230 TE cosworth?

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1989 230TE, 1990 Skoda Rapid 136, 1983 Fiat 127
Hello everyone,
I am looking at purchasing a merc 230te (1985ish) as a run about/ work horse but I don't think I can deal with having such limited power!
My current car is a bmw 635 and that has plenty!
Has anyone tried putting a 2.3-16 engine from a 190 in there? Are the gearboxes similar or am I just being silly?! (On a manual)
I look forward to your response!!
Barclay H
 

jibcl500

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Its doable and I have have the same thoughts myself, I think the 2.5 would be a better option.
The 2.3 is the same bottom end as the 230 engine, the box would need to be changed, the electrics I would think will be the hard part as will the exhaust.
Personally I think it would be a lot easier just to buy a 300te as the power between the two wouldnt be much.
jib
 

Bolide

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Buy a 300TE, a 300TE-24 valve, an E280 or an E320. It's not like you're short of options for engines with more power & torque

If you like driving like your trousers are on fire buy a 300TE-24 valve. If you just want wafty & quick buy an E320

Nick Froome
www.w124.co.uk
 
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Barcs

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1989 230TE, 1990 Skoda Rapid 136, 1983 Fiat 127
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Hmm, I can see where your coming from but the economy will be a lot higher on a bigger capacity engine such as the 3 litre. Also the E series mercedes do not appeal to me. Not my style. Pre 90's please! :)
If the bottom end is the same on the 230 as the cosworth then surely I could pop a cosworth head on the top of an engine and fiddle the ecu (if there is one..?) ....?
 

ig_Al_300te

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'90 209k W124 300TE on LPG
Ive got a 300te 1990 200k and it goes like the clappers 125+ all day long (and there was still more in her) just gotta watch out for the boys in blue!

Loads out there just gotta find em!

Hope this helps

Alex.
 

jibcl500

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Personally if I was going to that much effort I would consider something special, I would consider a W140 S500 5.0 V8 but then the steering box gets in the way, poss a Rover 3.5,3.9 or 4.2 V8 with SD1 auto box but I think the steering requires a complete replacement to an alternative config.
OR a Porsche 928 V8 with auto box but I think from memory the auto box on the 928 is on the rear axle or did I dream that.
Failing that keep the car as is and buy a 911 and have some proper fun.
jib
 

Mercedes 190E

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Personally if I was going to that much effort I would consider something special, I would consider a W140 S500 5.0 V8 but then the steering box gets in the way, poss a Rover 3.5,3.9 or 4.2 V8 with SD1 auto box but I think the steering requires a complete replacement to an alternative config.
OR a Porsche 928 V8 with auto box but I think from memory the auto box on the 928 is on the rear axle or did I dream that.
Failing that keep the car as is and buy a 911 and have some proper fun.
jib

You didnt dream it jib-the gearbox is at the back on the 928, as it is on my 924's-in one casting with the final drive.
 

jibcl500

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You didnt dream it jib-the gearbox is at the back on the 928, as it is on my 924's-in one casting with the final drive.

Thanks for that!!! I did consider becoming a Porsche specialist I might still do it as I will have another 911 one day.

jib
 
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Barcs

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Now that would be interesting, I have done various engine swaps before but nothing that extravagant. The fuel economy would just be too much though.

I am trying to find a compromise between speed and fuel economy with 7 seats.
A tall order I know!!
 


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