308d (non-turbo) Engine Upgrade

[kev90]

Hello all,

I have recently purchased a 1998 308d (non-turbo) Sprinter, that was already converted into a campervan.

The camper conversion has been done really well and the only thing that lets the vehicle down is the current engine.

I would like to upgrade the engine but do not know where to start, or if it is feasible. Does anyone know how complicated it is to fit a 311, 314 or 316 CDI engine in it?

The 308 engine is actually in really good shape, just not man enough for the job in hand. My technical abilities are limited, so I would ideally be looking for someone to supply an engine (recon or from total loss), part ex the 308d, and fit the replacement one for me.

I have searched the internet, but cannot find anyone advertsing such a service, so in summary, I guess my questions are:

1) Is it feasible?
2) Which engines would work?
3) Who could I get to do the work (I am in Devon, but would be willing to look nationally)
4) Roughly how much is it likley to cost?
5) Given the choice of engines (if feasible), which one!?

Lots of questions... any help or pointers would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance

Kev

 

[kev90]

Thinking logically about this, I guess it may be easier to install a 312D engine in place of the 308D. Does anyone know if the 312D is much better in terms of power than the 308D? Is it likley to be an easier installation?

Thanks again

Kev

 

[Hibbo]

I don't know anything about Merc vans, but I was under the impression that the model number refers to the size of the van and not the engine size.

I am guessing that yours has the 2.9 5cyl om602 engine? If so, I would imagine that it wouldn't be overly difficult to replace it with the turbo version of the engine that was also available in the same van. (you can't just bolt a turbo on as the engine internals are different - well you could, but it wouldn't last long!)

 

[Cnics]

The first number (2 3 or 4) refers to the weight. 2 being 2.8 tonnes 3 being 3.5 tonnes and 4 being 4.6tonnes. the 4 series had a twin wheeled back axle.

the other 2 numbers refer to the output of the engine. 08 being around 80bhp 10 being around 100 etc etc. I thought the 310 and 312 were the same engine but used the management to adjust its output. and the 308 was a totally different kettle of fish. I may be wrong, i drive the newer CDI model.

 

[mister_cee333]

I think the pre cdi 310 shared the same engine as the 308 but the 310 was turbo'd and produced around 100bhp against the 80 or so from the 308. The 312 was a different, bigger engine. If I'm right then it's probably easier and cheaper to modify yours to a 310 rather than to a 312 or a cdi because,in theory, you only need to add and modify a few bits and pieces.

Another thing to consider is that the rear axle differential ratio may be different from the higher output vans, which is the case with the post cdi vans. So you would end up with a more powerful van but it would still be growly at high speeds.

 

[kev90]

This is getting more interesting by the minute. So conversion to a pre-CDI 100HP engine (310d) is likely to be easier job as the output shaft / fly wheel etc will be the same, so it should just be a case of whipping one out and installing the other.

I guess I need to source some technical diagrams for the various models / engine configurations, so that I can see which components are shared by which engines, to work out what is likely to be easiest to install.

Can anyone with a pre-CDI 310 shed any lights on the performance of the engine? Does it struggle up hills (mine drops to 50-60 on motorway hills).

Thanks again

Kev

 

[mister_cee333]

It would appear I've steered you in the wrong direction. I now believe the 310 shared the same 2.9 litre engine as the 312, but the 308 had a smaller (2.3 litre?) engine. Please accept my sincere apologies and ignore my earlier post.

 

[Hibbo]

Right after educating myself at www.detali.ru I know that your van has the 2.3 4cyl om601.943 engine which produces a measly 79HP. The 310 and 312 both use the 2.9 5cyl turbo om602.980, but in different states of tune, producing 102 and 122hp respectively.

I am guessing that the chassis of the 3xx vans are the same so it should be a straightforward(ish) swap to fit the 602 from a 312. You'd need at least the wiring loom and front exhaust section.

God I'm sad!

 

[kev90]

I returned home from holiday and checked my vehicles specs, so was about to post that is it actually only 2.3 litre!.

No need to apologise; I should have known this already!

As such, I think that heading in the direction of the 122HP 2.9 5Cyl diesel will be a marked improvement. All I need to do now is find one, someone to fit it, and someone to supply all of the other gubbins I will need.

Can anyone recommend a good supplier of parts for Sprinters?

Kev

 

[kev90]

Also, is that website in Russian? Is there anyway to get it into English. I am trying to work out if the 308D and 312D have the same gearbox, differential ratios etc.

Thanks again

Kev

 

[motter]

progress??? any made?

heh there.

I'm actaully looking at buying my first van and applying some bangereconmics to it.

Yeah I'm thinking of buying a banger for a camper conversion 308D 1989, cheap needs some body work and was thinking of spares for the beasty and what models I could scavanage them off.

For a van this old what would be the first things to look for body wise so I know what to walk away from. What could I expect to go on a van this old and how much would it cost for these items to go.

first post so hi to all.....

 

[Superscot15]

308d 2.3 -> TURBO???

I've got a 308d 2.3 myself and find it pretty gutless on the hills, it's a camper too.

I was wondering if the turbo kit from a later model could be fitted to give it a bit more grunt?

If so, anybody know who can do it?
Any ideas of cost, time etc?

Any help appreciated.

 

[Sparky308]

I've got a 308d 2.3 too and find it pretty gutless on the hills, it's a standard panel van.

I was also wondering the same as Superscot15 if the turbo kit from a later model could be fitted to give it a bit more grunt or change engine for one from a 310 ?

If so, what would adding a turbo entail ?
would an engine transplant be straight fit onto 308 gearbox ?

Any feedback is appreciated

 

[clarkmichigan55b]

Hello Sparky,

Anything is possible with in reason. You do not say if your vehicle is a sprinter, or the old T1 as in the picture. What ever the model it would be a time and money draining pit. I would sell the vehicle and purchase a more powerful van. The most important thing to remember is excellent bodywork.

Adrian.

 

[R59]

I thought of upgrading my 312's engine for one out of a 416CDI, but after looking at how much work I'd need to do, I canned it.

Got very close to chucking the diesel for a V8 out of a 500S-Class.

Finally got the 312 up and running again, so just got to get some bodywork prettied, a new MoT and off we go again.

 

[turbopete]

I don't know anything about Merc vans, but I was under the impression that the model number refers to the size of the van and not the engine size.

I am guessing that yours has the 2.9 5cyl om602 engine? If so, I would imagine that it wouldn't be overly difficult to replace it with the turbo version of the engine that was also available in the same van. (you can't just bolt a turbo on as the engine internals are different - well you could, but it wouldn't last long!)

diesels arent so bad to just bolt a turbo to, as they run high compression either way. its petrol engines you need to lower the compression on.

incidentally i once did a turbo conversion (bit of a bodge admittedly as my boss just threw parts in my direction and told me to make it fit!) on a 408d with the 2.9 (iirc) engine. it did work too! not easy to do, but it worked!