420 sel R16 Resistor pulled - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

420SEL Jake · #1 05-28-2008, 01:36 PM

Ok gang I just pulled the R16 resister on my 86 420 SEL (wrapped in tape next to brake booster). I am running Sunoco 94 in my car and I have chopped out the cat and smog pump and installed K&N air-filter from a 2005 Mustang. I didn't get any knocking or pinging but what I didn't notice is when I took it out on a high speed rip on the Queen's Way and returned home, my girlfriend was 10 years older and Hillary was Emperor of New North America!!! Ok Einstein jokes aside the car was far better off the line and felt like a new motor. Try it out.
Results may vary, if you experience head ache or allergic reaction consult a Mechanic, for this maybe a sign of fuel trouble. Don't pull resistor if your pregnant or trying to get pregnant.

420SEL Jake · #2 05-28-2008, 01:38 PM

I will update you on how the car runs on other gas and in traffic

need2speed · #3 06-21-2008, 10:45 PM

about this R16 resistor! What does/did it do and why does removing it help with power? Thanks,

jhodg5ck · #4 06-21-2008, 11:09 PM

It's been pretty well documented, but in my travels doing so bring the initial timing (from 0-2500RPM) up from a pathetic 2-3 degrees to 12-16 depending on the car..I like to keep it around 13 or less.

Better ignition curve, more efficient combustion = more power, better mileage...BUT you Must run premium!

Jonathan

420SEL Jake · #5 06-23-2008, 11:10 AM

Ya I have a lot more snap, it feels like someone pulled a sock out of the air cleaner. Oh I removed my clutched mechanical fan and replaced it with a electric one... the car runs much quieter now. the car can rise to 88c in traffic though but not even switch on during normal running. No more giant whirrrrrr at 3000 rpm.. I will send photos.

jhodg5ck · #6 06-23-2008, 12:37 PM

Nice....that sounds as it should.. You might want to get a timing light on there just to see what you're running for #'s etc..

Pulling that fan clutch is also good for a few HP...takes Energy to run that thing!

Jonathan

420SEL Jake · #7 06-23-2008, 12:42 PM

I put HID lights in and that saves a few watts and removed broken AC. I am looking for a newer 560 SEL or SEC, maybe another 420 SEL if you have any leads, car runs great but will cost a mint to make it look and run like I want.

E150GT · #8 06-24-2008, 01:14 PM

I removed mine and got pinging in my 420sel, but I also am advanced to 17 degrees at idle. I'm not sure how to retard it to 13 though. Any ideas?

jhodg5ck · #9 06-24-2008, 01:35 PM

A two inch piece of speaker wire b/w the terminals gave me a few degrees retard on one of my 560's.

It's all based on resistance as to how many degrees you get.

Jonathan

420SEL Jake · #10 06-25-2008, 02:18 PM

I heard you can order various ones from the dealer... R16 resisters that is, I am running 94 octane which seems to help. Try switching gas brands first. I found BP in the US was good. Maybe shell?

iwrock · #11 06-25-2008, 03:05 PM

I have it pulled on my TE.

Seat of the pants detector says that it pulls more smoothly off the line.

jhodg5ck · #12 06-25-2008, 03:23 PM

Yup...you can, or get resistors from Radio Shack.

Only gas I Won't run is Exxon/Mobil....but that's more a personal thing..

Jonathan

420SEL Jake · #13 06-25-2008, 03:24 PM

I am buying a 93 TE in a week or so. Any advice? See the electric fan in the pic and the K&N air filter, made a difference

RBYCC · #14 06-25-2008, 04:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jhodg5ck

Yup...you can, or get resistors from Radio Shack.

Only gas I Won't run is Exxon/Mobil....but that's more a personal thing..

Jonathan

I used to have a list of all the various values available globally for the fixed R16 resistor.

Easy to get a dial potentiometer and solder into the socket wires.
This way you can dial up the advance/retard depending on what performance or economy you're looking for.

I never noticed much of a difference in my stock 1988 M103-12V with the resistor removed.
I removed the R16 after the twin turbo install and it feels like a bit more power in the higher rpm range....