Rusty Driver
Posts: 182
Joined: Tue Apr 04, 2017 8:00 am
Re: stock or hotrod
A total rebuild kit for the 5 cyl is between $500 and $850 and includes the chains as well.
I am no authority on the Mercedes diesel but a quick internet study tells me it has a life of 250,00 to 400,000 miles before a rebuild is required. A rebuild kit for it from MBZ is $3600. I am sure you could find one cheaper than that as that seems excessive to me.
A used reman injector pump $1200 or so, a tranny adaptor $450 to $800. If you can't make the front oil sump fit you would need the aftermarket rear sump, I have no idea what that costs but they are available. All the prices are American dollars.
In my opinion the Chev 5 cylinder is not crazy powerful at 220 HP and 225 LB torque, The Mercedes is rated at 125 HP and 184 LB torque.
I am not slamming diesel engines, I currently own 6 trucks, skid loaders and tractors that are diesel powered. I love diesel engines and they have many advantages and some disadvantages as well. I have done more than one gas to diesel conversion as well and know some of the problems that can be encountered.
In the end the choice is yours based on what you are going to use the truck for. Original is nice! It's all up to you.