The 2-valve per cyl 300E is a good car. Super-powerful off the line is not its natural forte. Stroking the engine to 3.6 liters will help a bunch but it will also cost a bunch. If we are already re-doing the exhaust, and you have the $$$ to consider the 3.6 stroker, you should consider a twin-turbo kit. The details of the kit have been discussed prior on the Shop Forum but here is the nutshell. Mosselman (now bought by CEC) has a kit that is good for approx 300HP/300lb-ft for about $7500 bucks plus installation. If you didn't do any of your own installation it could probably run you another $1000 or so. You would have to rework the exhaust system anyhow if you are doing the turbos. Sounds like the rest of the car is up to it. You would probably also want to upgrade cooling. I'll defer to Benzmac or MB DOC as to whether a 400E radiator would fit. A well done turbo kit (even at stock compression) would make that car a real rocket. With sportline suspension and the AMG rims you could actually do something with the power. A 400E front brake swap should work and still fit under 15" wheels. The 500E setup needs at least 16"ers.

Hope this helps...Lee