You are a Guest, please Join now to allow full access to the website and be part of our community. You can register by clicking the "Click Here to create an account" link at the top left of the page under our Logo
Hi all
Just wondering as to the possibility of fitting a turbo to my 2.9 ltr 5 cylinder Mercedes engine. Is this a wise move? Are they available? Is it worth the time and expense?
Thanks in advance for all the replies.....
Keith
The following members of MHF thanked kands for this posting
I agonised about fitting one to our previous van, but in the end i just stuck with the lorries when travelling (2.5 ford Di). Now i have a turbo (fiat 2.5TD), i appreciate it, but sometimes still just stick with the lorries, as its actually quite a nice way of travelling.
It doesn't make the van frisky in performance, it just gives me one less change down, and arguably a higher top end, but at 70 in a 644, with the kids in the back unbelted (they are teenagers - i can't control them) i get pretty worried myself.
I dont think the outlay for a retro-fit could ever be realised on resale of the van, and the biggest winner would be the next owner, unless you plan to keep it for a long time.
The low down performance in my opinion is nice in a non turbo engine, its smooth, and predictable. When doing the backroads of devon or the gower peninsula, i never wanted a turbo. Now my engine screams at me as soon as it reaches 2000 rpm, plonks a rush of power on me, and demands i change up.
The more modern turbos are probably smoother with the microchip technology that they employ, but i reckon your 2.9 merc will run a lot longer without the added strain. 2 grand will get you a lot of stuff that you can take away and use in your next van - and there will be another i'm sure.
Cheers
Dave
The following members of MHF thanked Road_Runner_644 for this posting
Hi Dave
Yep that pretty much goes along with my thinking, although I wish the old stormtrooper had a little bit more get up and go.... Starting off from lights and those daunting motorway hills are a bit much for the old boy and consequently it slows down to what seems like a walking pace. Not much interested in top speed (In a shed on wheels!!!!) more interested in improving the points I've mentioned. If anyone has any ideas how these can be addressed I would be very happy to hear about them.
Many thanks
Keith
The following members of MHF thanked kands for this posting
Hi
I have just swaped my S555 for a S660 on the 410 chassis and we are also considering a turbo from TB Turbo.
It's not the top speed or even the motorways which I find a problem but the hilly A road where 55 mph drops to 40 mph. At this point in the 555 you can either drop to 3rd and thrash it or let it slow down to 20 mph and engage 2nd and watch the queue behind you grow!!
If you've got the cash and are keeping the Hymer for a few years, treat yourself!!
I wonder if they would do a discount for two !!!
Cheers Phil
The following members of MHF thanked Phild for this posting
Hi
Done the S660 turbo charge up grade and am pleased as we intent to keep this van for at least five years. Cruises at just under 60 all day ,on steep hills have to change down at 40 .So not a lot of different on top speed but stacks of torque and early change ups. Very much quieter engine running noise.
Terence clark
The following members of MHF thanked Hopefull for this posting
but i reckon your 2.9 merc will run a lot longer without the added strain.
Dave
Actually unless something is badly wrong with the install the opposite is true. The engine runs smoother and more efficiently in it's power band with a turbo and the need to rev the engine is greatly reduced which is where the majority of wear comes from, extra load on an engine doesn't do a lot and turbo's don't really increase peak loads on bearings that much. Cold start up and low gear foot to floor dragging up a hill cause much more in the way of wear. It's why all lorries go for smaller engines HEAVILY turbocharged, rather than 20 litre engines. The old 11 litre engines have now been replaced by much better lasting and far more powerfull 6 litre turbos.
A sprinter turbo should last over 300,000 miles - check on ebay you will find many up there
In any case the x10 series sprinter has a 2.9 turbo, 20hp lower rated than the x12 series (possibly without the intercooler but I'd have to check).
Why don't you fit a large aftermarket intercooler and have the fueling and boost set up to give you about 150hp, that should do you nicely and won't strain the engine.
Greg.
______________________________________________________________ Greg (UK Notts)
SBMCC member
Ex pro mechanic
The following members of MHF thanked greg123 for this posting
Hi all
Just wondering as to the possibility of fitting a turbo to my 2.9 ltr 5 cylinder Mercedes engine. Is this a wise move? Are they available? Is it worth the time and expense?
Thanks in advance for all the replies.....
Keith
My apologies I see you don't have a sprinter - maybe yours doesn't have the turbo. In which case if it's the same base di engine as the sprinter fit the gear off a 312. Greg.
______________________________________________________________ Greg (UK Notts)
SBMCC member
Ex pro mechanic
The following members of MHF thanked greg123 for this posting
Hi Dave,
Yes TB in Lancaster did the job. TB said it would make the vehicle slightly less economical but as I do like to cruise, and I watch the all up wieght I havent found any difference.
Terence
The following members of MHF thanked Hopefull for this posting
You cannot post new topics in this forum You cannot reply to topics in this forum You cannot edit your posts in this forum You cannot delete your posts in this forum You cannot vote in polls in this forum<