290gdt
I have decided to do an engine swap on my 460 230GE and am pretty settled on the 290td preferably the non electronic version (but they are like hens teeth). My interests lie in traveling to remote places so i'm looking for dependability and ease of maintainance as much as a bit more power. Just thought I'd check with everyone wether this was my only option particularly if I have to go electronic or if the 270cdi may not be a possibility. I want to stick with the 6.15 military gearbox if possible and not go auto . Reliability is very important and have heard the 270cdi is a bit tempramental,
though the canadian Gs seem to do ok. Would welcome any advice
thanks
Chris
Don't forget the Canadian Gs have constant access to mechanics - even in the middle of nowhee...
You might also consider a 300 TD engine. It has the added advantage of being a lot more forgiving of low grade fuels than the 270CDI - a distinct advantage if taking it to remote places
Not sure what your budget is - but there is a 461 fo sale at the moment at a very reasonable price (for what it is)
:D , For simplicity on an overland trip a 460 must be the way to go, ( electrics ) .
With the 290 sprinter engine it will be a fantastic motor .
Twodogs
isnt the starter on the opersite side of the gearbox on a 230GE than a derv ?
Twodogs
You're right twodogs but so is the 290 so its a straight swap.
Both the 290 and 230 were put in the 461 and used the same bell and clutch.
The Om 602 Sprinter engine bolts right into the 460 gearbox. Down here there are not many G wagons let alone diesel ones so before I started the conversion of my 230GE to a 290gt I made sure any OM602 engines were not problematic. here in NZ Sprinter Campervans using this engine are quite common and most are over 200.000 K now. Just make sure the donor engine does not have ABS etc The simpler Sprinter 312d the better. mine was from a 5 speed but as my 460 was Auto I had to buy a flex plate and TDC sender but it would be even easier were you to have a manual G wagon. And even wih 4.88 final drive I find geariing just fine in this hilly city I live in. The truck as it was was embarrassing to drive on steep hills. 2cv were passing me. Now for less fuel costs hills are not a problem.
All good stuff ,
cheers for the info
Twodogs
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Thanks for the Quick reply Maxwell, I hadn't considered the 300td as an option and went with the 290 because the german army use and abuse it.
The 270 cdi is probably just asking for trouble and I suspect would need an auto box for all that torque - but power is always tempting.
In really deep soft sand the manual 6.15 box is the answer.
I've already spoken to Tanex in NZ who's done the conversion and is very happy but I will explore the 300 engine. Does anyone have the torque figures?
Cheers
Chris
btw. I have a near mint 230 ge as the doner vehicle - it's only done 80,000m and lived in sloane square most of its life - so whilst a 461 would be tempting it's probably a bit out of my budget