Turbo 616 powered Astro Van build

JB3

Superturbo

1,795

09-09-2011, 08:28 AM #47

(09-08-2011, 10:12 PM)srbsmartie Any more progress?
I have an 02 Astro passenger van that I want to swap an OM603/606/CDi into. What made you use the 616? Was it ease of packaging, or simply because you already had it?
I would like to use the MB 722.6 transmission if I can find one, I have a 4L60E in the van now but would like to just swap engine and trans together.
Craig

I had the engine in hand and its very reliable, and the weight of my cargo van is about the same as the 240 the engine came out of, so I figured what the hell.

Ive been moving real slow. Ive got a small business and the 89 is our only delivery cargo van, so its tough to take it out of service for very long and my free time is limited, but thats a complaint we all have. Big Grin

However, ive been looking around for a spare subframe that I can work on while the van is in service. I should be able to install the engine and trans on that frame and then switch them once the 25 year EPA restriction is passed.

In RI, I was told by DMV personnel, (whether or not this is true remains to be tested) that I could legally install my 1980 240D engine into my 1989 work van, re-title it as diesel, and retain a copy of the 1980 title, whereas the van would them be subjected to inspection regulations for the 1980 model year for diesels, as long as I could prove where and when the engine originated.

However, since I need the van daily, have not been able to find that statement in writing anywhere, and have been told the exact opposite by everyone else, and would be pissed to have to park it for years if I do the swap and find it un-inspectable, ive decided to wait until I pass the magic 25. Gas V6 probably has a few more years, although its definitely getting tired.

RI law-
A motor vehicle twenty five (25) model years old or older will be given the
required safety and emissions test for the same fees as other vehicles but will not
be denied the approval if the owner fails to complete any emission repairs. The
vehicle owner may choose either the TSI OR TRANSIENT emissions test.

They inspect it, but if you fail emissions, it still gets passed. When I inspected the 84 300D I used to own, the emissions inspection is totally optional, you can get if for curiosity sake, but its not necessary. 2014 here I come. Actually 2013, thats when I get a re-inspection which will push me past the bar.

I should be able to work on a spare subframe over in the corner of the shop in the meantime though.

1974 240D 617 turbo swap, W201 5-speed, in the works project
1983 240D 616 stock, DD
1989 Chevy Astro, 617 turbo swap, T5 5-speed, 4.56 diff, work van