BeachCreature

Hey all,
I am very interested in doing an MB OM603 (6 cyl turbo diesel) conversion to my 1999 Classic and have some thoughts and questions. I already have the engine in my current d/d - a 1990 300D of which I transplanted the 603 into when the 602 failed.
So, first off, anyone have any knowledge as to the fitment of the 603 into an XJ? I know the 5 cyl 617 engine seems to be the popular diesel choice but man I really love my 6 cylinder!!!
Second, I have no use for 4WD where I am so that stuff would be coming out, replacing the front drive axle with a straight 2WD axle. I figure the straight axle would be easier to work around or modify with that front-sump engine not to mention the weight savings - any thoughts there?
Lastly, my preference would be to adapt a 700R4 trans to the Benz engine since kits are readily available to do so - does anyone make an adaptor for the AW4? And, if I go with the 700R4, how do I get the speedo to work? I seem to recall reading that the pulses are different between GM and Jeep vehicle speed sensors.
I guess that's all for know. Thanks in advance for any info.
Martin

Kris smith

Good choice I love the 603 I have a 617 in my dd an 81 300td and it's a dog with that 722.3 behind it. A 700r4 would work if you adapt it of you gunna stay 2wd it should be fine. I think (not sure ) but the xj interior the older style looks like old s10 interior maybe get a cluster from a s10 that has the 700r4 in it ? I think the extra power in the 603 is going to be very nice. My car and jeep weight close to the same if the jeep isn't more. And the car is slow and always running warm. I live in the hills. Every 603 I've driven has had enough power to move the car efficiently. If you have the 603 and the 700r4 do it. Won't go wrong. I'd choose the 603 anyday over any other Benz OM. I'm a dealer tech and we see almost no 603 with issues or 617s but the power to weight ratio is better than with te 617

andrewmp6

Have you been to http://www.4btswaps.com/forum/forum.php they are diesel swaps in anything they would know better then us.

BeachCreature

Thanks,
Yeah, been to 4BTswaps and Diesel Bombers but haven't seen much there, either, regarding the OM603 as a swap. Anyone else???

BeachCreature

Well, I did manage to find a company (Dakota Digital) that sells the requisite 8k pulse generator that fits on the 700R4. If I am correct it seems kind of strange how they used an inductive type VSS sensor on the t/c if 4WD but if 2WD they used a hall-effect sensor on the tranny. Maybe all manufacturers do this? Anyway, one hurdle cleared but still looking for advice regarding the OM603.
Thanks