Beretta.net

Alright ladies and gents, after my original plan fell through due to having a chassis that was too far gone to build from 4 years ago, I have spent MORE time doing research, and more time figuring out what it is i want from an AWD Beretta.

I have figured out i want diesel, selectable AWD/RWD, and to be able to mount roughly 30in tires for an "all bases covered" car. The idea isn't to beat anyone in a drag, or be competitive, just build something i can have fun with anywhere, and afford to fuel it.

So far i have figured out everything but a donor for Diffs and suspension. so far its an OM606 Turbo diesel, T56, and an NP242 transfer case.


I want Independent suspension front and rear, and the ford 8.8 is about the most common, "buildable" diff out there. i am considering using a Ford Explorer as the donor, but I'm not sure yet. open to anyone's suggestions.

pic of my current daily. just cus everyone likes pictures.

The OM606 is a beast and they run forever. Are there adapters made to bolt it to the T56?

Yes. right here
http://www.transmissionadapters.com/Mer ... diesel.htm

mercedes suspension and maybe even one of there diesels?

There is no factory T56 4WD setup out there.

I have seen a guy use a Corvette T56 that is mounted out back - as his starting point and go from there.

Hers a link:
http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/general- ... -ever.html

Looking at that link it only has 700r4's.... While that will bolt up to the older SBC T56 - I think i will be missing a hole for the top transmission bolt on the newer T56's.

Also - you need to check the spacing on the flywheel / starter location. I do not think the 700r4 and the T56 have the same distance away from the crank - as there are adapters needed to put the 700r4 on an LS motor.

The t56 can be made 4wd by hybridizing a t5 4wd tail housing with the t56 tail housing.

The link I posted is primarily for using a 700r4, but they sell kits that also work with the t56, or so they say.

Could do divorced t-case too if you have the space.

Do you plan on tucking this motor and trans up into the body like stock or having most of it be under the floor boards?

i plan to get it to tuck as much as i can, but i may have to let it poke out the bottom a bit since it IS an inline 6, albeit a small one.

the plan( as of right now) is to buy a decent 99-98 E300TD and DD it till i can source a T56 and have the beretta gutted and caged. i might just go forward with a RWD swap, then after thats settled ill work on driving the front wheels