OM 606 Turbo

This text is a continuation of the text OM617

Want lots of horsepower ? Then use the OM 606 turbo engine

These engines deliver 177hp as standard , tune smoothly to 250hp and even 650hp is possible. Their fuel consumption is also quite favourable with a min of 13L / 100Km. Tuned versions need 20L/100km smoothly, incl the black exhaust smoke!

Best before you start it is to replace the cylinder head gasket with a steel version, and drill a hole in the right side of the water pump housing and connect it to a water outlet bolt also at the right rear of the engine block; this gives better cooling. A cylinder head overhaul is also recommended, a new thermostat, and both crankshaft seals. 

Some technical explanation :

Know that you need a different crankcase pan for installation in a G class. These can be bought in imitation from € 1100. You also need to modify the oil pump!!!!

*)Do you always just do road use, without jumping over speed bumps, a standard engine sump will do if you fit a spring lift kit that raises the car 4 cm. But then only for 100% road use. These booster springs are for sale here on my site. They are blue coloured and lift enough for this application. 

*)Furthermore, you will need a mechanical pump, as these engines have a non-usable electronic pump as standard. Count on €1500 for a used pump and re-tuning.

*)The turbo on these engines cannot be used either. It is electronically controlled and the wast gate works in reverse. So another turbo with pipes € 650 ? Often the exhaust collector is also changed, easily € 500.

*)2 engine mounts € 850 original MB. ( You can get these in imitation )

*)Gas controls, oil contact water connections and you must have a W463 radiator for this, otherwise the engine has too little cooling € 850 .

*)The intercooler and pipes to fit in a G cost a hefty € 1000.

*)Furthermore, you need to have a clutch from a 270CDI and the gearbox . € 900?  Even better is a BMW type ZF 5 or ZF 6, with a modification set this comes down to a € 1800 You also need to convert the gear lever.

But : 

****Eand manual gearbox can handle up to 300 hp. Usually a 6-speed gearbox from a BMW is used, along with an expensive conversion kit and a reinforced clutch. +- euro 4500. The risk of breakage at 300hp is 40%.

****Mercedes has never made a car with more than 300hp with a manual gearbox. This is no accident. They know this cannot work reliably; not even with a reinforced clutch etc; because a clutch starts slipping at that many HP.

****Therefore, the automatic gearbox should be used. Along with a conversion kit and a stand-alone controller to control an electronic gearbox ; and controller. A stand-alone controller costs €1100.  And then still use gearbox from a 55 SL AMG. Hopefully it won't need an overhaul then ....

****Bij +- 500 HPs the pistons need to be rotated, different connecting rods etc.... .

*)Then another, shorter cardan € 650 

Still, this conversion is highly recommended if you want to go for HP and speed. Unfortunately, this conversion on a W460 and W461 is a lot of work and above all, rather obvious at the technical inspection. Keep in mind that these engines have a high torque, so damage or breakage to your driveline is possible , depending on your driving style.

I actually supply few parts for this.  I can often supply a diesel pump for conversion. The price varies between € 250 and € 350.