Future of the Performance Paddock - Page 3 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

260DET · #31 10-22-2021, 02:54 AM

I put a post up here a while ago about modding my R171 SLK 350 for circuit fun, not serious but fun. No response so that's it for me here. But it's not this forum, there is zero interest generally in my project and of course after market improvement bits are very few. In my part of the world non Mercedes modding is pretty active, particularly turbo car X for circuit use.

Tony H · #32 10-22-2021, 02:01 PM

There is not much to be done to gain more power on a NA M116/117 other than to increase CR, improve induction/FI and exhaust since the heads will be the limiting factor. Low lift, low duration and small valves-none which can be improved on in the 2V heads without huge investment.

Roncallo · #33 10-22-2021, 08:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 260DET

I put a post up here a while ago about modding my R171 SLK 350 for circuit fun, not serious but fun. No response so that's it for me here. But it's not this forum, there is zero interest generally in my project and of course after market improvement bits are very few. In my part of the world non Mercedes modding is pretty active, particularly turbo car X for circuit use.

Well you never really followed up on that thread. One person responded stating that it sounded like a good ides and to report back with results. After that crickets.

Roncallo · #34 10-22-2021, 08:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tony H

There is not much to be done to gain more power on a NA M116/117 other than to increase CR, improve induction/FI and exhaust since the heads will be the limiting factor. Low lift, low duration and small valves-none which can be improved on in the 2V heads without huge investment.

Carabo Engineering has them up to about 400HP now. And they sell all the parts.

260DET · #35 10-22-2021, 08:25 PM

Yes, my face lift engine is staying stock except for oil and auto external coolers, other than that, big brakes, B16 suspension, Drexler LSD, strut brace. Once that is all done there will be weight reduction and chassis stiffening to do. Thanks Roncallo for that info.

In my country, due to covid lock down, project suitable cars are in big demand.

Roncallo · #36 10-22-2021, 09:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 260DET

Yes, my face lift engine is staying stock except for oil and auto external coolers, other than that, big brakes, B16 suspension, Drexler LSD, strut brace. Once that is all done there will be weight reduction and chassis stiffening to do. Thanks Roncallo for that info.

In my country, due to covid lock down, project suitable cars are in big demand.

Well post an update to your thread. And by the way it would help if everyone knew what country your from.

Tony H · #37 10-22-2021, 11:46 PM

Yea but those are some expensive ponies. But I know this is a hobby for most of us so money will be spent (me included). My project started out as a easily duplicated 5.6L version of the 4.5 but I don't think anyone is left that is interested in building one except for me. I don't think 300hp is a unreasonable expectation with 9.5:1 CR, modern FI and ignition, more efficient exhaust and Euro cams. I expect to have maybe $5k into it when done. The pistons are about 1/3 of that.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Roncallo

Carabo Engineering has them up to about 400HP now. And they sell all the parts.

duxthe1 · #38 10-23-2021, 12:54 AM

For me, personally, I just haven't done any cool **** to my Benzs lately. Likely to pick back up on hacking the CIS module this winter.

I've got plenty of cool ideas bouncing around in my head. Speaking of the 116/117, I've always wanted to do a roller follower set up on one. The ford 2.3 OHC has a very similar cam over follower setup and the later ones used a roller follower. Eyeballing them it looks like it could be possible to swap. You'd still be looking at a pair of custom cams with a roller profile and matching springs, so big money, but something tells me those motors would love the durations a roller profile would allow.

Roncallo · #39 10-24-2021, 09:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by duxthe1

For me, personally, I just haven't done any cool **** to my Benzs lately. Likely to pick back up on hacking the CIS module this winter.

I've got plenty of cool ideas bouncing around in my head. Speaking of the 116/117, I've always wanted to do a roller follower set up on one. The ford 2.3 OHC has a very similar cam over follower setup and the later ones used a roller follower. Eyeballing them it looks like it could be possible to swap. You'd still be looking at a pair of custom cams with a roller profile and matching springs, so big money, but something tells me those motors would love the durations a roller profile would allow.

I think you fan thread is an excellent example of the kind of threads we need for several reasons.

1) It addresses an area where most people are still uncomfortable with including myself. Electronics! And Electronics will be involved in the future.

2) It is universal in that it can be used on all cars from the Model T to the late 90's cars of any make and model. Maybe even Air Cooled cars.

3) A lot of people may not realize this but it is about the highest HP gain and gas mileage gain for the dollar that can be done to a Mercedes.

4) We often don't talk about Air Conditioning in the Performance Paddock much but the PWM 203 style fans, I believe will be the universal cure for the standard 1980's MB or should I say European anemic AC systems.

As you can see it looks like there is a new customer on that thread. Hopefully he will start applying the concept to his 201.

But on the other hand we need similar threads for later model vehicles that already have a 203 style fan.

Roncallo · #40 12-07-2021, 01:38 AM

Some good progress today. I was able to find a way to raise the shroud 3/4", making it about even with the top. I had to model the whole thermostat in place with the radiator and shroud to do it, but it's done. There is only about 7mm clearance at the tightest spot but, I still have more room raise the upper radiator hose.

I also got a new toy, which my wife was very pissed off about. Some way I'm going to need to roll the bead into the water outlet of the thermostat, so I got a bead roller. Seems to do the job quite well.

t walgamuth · #41 12-07-2021, 08:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 260DET

I put a post up here a while ago about modding my R171 SLK 350 for circuit fun, not serious but fun. No response so that's it for me here. But it's not this forum, there is zero interest generally in my project and of course after market improvement bits are very few. In my part of the world non Mercedes modding is pretty active, particularly turbo car X for circuit use.

if you were swapping in a diesel you would get plenty of response. I'm not suggesting what you are doing is wrong you just don't have folks here in any number that are interested.

260DET · #42 12-09-2021, 02:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by t walgamuth

if you were swapping in a diesel you would get plenty of response. I'm not suggesting what you are doing is wrong you just don't have folks here in any number that are interested.

Seems like my comment was taken as a complaint by a few but either people are interested in something or not. The R171 crowd are helpful and there is some great general info available but virtually none are interested in dedicating a car to circuit track use only. It would have been better to get a AMG 55 instead of the SLK 350 but their prices in my country can't be justified for track only use. As an aside it makes me cry to see 55's parked on snowy salty streets in some countries..

t walgamuth · #43 12-09-2021, 08:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 260DET

Seems like my comment was taken as a complaint by a few but either people are interested in something or not. The R171 crowd are helpful and there is some great general info available but virtually none are interested in dedicating a car to circuit track use only. It would have been better to get a AMG 55 instead of the SLK 350 but their prices in my country can't be justified for track only use. As an aside it makes me cry to see 55's parked on snowy salty streets in some countries..

I see. I used to run my 84 280 euro in autocross. What I found is that so few folks race a benz there are virtually zero parts available to help you. I got some lowering springs from H and R but only ever was able to find Koni shocks for the front. If you hanker for speed parts I suggest buying a BMW or Miata.

Best wishes!

260DET · #44 12-09-2021, 05:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by t walgamuth

I see. I used to run my 84 280 euro in autocross. What I found is that so few folks race a benz there are virtually zero parts available to help you. I got some lowering springs from H and R but only ever was able to find Koni shocks for the front. If you hanker for speed parts I suggest buying a BMW or Miata.

Best wishes!

Of course but I tend to travel my own way, it's too easy to be able to just bolt on parts LOL.