NoRotors.com - RX7 Engine Swap Forum
Off-Topic => The Lounge => Topic started by: WannaBeFast on October 19, 2012, 05:51:59 PM
-
I am putting this on the lounge because it does not parte an Rx7.
Long story short - my brother has a 300E that he doesn't want to get rid of and wants a truck engine inside.
Since I have not found a specific swap kit out there - can we use a front engine plate like this one:
http://www.jegs.com/i/Competition+Engineering/247/3995/10002/-1 (http://www.jegs.com/i/Competition+Engineering/247/3995/10002/-1)
Good enough? - any opinions - or idears would be much appreciated.
Also - as a sub-issue whats the best place to source a GTO oil pan?
-
I say good enough! Do that with a stout tranny x-member.
partstaxi.com for GTO oil pan.... I'm sure it aint cheap but they have them, Autozone also carries fbody oil pans for cheap, they might carry GTO ones.
-
I looked into swapping an LS motor into an old '74 450SL and the main issue is the steering and front frame would need to be chopped off and a Mustang2 style front end/steering be installed. They have quirky oil pans on the Benz engines and swapping something else in won't be an easy task.
-
By looking at it I figured the GTO pan would fit. My main concern is if the engine would go low enough for the transmission to fit in the tunnel.
I 'll have take some measurements soon, and I'll update the post.
-
Ok, I might be able to offer a little info here. I'm finishing up the last details of putting a TPI engine into an '82 300SD. I kept the rear sump pan, but had to cut and reweld it a lot, and removed the stock Mercedes steering damper as well. I've gotten conflicting advice on whether the steering damper is needed, and haven't had a chance to drive it at highway speeds yet.
As far as the GTO pan goes, it might work, I've looked at the idea of putting a front sump pan on mine, but you might have to modify the cross member, I don't know how different the 300E is from mine. I didn't have to modify the cross member on mine, but wish I would have, pan clearance is tighter than I'd like.
As for the trans tunnel, I had to cut and widen it 2" on the passenger side, and it's still pretty tight on both sides.
Everything about the swap has been a real challenge, from the trans tunnel, to the shift linkage, to the Benz electronic speedo, to the air intake routing, to the exhaust routing, yada yada yada. I designed and built everything on mine, and it's been a long and technically demanding project. Mercedes electrical systems are pretty damn complex, and I don't consider a swap done until every gauge and accessory works properly.
Like GNX7 says, not an easy swap at all, although my initial test drives are very encouraging, looks like it'll be a fun, nice driving car. Kinda like a luxury muscle car.
Unless you have access to plenty of power tools (I used my bridgeport mill, lathe, mig welder, and 2-post lift a bunch!) and pretty darn strong fabricating skills, I'd advise not doing it. A typical LS/RX7 swap is a LOT more straightforward.
-
Great info - thank you. Post some pics if you can. I 'd love to see so I can compare.
-
My lift is tied up with a friend's car for the next few days, but as soon as I can put the Benz back on the lift, I'll take some photos so you can see exhaust, engine / trans mounts, etc. I've actually been thinking it was time to take a bunch of photos since it's basically done, and I want to take some photos before everything gets dirty from driving it.
It'll probably be near the end of this week before I can get photos posted up.