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OM603 swap here we go!

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Locked up
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OM603 swap here we go!

Post#1 » Thu Feb 20, 2014 11:36 pm

Thought I'd start my very own OM603 swap thread. I'm not new to engine swaps, I've completed an OM617 into my old 460, also converted a lot of Vanagon's to Subaru and also TDI power. This conversion seems fairly straight forward since it uses factory parts and the engines mate without an adapter.
Started off by picking up an 87 300D with 155k, it recently had it's turbo and exhaust replaced by the dealer. Got it cheap due to being involved in a side swipe hit and run. Found it on the craig list.
I was able to drive the 300D a little so I know what I'm getting.

So I'm putting this sweet engine into my 92 300GE.
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Part collecting started with motor mounts, A/C bracket, and the front additional serpentine belt idler from Guido. ( Thanks Guido ). I also decided to upgrade the water pump, so I picked that up from 4x4 club ( thanks Vlad )

Here's the first challenge: The thermostat housing has an additional bleeder hole that does not correspond to my 603 block. I think I'm going to just weld it shut unless I hear different from anyone here. It's wide open. Pics of the original and the new housing side by side:
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front pic shows the bleeder hole...
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I'm wondering if the 350 block is different?

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inkblotz
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Re: OM603 swap here we go!

Post#2 » Fri Feb 21, 2014 4:44 am

Looking forward to seeing how it goes for you.
RE the bleeder hole yes plug it.

Mark

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diesel_jim
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Re: OM603 swap here we go!

Post#3 » Fri Feb 21, 2014 7:23 am

Good luck, I'll be watching this closely in anticipation of doing an engine swap on my 460.

Adoni
Posts: 329

Re: OM603 swap here we go!

Post#4 » Fri Feb 21, 2014 10:53 am

Curious as to why you would do a 603 conversion as opposed to a 606 conversion? 603 has had it's detractors whereas a 606 with a 603 IP seems to be very reliable. You might even be able to keep the IP from the 606 in a '92 MY truck.

hus55
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Re: OM603 swap here we go!

Post#5 » Fri Feb 21, 2014 2:28 pm

looking forward to this !

goodluck..

rgds hus

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Re: OM603 swap here we go!

Post#6 » Fri Feb 21, 2014 10:39 pm

Why not just tap it and put a plug in.


That's exactly what I did today!

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offroad-world
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Re: OM603 swap here we go!

Post#7 » Fri Feb 21, 2014 10:50 pm

i think 603a is the better way , it is easier to convert and not that much expensive and enough power .

mfg. guido .

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inkblotz
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Re: OM603 swap here we go!

Post#8 » Sat Feb 22, 2014 3:43 am

Very happy with the power the 603A gives me and this is in stock factory settings.

Mark

Suppatime
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Re: OM603 swap here we go!

Post#9 » Sat Feb 22, 2014 12:28 pm

inkblotz wrote:Very happy with the power the 603A gives me and this is in stock factory settings.

Mark



Mark, what kind of power / economy are you getting with your 603A? Always curious about other boxes in the 460 chassis... my only experience has been with the 617 and 617A.

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inkblotz
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Re: OM603 swap here we go!

Post#10 » Sat Feb 22, 2014 1:59 pm

Suppatime wrote:
inkblotz wrote:Very happy with the power the 603A gives me and this is in stock factory settings.

Mark



Mark, what kind of power / economy are you getting with your 603A? Always curious about other boxes in the 460 chassis... my only experience has been with the 617 and 617A.


About 22-24mpg.

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