Ok i just bought a couple of 240Ds and i just wondered if there are any ways in which i could increase the performance? I'm wary of turbos because i was told they can be detrimental to diesels which weren't designed for them so is there anything else i can do?

Get out and push

Nah, but seriously, if you put a manual tranny in one, the're a bit peppier.
I always run powerservice diesel additive in all my diesels, it makes a pretty decent difference in power.

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"spreading a trail of obnoxious where ever we go"
1981 300sd w/ 341,500 miles

http://www.wecrash.com/pics/ddda_banner.gif

The easiest and probably cheapest path to better performance starts with a 300D then a 300D turbodiesel.

Sixto
93 300SD

ok good enough it's got the manual and i don't really mind the slowness it's just embarrasing being passed by old ladies, i heard the 300 has a 5 speed tranny could i put one on a 240? or hell the whole 5-cyl engine would be nice if i could put one in, has anybody tried that or is it just wishful thinking?

Hey, don't feel bad! I have a 220D I'll bet you have a good bit more power than mine. Just get used to speeding up before you come to a steep hill and you will be ok.

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Skip Callaham

2003 Volkswagen Jetta TDI (Yes, it's a Diesel!)
2001 Suzuki Esteem (Wife's car)
1980 Mercedes Benz 280 SE Euro
1976 Triumph Spitfire 1500
1973 Triumph Spitfire 1500
1971 Mercedes Benz 220D
1965 Triumph Spitfire MKII
1965 Triumph Spitfire MKII

A friend of mine one had a 240D with an auto trans. Whenever you mention power and times in regards to a 240D with an auto he laughs and says 'get out a calender'.

These do not appear to be an easy engine to modify for increased power. So the only thing left is to take the effort to make sure what you have is in the best possible tune. That means injection pump timing, cam timing, valve adjustment, good flowing fuel filters and a fairly clean air filter. Comparison to other 240ds afterwards or your 0-60 times will help find out if you are getting what they can produce. I believe the five cylinder engines are not too big a stretch either as they are the same basic chassis so can take either engine. That is really the only cost efficient hop up I can think of for a 240d. But the difference between a good running 240d and a poor one can be substantial in my opinion. Either way you will never have to worry about the sound barrier. At least you have the standard transmissions as that helps a little as well. I also thought the ideal of using a little power service was good and will try that myself.

If you just got the car and don't have service records, do a valve adjustment. If the adjustment is off, it can make a huge difference in power.

Swapping for a 300 engine may mess with the handling. I'm not sure about later models, but early 300's had slightly beefier suspension and brakes than the 240's.

I have a 240D and I don't worry about performance. Why you ask? The time it takes for me to accelerate and drive is more time i can spend with my 75. relax, kick back and enjoy.

My 240D that I just sold had better power than my old 300D. Its all about maint and tune up. A 240D with correct timing, valve adjust, fuel delivery, etc, will perform quite well. A lot has to do with peoples expectations and driving style. If you want to feel the thrill of being forced back into your seat as you try to accelerate from a stop, sell your 240D. You will find that as you drive it you will get good at reading the terrain and you will drive accordingly. Like accelerating into hills and taking advantage of drafting trucks and such.

Try this: http://www.ronpatrickstuff.com/. Maybe you can even burn B100 in it.

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Doug

1987 300TD x 3
2005 E320CDI

That dude is like the mad professor or something.

I love how he's got jet engines sitting around his garage when most people have lawnmower engines...

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"spreading a trail of obnoxious where ever we go"
1981 300sd w/ 341,500 miles

http://www.wecrash.com/pics/ddda_banner.gif

You should do a search in the archives.
For example: bgkast 617 Turbo->240D 4-speed... 07-25-2006, 09:08 PM
I recommend getting the 240D to top OEM condition, pray on entrance ramps and cary a few 'books on tape or CD'.
If you decide to sell the turtle, post on this site.

Dudes you all rock, thanks for all the advice (and sarcasm). yeah before any serious stuff i'll hit that engine and overhaul the beasts. and i'm gonna try the 5-cyl in one of them and i'll report back my success or failure.
Thanks Again!

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I started to worry when that AMC Pacer passed me.