To be honest, it sounds like a normal healthy '87 300Dt now.

Putting the ALDA back on could reduce your power, depending on the condition of the ALDA and the vacuum lines to it. The switchover valve will block pressure to the ALDA i it is clogged, common problem. If the ALDA is leaking or otherwise broken, it also might not adjust far enough. If you were able to get 1-1/2 turns CCW out of it though, it's probably working correctly. I'd consider going to the stop, ...

It also helps to correct for altitude, drive in the mountains?

With the 1-1/2 turn CCW adjustment, you might now see a puff of black smoke on launches, mine does. Doesn't really bother me, only does it for about a car-length, and not bad, and only if I depress the pedal quickly w/o boost up. Lets me know that the ALDA is probably giving me all of the power available from the pump.

__________________

Gone to the dark side

- Jeff