300GD 1989 Transmission Conversion - Manual To Automatic?

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Mon, 15/08/2016 - 15:21
z4h1d
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Hello All,

Im new to the G Wagon hype and bought myself a 300GD 1989 Diesel Manual and wanted to get this converted to an automatic, would anyone be able to help me or assist me on how i would be able to do this?

All advice and help would be much appreciated,

Thanks

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Wed, 17/08/2016 - 19:03
#1
prwales
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Re: 300GD 1989 Transmission Conversion - Manual To Automatic?

Automatic w460's with the 5 cylinder diesel are quite rare and have a reputation for being very very slow, if I were in your position I'd be looking for a w210 Mercedes E class with a turbo diesel 3 litre engine, the om606a and a 5 speed auto box as a donor, this is a  common conversion for G-Wagens of your age but very often mated to a 5 or 6 speed manual non electronic gearbox. It may be the case of using an earlier 4 speed auto box from a w124 to achieve the results you want as I believe the w210s gearbox is an electronic unit. Talk to Gordon one of our committee members and someone who has created many of these conversions for very happy owners; are you set against a manual box, I ask this as these engines are flexible and high revving compared to the om617 unit that you truck has at present 

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Fri, 19/08/2016 - 16:22
#2
montreal
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Re: 300GD 1989 Transmission Conversion - Manual To Automatic?

I'm also now offering conversion work on our beloved G's. Having done the 5 Speed 722.6 conversion with 606 turbo to my own vehicle I feel I am well placed to now offer my services. Have a look at Ebay for my offers in a few days. I'll be posting an ad with details but each case will be a different price depending on the G model. In summary, I'll offer: 5 Speed Auto conversions (fully rebuilt 5 Speeds). I don't really want to fit  'used' boxes as I think alot of problems and tales of 'not getting the set-up to work' are caused by units that have not had their internals refreshed and checked. The cheapest conversion will be a Diesel 4-speed Auto. I'll also offer 606 turbo conversions to the standard 4-Speed Auto or to 5 Speed Auto with Ole controller (the ultimate option). Power outputs can range from approx 200-400bhp.

I'll also offer a 'rebuild only'  service for the 722.6. I can rebuild what you supply or source and rebuild a 722.6 for use in a G or a car.

A bit about me.. I've run a successful Interior products business for 10 years and have been into Mercs. Lotus, Alfa Romeo, Renault,  Airstream over the years. I've run G's as my daily drivers for about 5 years. I've had w460 and now a nice w463 with the full conversion (currently for sale). I work from Oswestry/Shropshire on the Wales/English border but can arrange collection and delivery. Feel free to get in touch on 01691 649607 Del Smith

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Tue, 23/08/2016 - 15:55
#3
montreal
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Re: 300GD 1989 Transmission Conversion - Manual To Automatic?

My New listings on Ebay for anyone thats interested.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/122096950191?ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&_trksid... 722.6 5 Speed conversions

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/122088785106?ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&_trksid...  Gearbox rebuilds

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/122084215867?ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&_trksid... My G for sale

Thanks

 

D

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Tue, 23/08/2016 - 17:14
#4
prwales
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Re: 300GD 1989 Transmission Conversion - Manual To Automatic?

the 5 speed auto might also appeal to GE 300 owners with the 4 speed auto box, is that an option

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Wed, 24/08/2016 - 08:55
#5
montreal
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Re: 300GD 1989 Transmission Conversion - Manual To Automatic?
If the 4 Speed is a 722.3 code then yes it will work perfect but a bit more work
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Sun, 28/01/2018 - 04:31
#6
z4h1d
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Re: 300GD 1989 Transmission Conversion - Manual To Automatic?
I don't really want to change the engine want to keep the costs low. Would it be a straight away gearbox? What would be required and from where? Has anyone done this before? Or assist me in doing this ? Thanks
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Sun, 28/01/2018 - 15:42
#7
G-Restorations
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Re: 300GD 1989 Transmission Conversion - Manual To Automatic?

 

z4h1d wrote:
I don't really want to change the engine want to keep the costs low. Would it be a straight away gearbox? What would be required and from where? Has anyone done this before? Or assist me in doing this ? Thanks

Be careful what you wish for, find someone who has a aan auto diesel 617, 

I've driven one and it was awful, unbelivablely awful. My advice would be get your G as is in top top order they drive quite well if everything is working as it should

Gordon

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Sun, 28/01/2018 - 18:28
#8
Arnie
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Re: 300GD 1989 Transmission Conversion - Manual To Automatic?

I have a 1984.  300 GD cabrio with auto transmission and i find it works great (being a lighter, SWB, helps). In fact, I think the engine and gearbox are a perfect match, and I preferred the auto when compared to an identical manual version. But, it's obviously a matter of taste, and the auto needs to be tuned properly for efficient and timely gear-changes.. I don't think it's too much work to retrofit an auto. However, it'd probably not much more work to change the engine as well while you are at it for something a little more powerful. As you know, the OM617 is not super-powerful although with the right driving style you can keep up well with other traffic.

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