Three Best mods here! - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Hit Man X · #1 02-15-2006, 04:34 PM

We always discuss keeping the vehicle stock to be reliable, well true to an extent but there are a few basic mods that everyone should do...

1. Shocks. I just installed a new set on the SDL last night and

vast difference in ride quality. I went with some Gabriels as I had a bunch of AutoZoo gift cards that needed to be spent. I am very pleased with them, alas I can't compare them to a set of new Bilsteins only moderate mileage ones. Yet at less than half the price each with a Lifetime Warranty, you simply can't beat them.

Even if you think yours are okay, they probably are not.

2. ALDA crank. Sounds silly but this is more for a safety thing than anything. For you N/A guys... stay hardcore.

3. Euro lights or even second Gen ones on your early '81-85 S-Class. I put my SDLs lights on the SD and they even made a NICE difference in light output! The SDL has some Bosch Euros now so the beam pattern is more defined. Second Gen ones with a quality bulb like the Silverstars (what I have) just aren't that awful.

Other stuff I'd recommend...

New Radio + Speakers
Window Tint (at least 35%)
R12, we all know the merits of this
Hood pad
Woodruff Keys/Timing Chain bits

Diesel Giant · #2 02-15-2006, 05:11 PM

Good set of rubber can be your best friend in an emergency situation.

Mismost · #3 02-15-2006, 07:38 PM

Ditto on the shocks...I was told mine were "fine", they passed the bounce test...still, 23 year old shocks, even German made shocks...I shelled out and put new Blistens's, like getting a new front end! Rides and drives much better.

My cheapo, came on the car tires have tall rubber so they are gonna roll on....but I do belive in high quality tires...you get what you pay for in ride comfort, driveablility, and longer life.

Another "mod/maintance item"....flush out the power steering and change that 20 year old filter! Puts the feel back in the wheel for about 15 bucks.

t walgamuth · #4 02-15-2006, 08:06 PM

are well past their prime will pass the bounce test. they are also not unsafe like some other shocks that i have had. but when they begin to go past their prime your ride will be very bouncy.

new ones will make it ride like a dream!

new michelins, new bilsteins. almost always what i do when i get a new (used) benz.

tom w

#5 02-15-2006, 08:11 PM

I prefer an intercooler, nicely sized wheels/tires, and IP adjustment for the "beyond stock" modifications....(maybe euro lamps too)

...this of course assumes brakes, safety devices, lights, and all other goods are in working order.

nuckingfuts · #6 02-15-2006, 08:36 PM

I know these are not euro lights but are these, with some silverstars what you are considering as an improvement. Thought they would really set off the car as it is Charcoal.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/86-87-88-93-MERCEDES-BENZ-W124-300E-400E-HEAD-LIGHTS-BK_W0QQitemZ8039005607QQcategoryZ33710QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

t walgamuth · #7 02-15-2006, 08:43 PM

are striking in appearance and clean looking but they will reduce your visibility to oncoming cars and to those looking to cross the road in front of you.

food for thought.

tom w

ConnClark · #8 02-15-2006, 08:46 PM

Hmmm... Isay the best three mods would be

A new stereo.

Intercooler.

Boost gauge

nuckingfuts · #9 02-15-2006, 08:48 PM

All I needed to know. Thank you. Can you recommend any websites with good euro replacements for the TD.

I could always do what the jeep has.......1,000,000 candlepower kc's

That would more than likely irritate peeps in the oncoming lane.

nuckingfuts · #10 02-15-2006, 09:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ConnClark

Hmmm... Isay the best three mods would be

A new stereo.

Intercooler.

Boost gauge

yep..... I'm still in my twentys and fortunatly the stereo was half there save a few speakers and a sub. I still think (and this is the conservative part) I would rather have a vehicle that is reliable and stops as fast as it goes......the very reason I have always hated muscle cars.....picture a guy with a mullet not being able to stop on an icy road. "but that supercharger looks real cool coming out the top of the hood."

redassag00 · #11 02-15-2006, 10:08 PM

I cant list the number of mods and help I have gotten here!

My last repair was the rear shocks. What a different car! Actually rides like a mercedes now!!

Hatterasguy · #12 02-15-2006, 10:25 PM

Bilsteins are worth their weight in gold!

Lots of little things that we fix or update make these cars more comfortable. The difference between my SD and SDL is night and day. A shot W126 simply doesn't compare to the ride, handleing, and feel of a good one.

imdavid28 · #13 02-15-2006, 10:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nuckingfuts

picture a guy with a mullet not being able to stop on an icy road. "but that supercharger looks real cool coming out the top of the hood."

I have a b*tchin Camaro (1979 Z-28, 385") and I don't have a mullet. Well, actually I do have a mullet wig that I wore with my Skynyrd shirt for Halloween. That was fun.

But back to the fast cars. I think they are fun to a certain point. There is nothing like like the rush you get from being thrown back in your seat. Is it safe/practical? No, but thats not the intent of the car.

It pointless to make the 617 fast because its not so much the exhaust, intake, or what ever that is limiting you. I believe that its the 3 (is it 4?) holes in the prechamber that all the gasses must pass through. They designed the engine to preform at a certain output, and never intended to vary the engine outputs and caracteristics like they did for a small block Chevy. You could try drilling these holes out, but then the ball at the end of the prechamber will not be able to transfer heat as well and end up bouncing around in your cylinder like beans in a maracca. You can just cut the ball of and then it would have a similar effect as pointing an acetilene torch at your piston crown.

My 3 modification suggestions? Euro lights, heated veg system, and CD player.

Hit Man X · #14 02-15-2006, 10:48 PM

I just got back from a ride with the Gab's, very nice ride. How I wanted it, firm but not excessive. I'd recommend them to all for the money.

Probably pick up a set for the SD and 420 by March, value is there along with warranty.