[sdibaja]

I drive a stock 404.1 doka as my daily driver. This is much more of a work truck than a weekend toy for me.
I frequently run from sea level to about 3000 feet, and sometimes 6000 feet, all quite steep. Some times I do make a longer highway trip, maybe 1000 miles, mountain grades steeper than in the US (I am in coastal Baja, Mexico). Never freezing, sometimes 120F
An extra 20 or 30 horsepower would sure be nice, but read that as "nice" rather than "needed".

I see two viable options: OM617A turbo or M-130. Time to start sourcing parts (or not).

I have huge second thoughts about both... first, I sure do like (need) the low speed ability of my M-180 to get off an idle and pull thru the rough stuff, I have no desire to keep it "on the pipe" to just do simple maneuvering.

the M-130...
1. dual carbs, must be a bit of a challenge to keep them synced, could I swap the existing M-180 single carb and manifolds?
2. this is a car motor, will the cam grind be suitable for low speed work?

the OM617A turbo ...
1. does this motor have the low engine speed grunt I am used to (and need)?
2. fuel mileage. would I get a significant improvement?

Looking for real world regular use experience. :bowdown:

Thanks in advance

PS: yes, I do know this subject has been beat to death but please review my use and particular concerns.

 

[Monstermog1964]

Just for starter I have a very low mileage m130 engine 4-sale.

Both engines are viable options....M130 is a bit easier to put in than the OM617A. The diesel plant should be considered if it's easier for you to get diesel/parts ect. If you go the regular conversion route then you will need to source an engine and the enlargened bellhousing to run it properly. If you can...you can make your own too.

The M130...is a good engine. Stock 140h.p. 2.8litre with the zenith carbs. You'll need to ditch the carbs and do a F.I. swap...You will probably be in the 150+ h.p. with F.I. Or fine tune your Unimog single or twin carb(if you can find one) on your M180 for the altitude....You will be most effected by the loss of power with a carburetor. So the obvious choice is to go with fuel injection.

As far as availability....well considering what the process is in changing out an engine....cab removal ect...I'd say look for a low mileage well taken care of engine. Last thing you want is redo the process.

 

[DokaTD]

If 20-30 HP is all you want/need, that should be easily accomplished with your current M180.

As for the swaps. The M130 would be fine for everything you need including low end. But the OM617A will make your low end far superior to both. The 617 makes the 404 a real grunter at low speeds. I really enjoyed the 617 over the M180 in my doka.

You can setup dual carbs on your M180. Just dont expect huge power improvements.

 

[Monstermog1964]

I guess the last poster left out some details as to how to extrapulate the extra h.p....so I'll do my best to fill in...You could change your Carb on your M180 over to Fuel Injection....$700-$2K...depending on the vendor. You could also go with Propane...but don't know if that would be a viable option in Mexico...$500-1200 with tanks ect. You could also have your cam reground to #2 spec Euro cam...$200bucks....Put in a complete Electronic ignition..$400 bucks for reliability and efficiency. So lets see to get all of that out of a 220 original automotive engine...properly tuned up...Maybe 110. If you want to ensure 110h.p. you could change out your low compression head to a high compression head...So now your probably in it 1500-4K if you can't do the work yourself.

An OM617A engine conversion will put you depending on the availability of parts, miles on a used engine...if it needs a rebuild, new diesel flywheel, pressure plate, bellhousing...$4K-8K.

An M130 engine stock with 140h.p. $1800-$3K for the engine....Trade out your cam, fuel injection/propane....160 h.p....throw some turbo on it..180-200h.p.+

My .02 cents....Or you can throw your 404 over a cliff and buy a diesel Mog with110-180h.p. depending on whether you have turbos ect. Cost...$15K-150K.

 

[DokaTD]

Meh, just wasn't really interested in reposting years and years of info. Plus, I am pretty sure the search function still works.

And just a quick correction/addition. Do not expect propane to increase power. It has been seen to add a little ump, but thats typically only due to poorly setup and inefficient gas carbs. Only swap to propane if you want more reliability and better offroad usage.

Gains of around 10HP will come just from getting rid of the oil bath air filter.
However this guy will be in good shape if he can cobble together a fuel injection system to help with his altitude changes.

This info is all over, so check out the search function.

 

[DMI406]

Hi there MonsterMog1964,

My name is Dave, I just acquired an ex-Swiss 1963 404 and am interested in your M130 engine. (I also have a 406 for sale) . I sent you an email a few days ago about the engine.

This is my first post, so hi to everybody else !

I used to own a Pinzgauer 712. Other than the 3rd axle 'cool factor', even the 404 seems more stout. I am in the Denver Colorado area and a regular customer of Jason Couch CORE shop.

cheers to all moggers!
-Dave

 

[krisinak]

dave welcome to the forum. im sure you will find it useful and entertaining. cheers, kris

 

[krisinak]

peter, i se you are located just south of ensenada. are you doing aquaculture? cheers, kris

 

[sdibaja]

Dave: welcome!
Kris: nope, no aquaculture yet, but it is on my bucket list.

.... now, back on task >>
Thanks for all the input everyone, much food for thought. :bowdown:

all I am really interested in is less shifts down to 3rd on the long steep grinds, it gets rather boring. more time in 6th on the highway hill runs would very nice too, but highway is a small part of my diet.

Monstermog1964: A diesel mog? Nope, too big and heavy for my use I think, the 404 size suits me very well (-:
Fuel Injection is a very good thought... thanks
Propane is easy and quite common in the neighborhood but dual fuel would be more my style... I am having no luck sourcing that flavor, yet.
I had not heard of the #2 spec Euro cam, I will search info that one... Electronic ignition: I already have the EI setup...
A high compression head sounds like a lot of bang for the buck/effort, I will check into that simple option! :thumbsup:

DokaTD: Yes, I have been searching like crazy, my eyes are tired and my head spins... (-: :surrender:

Peter

 

[Monstermog1964]

Dave(DMI406)...I PM'd you this morning. My cell is 425-737-7039