Hey everyone i am new here. I have been looking at several different engines (diesels) in the past month for a project that i am planning on doing. I am going to be building a rat rod. i am now looking for a smaller diesel motor, with 5 speed to put into the truck. I have neverdrove, owned, or even sat in a Benz so i need some help. All i know is that people directed me towards mercedes for a reliable affordable used diesel. They have given me a list of good motors though so i will post them.

240d non turbo
300d non turbo
300cd non turbo
300td non turbo (were the t is desinating wagon)

81-85 300sd turbo
86-86 300sdl turbo

87 300d/300td turbo (were the t is desinating wagon)

84-85 190d 2.2 non turbo
86-89 190d 2.5 non turbo
87 190d 2.5 turbo

now the reason for typing this up is for you to help me make my decision on what motor and trans to buy.

first here are some requirements of mine

between $500-1000 for motor trans and ecu
easy to wire up, easy to work on
get good mpg (28-40mpg)
have some decent numbers of torque and hp to haul around a truck that weighs about 1900lbs.

please tell me which one would be best for me in your opinion. sorry for it being such a long thread.

thanks zeth

 

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$$$ are your problem from your comments. Diesels don't die easy and most people spend the time and money to keep them on the road. So pickings are thin = higher prices. I personally would want one with the turbo early ones with out a turbo were not concidered power houses. Their are other diesels out their that are cheaper to buy but you would need an adapter plate to connect a tranny. that could easy equal your allotment for motor and tranny. Unless your lucky look at 4-5K for a cheap diesel set-up