revenue stream somehow. The single point LPG systems can be problematic with jetronic injection systems-- with backfire problems but are very cheap and easy to install as a DIY. Far better are the newer multipoint systems complete with their own engine management system. They do need a good pro shop to install and calibrate them but should be fine afterwards . Thing I like about LPG [apart from the tank in the boot ] is they keep the running characteristics of a petrol engine. Stick a diesel engine in a petrol engined car and you immediately have a more nose heavy car with different driving characteristics-- to compensate for this you are of course going to uprate the front suspension and brakes in addition to slotting in an engine aren't you?
There might be a problem with valve seat recession with LPG particularly if your car was originally designed for leaded fuel. However you could probably keep this check by occasionally running on petrol with a suitable additive in the petrol tank.

 

[ChasesDragons]

Gentlemen,
First of all, please accept my apologies for not replying to any of your (very) helpful messages. I forgot to set the reply flag on this forum and consequently assumed no one was interested or able to assist any further. :fail

Chris merc 320, thank you, I will chase up John. Which brings us to;

I am still waiting for any movement from Nigel on my W114 conversion. I am desperately worried that the car might be deteriorating while in storage, waiting in queue for so long. I await.

I was interested in getting a solid, fuel efficient high mile capable Merc to cope with my 90+ mile daily commute. Not really a speed demon, but comfort and reliability rules. As fate would have it I sold my BMW330D for a pittance and dropped on a 166,000 mile 190D 2.5 which could best be described as a shed.

I am going to play with it for a month or so, see if Nigel does manage to get the W114 dream up and running. If not, I might look at contacting John re a 2.5D W123 CE.

WATCH THIS SPACE. At the end of the day, it seems non-sense to pour money into a W123 conversion as well as a W114 when I want to save the £!

Re fuel costs - I have access to biodiesel, I save about 70 per month on it, which adds up to justify an engine conversion in my warped mind!!

 

[jaymanek]

Do you mind if I ask how is Nigel to deal with?

I have been trying to speak to him about the V8 G Wagon I now own (he converted) but doesnt seem to want to return emails or calls.

Cheers

Jay

 

[ChasesDragons]

Hi Jay,
immensely knowledgeable, hates diesels, loves petrols. He has always been prompt in comes but obviously my job is still stuck in a queue so nothing for me to talk to him about.

I remember him talking a lot about V8 Gs. So it must be one of his fortes?

let me know how you get on pls?

regards
u

 

[jaymanek]

Yes I will do... from the sounds of it I might be in for a wait!

 

[74merc]

Hi, there are at least 2 garages in Dublin that do this sort of conversion. The main one I think is called the Waterfall Motor Company in Fairview, the other is a place called Rory's Mercedes. I did consider getting a W114 converted to an OM603 by Waterfall, they could do it in a weekend! I drove a converted W111 which went surprisingly well and the conversion looked very neat and tidy. I think they converted a lot of W126s for taxi duty in Dublin. I can't comment on Rory's Mercedes but I know they did a lot of taxis as well.

 

[ChasesDragons]

Jay,
I had an email exchange with him yesterday, he is asking if you could recontact as he has not had any emails or messages off you for a while and something about W123 V8s?

74Merc, I have heard of a few garages in Ireland capable of these conversions, but this is the first time that someone has given out actual names. Precious info, Thank You.

Udhi

 

[jaymanek]

Hi,

Thanks yes ill get in contact with him regarding both things, I mainly wanted to speak to him about the G Wagen..