Has anybody used, seen, smelled these kits (http://www.4x4labs.com/diesel.html)? I'm very interested to know what they cost, what comes with them, and (subjective opinion, of course!) if they're worth the money.

Email to the company has gone unanswered so far, so don't tell me to "email them and ask". :rolleyes:

I've done a little looking around, and OM 617a engines look like really nice units. They seem to be available pretty cheap, too, which is a nice bonus.

Otherwise, does anybody know of any successful OM617 conversions without the kit? I'm wondering how easy it would be if the kit turns out to be severely expensive.

i dont know personally of anybody running there conversion, but i can tell you that this is a nice engine, it will rev, and is smooth running , you should do a search on this board as i believe there were a few discussions not too long ago with some folks who have done the swap.

Like most small 4x4 shops, they probably have some trouble keeping up with email. Give them a call.

I have no first hand experince with this swap, but I have done a bit or work on 220 and 300 Benz Diesels and they a great engine.

Years and years ago I stared I thread on the LCML about doing this and all of the know it all "regulars" said that it was not a great idea as the motor was underpowered because Cruisers are too heavy. I ended it there thinking that if I had to tell someone that a MB 300TD was not lightweigt car that there was no point in discussing it. Vehicle size and weight are comparable if you compare what a Cruiser really wieghs. Lots of Cruiser heads like to go around and tell poeple that their FJ55 rolls down the road at 7500 pounds. rolleyes:

The one that I worked on had over 500K on it and still ran OK. There is also a great support mechanism out there for getting parts and information...

If you consider the options for a diesel repower of a Land Cruiser, it's a great motor to keep in mind. Could be used with a stock MB automatic (great unit) and a divorced NP200 transfercase from a Power Wagon. This would allow the use of the stock Cruiser off set rear.

Where I live, Diesel costs more than super so it's not a great value to me. Gearing is also critical for a TD swap.

-Stumbaugh:

Hmm. I've done a few searches now, but haven't come up with anybody who's actually done the swap yet. Or at least, no threads about it.

This really looks like a killer setup. I want more info! I wish I were closer to California, so I could take a weekend to go visit those guys. I'll try to call them in the next day or two, and I'll report back here with whatever information I can find out.

They just moved into a new location a week ago and are still getting everything put away. If you really want to know just give them a call. I have never talked to Allan, but Luke is a really nice guy. I am buying two of their rollcages on Wednesday. Also I think that Allan goes by fj junkie on this board.
-Brian

This is Lukes baby, so talk to him. Alan doesnt know shit about diesels:rolleyes: Yes, they just moved and are having some problems with the DSL at the new shop - please be patient; they have a lot of new toys to play with:smokin:

thanks for your interest in our benzo swap kit . the kit is almost done . we have been slowed down on the project because of our move to a new larger facility . as for pricing we still cant answer that question . the kit will include bellhousing adapter, flywheel ,
pilot bushing .
the kit will use a large gm clutch and pressure plate and stock gm bellhousing . it should be a sweet set up ..

sorry we havnt answered our email for the last few days , our dsl is still down from the move .
sometimes it gets hard to answer email when you work 14-16 hours a day , i'll try harder :flipoff2:

alan@4x4labs

Originally posted by KrustyKruiser
Alan doesnt know shit about diesels:rolleyes:

i know that my old cummins had more tourqe than any gasser on the trail , i know that they can burn french fry grease , jet fuel , paint thinner, and damn near anything you willing to try . oh yeah they love nitros oxide and propane injection ... ya limey bastage

let's see, i have a 300td and a fj-60 sitting in my driveway. i wonder if the wife will notice if her engine is missing?

this would be a great swap if set up right. i love the motor in my 300td and the parts for it are not that bad as far as price. go to www.mbz.org and talk to rusty if anybody needs replacement parts.

dave

When time allows put togehter a write up for the POR board. I also have both a Benz and cruisers and am interested in this conversion. Or please just send me some info.
slacker@bendnet.com

