I know, I know. Most people don't think about the diesel when looking for a performance car. I do feel however that the diesel can be a fine sports car. Its not going to be a drag car for sure, but they can be very fast (though not exactly like the gas versions) and can be good handling cars just as any other. I own a 1980 300SD that I am enjoying immensly. I owned another MB diesel before and it behaved nothing like this one. This car responds much like a gas car and it handles quite well. I would however like to make some performance upgrades and am looking for suggestions. As far as suspension is concerned, I am looking at replacing the antisway bars, tires and wheels. I have already replaced the shocks with Bilstien. I have looked for upgrade springs but haven't located any. Do any springs cross over from any of the gas models. I have a good mechanic that specializes in MB, but would like some other ideas on tweaking the motor. I am also planning on replacing the front seats with aftermarket seating that have heavier side and seat bolsters.
Any IDEAS???

One popular tweak for the SD motors was to crank the boost up to the maximum factory specification. (by adjusting the wastegate) I believe that the range is from 4-8 lbs of boost, your motor probably is closer to 5lbs than 8lbs, 8lbs is still within tolerances and gives the car livelier performance with out sacrificing the longevity of the motor.


If you go to this site http://www.mercedes.pair.com/archives/

and search on wastegate or wastegate adjustment, you should find instructions on the procedure.

Best regards

Russ

If anyone finds the procedure please post the link here - or email it to me. I'd love to get my 1983 300SD upto full 0.9 (bar) boost.


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Noah
1999 C43
4Noah

Hello all. I too am a proud owner of a new (to me) '85 300SD. While I'm not going to pretend it's a hot rod, I'm impressed by its handling.

Try http://hsb.baylor.edu/html/easley/mercedes/mercedes.html
for lots of M-B maintenance stuff, and also the MBUSA web site. There are articles on transmission adjustment, fuel injector timing adjustment, turobo overboost fuel cutoff and turbo boost pressure adjustments. They are meant to be performed in (pretty much) the order I've listed.

They are easy to read, but I don't know how easy to DIY. A good M-B mechanic could do all of the adjustments, so take him (her?) the article and see if he agrees.

Hope this helps.

BTW, what is the verdict on Bilstein shocks?

BCingU, Jim


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'96 E300D 56kmi
'95 Audi 90 118 kmi
'92 GMC Suburban 138 kmi
'85 300SD 218 kmi