Dear Listers,

Just finished reading Road & Track "Bahnstormers" {featuring Alpina B-12, Ruf , and AMG C36) in 1993, and Automobile magaizine featuring George Karcher doing a report on the AMG C36 in 1994, they both report that the horsepower ratings were 280 bhp (EUROPEAN). What are the changes between the european car and the north american car to reduce horsepower by 12? The C36 even in it's final iteration did not produce 280 bhp. Is it possible to add or subtract some equipment on the early north american C36's to produce that kind of horsepower?

Thanks

As I've said before, 12HP (or the difference between 95-96 and 97' MY cars) can be the difference in any two motors off the production line. Not to mention that a few HP is a pretty small percentage change in power. 12HP on 3500lbs isn't much. Also, the way European calculate HP and the US calculates allows for some minor variation. Keep a fresh OEM air filter and fresh plugs in your car and you will be doing quite well. Aside from that, lying to the intake air temp sensor might yield some extra power. (especially in hot weather)

Hope this helps...Lee