Originally posted by fj junkie
sorry we havnt answered our email for the last few days , our dsl is still down from the move.
sometimes it gets hard to answer email when you work 14-16 hours a day , i'll try harder :flipoff2:
Oh, sure, a likely story. :flipoff2: I'll be patient... It might kill me, but I'll give it a go... :D

So with a GM bellhousing, and clutch, I guess I'd best be on the lookout for a nice GM tranny, and the adapter to mate it to my 4spd t-case. Lessin' I can find a D18 with crawler gears at the Pull-n-Save, of course. :smokin:

Alex

Originally posted by fj junkie
thanks for your interest in our benz swap kit . the kit is almost done . we have been slowed down on the project because of our move to a new larger facility . as for pricing we still cant answer that question . the kit will include bellhousing adapter, flywheel ,
pilot bushing .
the kit will use a large gm clutch and pressure plate and stock gm bellhousing . it should be a sweet set up ..

sorry we havnt answered our email for the last few days , our dsl is still down from the move .
sometimes it gets hard to answer email when you work 14-16 hours a day , i'll try harder :flipoff2:

alan@4x4labs
.................................................. ....
*****
Anybody hear if the adapters ever became available or did the project get shelved?

Mostly curious

bennett

What are the specs on these motors? Once my 2F gets too tired, I'll be looking for a new powerplant. :D

Originally posted by reorx
What are the specs on these motors? Once my 2F gets too tired, I'll be looking for a new powerplant. :D

Go here...sounds like the Merc 300td might be a dog in a cruiser

http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&postid=1125957#post1125957

I spoke to a few people about this after hearing of Alan and Luke's project. I think the stock output is around 110 HP and about 170 ft/lbs of torque? The HP might be higher but I think my torque guess is generous. Supposely they can be tweaked... There is a Benz forum out there (Bennett, you have the link by any chance?) similar to this but diesel benz nuts, and a bunch of guys have some mods going into them. Mostly intercooler mods and that sort, nothing too drastic. But simply turning up the juice and wastegate mods supposedly compromises their longevity on an otherwise supposedly long running engine. I really like the idea of a turbo 5 cyl though. I think it would be sweet in a 40 with top removed, or maybe with some minor tweaking. They are also smooth and quiet with very high RPMs, I think more than a 2F! And great milage too, indirect injected.

There is also supposedly a company in South Africa that produces a bellhousing for the benz to Land Cruiser 4 speed. Bennett have that link either?

Bennett, here's some picts of the T-5 at your buddy's shop...
http://www.collegeinternetsolutions.com/cisautoweb/dtlc/merc300td.html

Dont forget about adding propane injection - that achieves HP and efficiency (depending on the ratio added).

back from the dead post file....

Just wondering if anyone ever heard if 4x4 Labs ever finished that Mercedes kit?

Maybe check here:

http://4x4labs.newmythology.org/viewforum.php?f=6

Holy 2 1/2 year old post!

Email luke
luke@4x4labs.com

I think he's been knee deep in hy-steer arms

back from the dead post file....

Just wondering if anyone ever heard if 4x4 Labs ever finished that Mercedes kit?

That Merc. TD kit sounds like a dead fish. Everbody asks the same question and nobody has heard anything.

I'm still working on that Isuzu 4BD swap, it got placed on the back-burner for quite a few months. As you know I've got a business sourced that will make the adapter, It'll run $400, plus the AA adapter for the Dodge NV4500 to cruiser transfer. I found a 4BD locally that had the turbo grenade, and it's been in the weeds for the last 10 years, I can buy it really cheap, but I spent alot of this last weekend on the net, and made a shitload of calls today trying to find a rebuild kit for it.

The 4BD is a wet sleeve, so other than the head, a rebuild should be an easy job. And right now I feel I'm better off rebuilding over buying a used 300K mile motor for $2G. So that's what I'm working on, when I get everything lined up and installed I'll post it up....sorry it's taking so long.