- Joined
- Aug 14, 2007
- Messages
- 7,425
- Reaction score
- 166
- Points
- 63
- Location
- UT
- Vehicle Year
- 1989
- Make / Model
- Ford
- Engine Type
- 4.0 V6
- Transmission
- Manual
- 2WD / 4WD
- 4WD
- Total Lift
- 5
- Tire Size
- 33
I haven't been working on my Ranger much, as I had a side project going on with my daily driver, a 1987 Mercedes 300E.
The 4 speed automatic transmission in that car is a pile of garbage, so what do we do? Swap in a 5 speed manual from an '86 190E 8V of course.
The W124 Mercedes 5 speed manual swap is popular because it makes it feel like a new car. The M103 3.0L engine only makes 170-180hp, and if you combine that with a slow shifting 4 speed automatic and driving this car is a dull affair. Put in a 5 speed manual and it really wakes it it up!
This isn't RBV related, but I figure you guys would like to see it anyway.
717.411 5 speed from an '86 190E 8V, clutch and brake pedals, shifter, driveshaft, etc. A junkyard in colorado was kind enough to ship all of this this to me
I had to source a flywheel from Germany from a 280E and a clutch disc and pressure plate from a 190E 16V
Tearing it down to make sure everything is good
Pulling engine and garbage automatic together.
I also wanted to do the valve seals, as they were leaking oil. So, I also did the head gasket, all the pulleys, oil pain gasket, water pump, etc
Bottom end in good shape
Lapping valves
Back together
This car still uses an old jetronic continuous mechanical injection system. It was an interesting experience learning how to adjust and tune this
Engine bay looking brand new with paint, new injectors and seals, vacuum lines, sensors, plugs, wires, etc
Custom heat shield
Exhaust
I also bought a donor car to swap in the interior; mine was a bit rough and an ugly tan color. This brown is much better and the dash isn't cracked
I had to completely rewire the electric seats. Pain in the neck
All done with refinished steering wheel. Added a touchscreen head unit and led interior lighting
New wheels, tires, euro headlights, tint, etc
This car is now really nice to drive and the 5 speed is awesome.
Ranger is next.
The 4 speed automatic transmission in that car is a pile of garbage, so what do we do? Swap in a 5 speed manual from an '86 190E 8V of course.
The W124 Mercedes 5 speed manual swap is popular because it makes it feel like a new car. The M103 3.0L engine only makes 170-180hp, and if you combine that with a slow shifting 4 speed automatic and driving this car is a dull affair. Put in a 5 speed manual and it really wakes it it up!
This isn't RBV related, but I figure you guys would like to see it anyway.
717.411 5 speed from an '86 190E 8V, clutch and brake pedals, shifter, driveshaft, etc. A junkyard in colorado was kind enough to ship all of this this to me
I had to source a flywheel from Germany from a 280E and a clutch disc and pressure plate from a 190E 16V
Tearing it down to make sure everything is good
Pulling engine and garbage automatic together.
I also wanted to do the valve seals, as they were leaking oil. So, I also did the head gasket, all the pulleys, oil pain gasket, water pump, etc
Bottom end in good shape
Lapping valves
Back together
This car still uses an old jetronic continuous mechanical injection system. It was an interesting experience learning how to adjust and tune this
Engine bay looking brand new with paint, new injectors and seals, vacuum lines, sensors, plugs, wires, etc
Custom heat shield
Exhaust
I also bought a donor car to swap in the interior; mine was a bit rough and an ugly tan color. This brown is much better and the dash isn't cracked
I had to completely rewire the electric seats. Pain in the neck
All done with refinished steering wheel. Added a touchscreen head unit and led interior lighting
New wheels, tires, euro headlights, tint, etc
This car is now really nice to drive and the 5 speed is awesome.
Ranger is next.
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