86' 300SDL...share your performance secrets!
 

I have a 1986 300SDL with only 132000miles on it (only paid 2800 for it) and it runs great...how bout sharing great secrets for awesome performance upgrades!

I saw a video on youtube where some people totally made a couple of Merc diesels perform like tuned euro gassers...it was AWESOME!

go to youtube and type in "mercedes diesel" and youll find it!

So, tell me what you think...what can I do to this sedan to turn some heads on the road

intercooler, tuned pump, bigger turbo..

My new paint, a black silk shirt, my Florida tan, and my damned good looks
make this ole 300sdl perform!!!

All depends on how fat your wallet is. You can really turn some heads if you've got about $5K to spare.

Just want to turn heads? This should be effective.


Ebay item...

Seriously? ALDA removal/adjustment and ensuring proper turbo functionality are the ones you can do without any "modification" in terms of intercoolers and things. Followed by more extensive redesign, limited by your funds.

For $5k I can be in a '98-99 Z28 that'll run low 13s all day long and click off high 20s freeway. Few simple mods (sub $500) and you have a high 12 car.

My point? Enjoy the SDL for what it is... nice freeway cruiser with adequate power for what it is. ALDA max/removal helps off boost power. Get pressure to ~12-13psi. Crank the max fuel on the pump a tad and it'll run very nice.

The 300SDL is a heavy luxury car, enjoy it. The Finns invest multiple times the money than the car is worth to get that kind of performance.

1986 300SDL
Try inserting a couple of washers in the ALDA. This is a very old trick and I can attest to how well it works. Improved performance and improved fuel mileage. I made simple modification on mime over 10-years ago. Cost about 10-cents for the washers and patients in removing the plate under the manifold must use caution here as there are many lines to watch out for. Also hard to reach without proper tools. Suggest bring the washers to your MB trusted Mec. and have them do it if you are not sure.
Ron

My SDL gets 23mpg city and 25mpg on the highway with speeds at 70mph.
With the talk of alda & shims, boost pressure, would one expect to get better mpg?
If so are there write ups to this procedure?

Seems low. What fuel is this on? Sounds like you have a plugged cat...

The local CO-OP has B2, I try to full up there.
It is a 87 with 180K.

I consider this normal and I'm running plain old #2 ULSD.

Probably dropped a little since ALDA removal. 25.8 is my one-time record in that car.

That's why I listed the 70mph, am sure if I were to drive at 55mph which puts the rpm's @ 2400 for a complete tank of fuel, I could eek out upward to 29-30mpg.
But I have a habit of running 5-6 mph over the posted speed limit, I've slowed down with age:)

What's your location? I routinely cruise 67-70mph and get better economy than that.

Iowa, with posted speed limits of 55 on 2 lane and 65 on 4 lane for the most part

I'm heading to Ft. Sill,Ok to pick up Jr from the Army, at the end of Nov. 720 miles one way, the speed limit in Okie on I-44 is 75mph. I'll fill up with #2 run it at 80mph watch the soot in the rear view and see what my numbers are.
I guess I run bio cause it's cleaner and has more lube.