Delica Canada | Mitsubishi Van Club

Ok as most of you regulars know, My engine id kaput. So it has been suggested I go with a Mercedes 300TD.

So I'm gunna let loose withh the following question, partly because I would like some opinions on what you think I should do, but mostly for the lively 'debate' I am sure my question is about to unleash.

So, what do YOU think I should do? Engine wise that is!!

The 300D is the most robust diesel for the money you can put in there.

In my opinion, you'll get 99.9% armchair web quarterbacks that will google 300D merc's and just pass on any information you can come across on yer own.

Neil on the board here did a 300 merc transplant into his Gwagon last year. He would be the first person I would contact and ask questions on here.

The other option which is what I would do is speak with some experienced Mercedes diesel mechanics about your proposed transplant.

I would leave out the physical transplant as you will be the first to do this to my knowledge and just ask them engine vs torque vs drivetrain compatibilty goes (trans/bellhousing).

Only going based on your pictures and an approximate weight ballpark, the 300D would be my first choice as I can pick one up for cheap and spend the bulk of the funds on the transplant itself and driveline modification parts req'd.

I've always been a fan of toyota trucks. Any chance of fitting a Hilux engine or something along those lines in it? Diesel and Japanese is always a bonus.

Only Toyo engine that is worth it is the 1HZ or 1HD-T but they are enormous.

The 300D is a strong engine that will run forever.

The Toyo hilux's are horrible. Even with the 3L head, still not a match for this beast.

If you can get a good low mileage 300D grab it.

jfarsang wrote:The Toyo hilux's are horrible. Even with the 3L head, still not a match for this beast.

In what sense?



(Grins...)

No contest between the hilux 2.4 engine that cracks and the world known bulletproof 300D mercedes

The top gear episode is awesome.

Interesting.

I have owned a Hilux, but not the cheezzy kind with the disposable 2LT, no, I had the 3L (2.8l) NA and it was a very reliable unit. Gutless though, and not horribly economic on fuel. I would hazard a guess that it could replace the existing 2.5 DSM diesel, but you would hardly notice the difference. perhaps more torque, but a lot less snap, and the exact same overall power at I believe 89HP. The new ones coming out have a 5L turbo that would be nice - perhaps similar to a mitsu 2.8.

I also happen to have a landcruiser with a 1hd-T. That would power your unit very handsomely. It is actually not that huge in my opinion. I had a Toyota truck that I swapped the 22RE 4cyl out and put in a 5mte (I think that is the number )I6 out of a Supra, and it fit very well. I just needed a 3" body lift to get it not to hit the fire wall. Also used an electric fan on the front of the rad. I currently have a Delica with a 2.4 gasser, and am very disappointed with the economy and power. If I can't tune it up better soon, I am considering some kind of swap, and I think an inline 6 would fit very nicely in there. There is all kinds of room to increase the length with the shroud the way it is.

If I could I would try to find a mitsubishi alternative. I know my dad has a swather with a turbodiesel from mitsubishi in it. Check out the industrial options, like forklifts and tractors. A nmber of companies got them from Mitsu and built good machines around them. This makes parts etc quite available through dealerships etc.

PS, the Landcruiser is for sale! (Family outgrew the beauty, hence the Delica, and hence my disappointment with the power)


I will try to look for a few model numbers etc. and get back if I find anything.

KSY

Only thing I would suggest, but you're probably already ahead of me, is definitely something bigger. The 2500cc is a great little engine, but it's exactly that: a little engine. Other than that, it got nothing else. I'm not going to dazzle you with my armchair-mechanic prowess, but I will admit I'll be interested to read about what you ARE going to do to get the monster rolling again

K-Factor wrote:Interesting.

I have owned a Hilux, but not the cheezzy kind with the disposable 2LT, no, I had the 3L (2.8l) NA and it was a very reliable unit. Gutless though, and not horribly economic on fuel. I would hazard a guess that it could replace the existing 2.5 DSM diesel, but you would hardly notice the difference. perhaps more torque, but a lot less snap, and the exact same overall power at I believe 89HP. The new ones coming out have a 5L turbo that would be nice - perhaps similar to a mitsu 2.8.

I also happen to have a landcruiser with a 1hd-T. That would power your unit very handsomely. It is actually not that huge in my opinion. I had a Toyota truck that I swapped the 22RE 4cyl out and put in a 5mte (I think that is the number )I6 out of a Supra, and it fit very well. I just needed a 3" body lift to get it not to hit the fire wall. Also used an electric fan on the front of the rad. I currently have a Delica with a 2.4 gasser, and am very disappointed with the economy and power. If I can't tune it up better soon, I am considering some kind of swap, and I think an inline 6 would fit very nicely in there. There is all kinds of room to increase the length with the shroud the way it is.

If I could I would try to find a mitsubishi alternative. I know my dad has a swather with a turbodiesel from mitsubishi in it. Check out the industrial options, like forklifts and tractors. A nmber of companies got them from Mitsu and built good machines around them. This makes parts etc quite available through dealerships etc.

PS, the Landcruiser is for sale! (Family outgrew the beauty, hence the Delica, and hence my disappointment with the power)


I will try to look for a few model numbers etc. and get back if I find anything.

KSY

send me a pm with your number pls

Looks like I'm gunna try and get a cantor engine.

Super Exceeded wrote:Looks like I'm gunna try and get a cantor engine.

What is that, like 4500cc?

mararmeisto wrote:

Super Exceeded wrote:Looks like I'm gunna try and get a cantor engine.

What is that, like 4500cc?

Ever seen a 6x6 smoke all 6 tires!!!

Beside the engine, what are your thoughts about the rest of the drive line? Which transmission are you going to use?