G-Wagen: To modify or not to modify

[munga]

Darcy, yes there aren't many around but they are there. I know Nels in Standerton is busy with a conversion. Actually he rebuilt a really clapped out 300GD LWB and turned it into a desireable G. He is now busy with the engine. He replaced the diesel pump with one from a OM 603. I'm just waiting to see how successful he is and keep that in mind if I ever need to do that.
I have the Manual 5 speed box and the limiter will be myself. No electronics for me. At least not yet.

Have you looked at a 603 with a 606 head and no turbo? Rumour has it you can get it to work?

I am not keen to modify mine I am just interested in the Merc Diesel Family tree. I feel SA missed out not getting the 617A, 603A, 606 and 606A

[Riaan Harman]

You are at the right place to talk like that. The best resale value you get even today is a G that is as close to how it was built originally. And I think most of us here think like you do.

But 30 years on, the base model G has 140 odd Kw and those who have only 49 or 65 will consider a little foolishness. But I think the golden rule is that you dare not cut and weld.

For sure Andrew - Also less troubles along the way!

[Rolf Redecker]

There is also the financial aspect.
If you add the cost of making a modification work, you could just as well have bought the next better or more powerful model with much less stress.
For some reason I would possibly still tackle a conversion in future.

[Alan]

Hi Rolf, I agree and so would I but only after weighing up the options.
If you look at the conversions that Dirk did to Naeem and Tony's G's they are reasonably successful barring the gearbox issue that Tony has.

[Franna]

Not that I am interested in doing such mods, but mostly you guys speak of matching the gearbox with the engine. My question is: Isn't it important to match the gearbox and transfer case as well? Otherwise you can stick any engine in there and just get it's matching gearbox?

[Alan]

Franna, the transfer box is connected via a propshaft so it is easy to connect. The difficult part is the geabox onto the engine. Obviously it can be done with adapter plates but you have to get them first.

[Franna]

okey, so as long as you have a gearbox that works with the engine everything is doable. I was wondering, not to do this myself, but how do you think it would work to put a 290 into a short-wheel base. Do you think it would have more power, less fuel consumption...ect.
Not that I would want to do it, but do you think this might be possible without a lot of headaches?

[Leonard Hugo]

Franna, If you have a decently running 300d, it is not worth the effort to change it. If your budget and free time is not limited, then maybe.

Leonard

[Alan]

Franna,
The gearbox og your G won't do you would have to get a 230 gearbox abnd then I'm not too sure about ratios. Best to stick with what you have. You can play with tyres. ie larger to get more clearance and smaller to get better driveability. you just need to find the happy medium for you.

[Franna]

no, by all means. I wouldn't do it, or at least not now, one day when I'm filthy rich. Was just wondering about that. I thought if possible one day, it would be cool to see a 300 cdi short wheel base. Again, just out of interest. But I want to keep mine stock standard.