Haven't finished me ford powered one yet but already thinking ahead...Has anyone ever considered , or heard of, a Merc being used as a donor ? Maybe a 190 or even something older ? They have the right power/transmission layout. Could it/should it ! be done ? Or am I aspiring above my station in life ?

I remember this being discussed ages ago - might have been on TOL. I think that 2 things came out of it:

1. The engine & gearbox are physically large - might be worth taking a tape measure under the bonnet before making plans.

2. Merc make long-legged cruising engines - not really in the 7-esque philosophy (unless AMG get their hands on them! )

Just my £0.02p

David

The exception to the long-legged cruiser theory is the 190E 16v. These Cosworth headed 4cylinder normally aspirated engines (2.3 and 2.5) have an LSD, dog leg 'box (ZF I think) and are pretty uncomfortable when cruising.

I drove a 2.5 a month back or so and it asked to be thrashed. Everywhere.

It may be tight, but it is only a 4cyl, so it might be worth it. Finding a 16v at a donor price will be the hardest part of the equation. Most of them are in drug-dealer territory and have been fitted with various paraphanalia that decrease the driving experience but increase your perceived cock size (if you're under 18)

Neil.