P38 OM606 CONVERSION
- Thread starter IG CSK
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funrover
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NOOOO!! don't do it!! 
myfirstl322
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Why on Earth would you want to slot a German engine into a Range Rover for, have you no compassion?
PMSL
PMSL
ifloochies
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Don't think any one has done it, but would love to see you do it....don't forget to attach loads and loads of photos
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What year is the P38 you are doing the conversion to? The later Thor should be easier as engine management and security was more of a cut and shut job. The earlier GEMS is tied into the BECM a lot more so I'd imagine will be trickier getting everything working again.
Biggest issue I can see is the sump clearing the harmonic damper, drag links and so forth.
Biggest issue I can see is the sump clearing the harmonic damper, drag links and so forth.
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Merc produces 174 BHP so does a chipped M51.
Did this ever go past the research stage? I have picked up an 1998 Mercedes W210 E300TD with the OM606 and 722.6 automatic gearbox. I picked it up on the cheap while I fix my daily, and I've decided I'd like to build up the engine to swap into something call. Having always wanted a P38, I think this is a potentially good candidate.
To do this, diesel pump UK sells adaptor plates to match the R380 transmission to the OM606.
174BHP is not the limit of the engine, as with a 7mm mechanical fuel pump built up from the W124 and with a hybrid turbo, reliable figures in the 400HP range can be achieved.
Some hiccups I can see being had are P38 being more electrically involved than a defender. This swap has been tried and tested with the defender, but I've only seen a short video from Finland on this swap being done on a P38. As mentioned before, the sump clearing
My aim is to verify this is feasible for the average have a go hero, then to buy a relatively alright P38, 4.0 petrol or 2.5 diesel and R380 convert it (based on thin pickings of factory manuals I can find on ebay - manual as standard of course being prefered). Meanwhile, I'll build up my E-class with the tastier turbo and pump. Once both are up and running, will try frankensteining the two together. I can't see this being done for much change from 10k including cost of the RR without anything major going wrong, but I also think that it'll make for a pretty capable and reliable car at the end.
Would be amazing if anyone has done any research on this since, particularly given how much easier DieselPumpsUK (not an ad!) appear to have made things like this in the last few years
To do this, diesel pump UK sells adaptor plates to match the R380 transmission to the OM606.
174BHP is not the limit of the engine, as with a 7mm mechanical fuel pump built up from the W124 and with a hybrid turbo, reliable figures in the 400HP range can be achieved.
Some hiccups I can see being had are P38 being more electrically involved than a defender. This swap has been tried and tested with the defender, but I've only seen a short video from Finland on this swap being done on a P38. As mentioned before, the sump clearing
My aim is to verify this is feasible for the average have a go hero, then to buy a relatively alright P38, 4.0 petrol or 2.5 diesel and R380 convert it (based on thin pickings of factory manuals I can find on ebay - manual as standard of course being prefered). Meanwhile, I'll build up my E-class with the tastier turbo and pump. Once both are up and running, will try frankensteining the two together. I can't see this being done for much change from 10k including cost of the RR without anything major going wrong, but I also think that it'll make for a pretty capable and reliable car at the end.
Would be amazing if anyone has done any research on this since, particularly given how much easier DieselPumpsUK (not an ad!) appear to have made things like this in the last few years
Henry_b
Think outside, no box required.
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I'm sure it's been done, a chap on another forum has mated the M57 into a P38 and everything works, not a cut and shut job.
The OM606 could go in I suppose but you have the issue of the R380 gearbox and it's limits..
I've fancied getting a 2.5 M51 P38 and seeing how much power I could get out of it.
The OM606 could go in I suppose but you have the issue of the R380 gearbox and it's limits..
I've fancied getting a 2.5 M51 P38 and seeing how much power I could get out of it.
Thanks for the quick reply, I think the torque can be limited on the mech fuel pump with some adjustment screws, and I'm waiting on a call back from Ashcroft transmissions to see what can be done with the R380 and what the limits to any strengthening would be. I'll do some research into the M57 too, I might find some carry over advice. As and when I learn more I'll post updates
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Might do better dropping it in an old G-wagon if you can find one with a blown engine.
R380 should take the Torque, I think. It can take 380nm after all.
R380 should take the Torque, I think. It can take 380nm after all.
RangeRoller dt
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Diesel can push out a bit if fettled. They race M51 touring cars afterall.
If it fits In Defender likely sump may clear the p38 is the same sort of H-frame chassis and live axles
If it fits In Defender likely sump may clear the p38 is the same sort of H-frame chassis and live axles
RovyCouple
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get turners to do you a serious chip on the 2.5 dse and it is a fantastic motor.
Henry_b
Think outside, no box required.
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I'd stick with the M51 no sense spending 8k plus adding another slow diesel to the P38..
I would disagree that the om606 with an hx35 is a slow diesel, based on the superturbo diesels on the youtubes - although I don't know how limiting torque to 400 ish will affect this, it might well exacerbate the lag. I think I'd need to try one out in a similarly heavy car
But also it's my intention to build up the engine while it is in the e class and do the gearbox swap and bigger intercooler add in the running rangey, so I could always chip tune it while I'm at that stage. The om606 could be held back for something else (I'd really liked the idea of a bagged W123).
But also it's my intention to build up the engine while it is in the e class and do the gearbox swap and bigger intercooler add in the running rangey, so I could always chip tune it while I'm at that stage. The om606 could be held back for something else (I'd really liked the idea of a bagged W123).
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You are living in a land of dreams.
myfirstl322
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You said that to the chap who wanted to 'stick' (get it?) a manual box in his L322,
you cheeky reverse psychologist you.
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I can understand someone fitting a M51 and manual box in a Gems car. All you need to do is change BECM settings and looms. But an engine the systems can't talk to would be a total pain in the arse.You said that to the chap who wanted to 'stick' (get it?) a manual box in his L322,
you cheeky reverse psychologist you.
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myfirstl322
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Yep a typo corrected it.Can't Shirley?
lol
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