I would suspect that a new engine management system could net better HP, torque, responsiveness, and perhaps gas mileage/efficiency.

The later year SL's (1997+ I believe), MB went away from the LH engine management and went to HFM or Motronic, which did away with the cap & rotor, and had individual coils for EACH cylinder.

I'm sure with enough time & patience, someone could come up with a kit to upgrade.

Better yet, a programmable system like the Electromotive TEC II/III could probably yield 40-50 HP easy.

Anyone have the time & patience to try it?

:-) neil
1988 360TE AMG
1993 500E