Thread: Source of OM 617?

Why not something Japanese? They are cheaper to rebuild.

4JB1-T will do the job

If I'm going to bother changing the engine I do want an upgrade, the Isuzu donk is a slug by the sounds.

The Merc is a decent jump in power/torque.
They also go forever and a kit appears to be available for fitting.

I know they are dear to rebuild but if I get a good one it should be a bloody long time before it needs it!

The OM 617 was a non turbo 5 pot, they sounded ok but were nothing to talk home about... I think you'd be disappointed with the power output you'd get for all the money spent... Any reason you are not considering the Tdi, which nearly bolts straight in.... and then goes very well is a series vehicle.....

Wasn't the torque curve of the OM Merc all wrong for a 4x4 ?

I agree, a Tdi would suit a Series really well, dare I say much better than they suit a 110/130

What sort of cost am I looking at for a good TDI?
That was my other option.

I've only driven the OM617 in a Merc....but it wasn't fast.
Bulletproof reliable slugger but the TDi Disco I drove had better accelleration...

Anywhere between $500 and $1800. I was lucky with mine at $250. Right place at the right time!! There's a Td5 on Gumtree at the mo for $1200... The gearbox to match is prob there too. The constant 4x4 boxes work fine in the Series vehicles, if retaining the original uj's in the front axle, you only feel light kick in 1st gear on full lock. Ran one for many years in the UK, and am building another Tdi shorty as we speak!!!

Try this mob for a few ideas...

Land Rover conversions - M&D Engineering

Matt.