Originally Posted by
MLD
I'm not keen on any engine that does not have local support. That eliminates the OM606. They were not sold in Australia. Even finding parts for the OM605 that was sold here will be difficult (assuming there is compatibility).
I don't subscribe to the mechanical engine is better than ECU engine thing. Much easier for a mechanic to plug in a cable and read codes than to diagnose by process of elimination on a mechanical injection engine. And not all mechanics are trained in mechanical injection, which has the potential that the mechanic is muddling his way around your engine than having a clear idea what to look for. Considering that mechanical diesel injection was obsolete in most cars in the late 90's and only persisted into the 00's in some trucks. That's my opinion and worth no more than a pinch of salt.
With the MSA you will still need to sort out a suitable shifter mechanism to suit the box. Sheldon did a shifter and Noel (Ancient Mariner) cobbled something for his back in the day. Not many have mastered it. A mate has Sheldon's shifter and says it is unique and takes some getting used to. A divorced set up also takes some thinking about the hand brake cable (not much spare length in the factory cable to move the transfer back 200mm/300mm) and the transfer shifter in a divorced set up. not insurmountable but a little thing to add to the list.
I wish you all the best. it will make a great tourer if the project comes off.
