A new conversion is lurking around the corner

Yep, we've finally decided to go for an LT! But of course I will not drive around with a slow old Perkins lump.

My thoughts began like this:

My options.

D24TIC. The easiest option but still old and it is a lump. I can source one pretty easy and spare parts for a renovation is easy to find too.

Still, it's an old slow engine.

TDI R5 2.5. I can source this engine somewhat easy, but if I go with this engine I need another drive line. I was actually contemplating buying a newer LT and take everything (engine, gearbox, rear axle). Big minus is all the space needed for two vehicles at the same time and all the extra work to get rid of it.

1.9 TDI. I know these engines in and out. But they don't fit the LT gearbox without adapter or mods. And there is no good alternative if I want to change gearbox and the original transmission is way too low for a TDI. Also I'm worried this engine will work harder than healthy with it's smaller volume. Even though there are 165 hp versions they are not really made for high torque output in the long run (like moving a gigantic shoe box on wheels on Autobahn...)

And here comes my joker, which I start to like quite a lot:

OM60x. Yes, an MB engine. The OM603/OM606 and OM605 are very reliable engines and tuners use them with untouched internals with very high output. Also, the OM603 and OM605 exist with mechanical pumps that makes a conversion super easy. They are used in rear wheel drive applications and there are some beefy gearboxes too and I think the transmission taken directly from an MB car will survive a long time in an LT, they are also very reliable. I can source both engine and gearbox pretty easy, there are many MB's in Sweden.

As a bonus, if I brake down somewhere in south Europe there shouldn't be a problem to find a replacement gearbox or engine.

3 litre MB, will I be killed by fanatics for not using a VW engine?

I discussed my ideas with a few LT hobbyists and I've got many thumbs up for my ideas. The Germans didn't see a problem with an MB engine in the camper. 

I have sourced a few OM606 and 603, both are six cylinder but DOHC vs SOHC. They are somewhat pricey as they are popular among tuners. Considering the gearbox I need to buy as well and the length of the engine, I have been looking for a OM605 too. It's the five cylinder 2,5 l version and it is more or less the same engine as the 606 but one cylinder short. They are also known to perform very well and as I'm not looking for a monster HP machine but a reliable engine with a good amount of torque, these are good options too.

I was aiming for a year 2000-ish six speed gearbox for the 606. It turns out I can buy a running car with an OM605.690 (turbo intercooler) and get a good manual five speed gearbox at the same time for the same amount of money as a 606 engine. The OM606 was never built with manual transmissions so I have to source a gearbox anyway if I buy a complete six cylinder car.

Considering my options, I might end up with a five cylinder.
In any case there will be an OM engine with a five or six speed tranny transplant this winter.