want more snap - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

kramlavud · #1 12-31-2003, 10:15 PM

I have owned a 94 E320 for about a month. It is in great condition with 85,000 miles, and I like it very much. However, there are times that I wish it had just a bit more urge, and sooner than later. My previous car was an 89 volvo 780 coupe with a turbocharged 2.3 liter. I raised the boost to about 10psi above atmospheric pressure which added approximately 30 hp, resulting in about the same hp as the E320, i.e 215 to 220. However, the Mercedes is smoother and dosen't feel as quick. How can I get a bit more snap (low end torque?) out of the E320?

regards,
Mark

AustinsCE · #2 12-31-2003, 10:24 PM

Make sure everything is adjusted right, distributor and such, and the cable from the accelerator pedal is tight, not real tight, or for about 2K you can get a kompressor on ebay from a SLK or likeness (usually 350) and intercooler (depends how good it is) and then having the other stuff done wont cost much at a mech who'll do it, my guy puts a 3K ceiling on a job, including parts.

If you want more power, theres powerchips, but it'll have an adverse affect, more high end power. Makes the car sound cooler though.

pentoman · #3 01-04-2004, 02:43 PM

Extra low end torque from the M104 3.2 will be very hard to find. It has no turbocharger so naturally has less torque than a non-turbocharged car (like for like of course). It also already has 4 valves/cyl, and variable valve timing.

Best hope is to run on higher octane fuel and have the timing adjusted to suit for a slight improvement, or add a turbocharger or perhaps supercharger, for a fair bit of money.

good luck

Rusty

#4 01-04-2004, 05:13 PM

Change the diff out in the rear end. Donnie can set you up.

BTW, the M104 has pleanty of torque. They are not geared for stop light or city driving. These are HWY cruiser.

The M104 produces more low end torque than even the E46 BMW M3, the difference is the BMW runs 3.46:1 rear end.

stummala · #5 01-24-2004, 03:16 PM

Or just sell it and buy an E420, swap the rear end for a 2.82 or lower and it'll solve all your problems. It will be less out of pocket than even adding a supercharger or turbocharger. Then, you can add a 100hp nitrous unit and you'll end up with 375hp all day long!!!

#6 01-24-2004, 06:26 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by stummala
Then, you can add a 100hp nitrous unit and you'll end up with 375hp all day long!!!

....huhuhmmmm, you mean until the bottle runs out.

Gear change is the best the solution in the near term. You can put in a 3.07, 3.08, or 3.27 LSD for better acceleration in all gears. You can get a used one for between $150 w/o to $500 w/ LSD. You should be able to find a shop to swap it for about $300 to $650.00, including parts.

NOS is good for stop light romps. On the highway you will bleed a bottle between exits.

ksing44 · #7 01-25-2004, 06:45 AM

Would it really cost only about $1000.00 US to add a limited slip differential (LSD) to my 1995 E320? My car does not have it now. I’m not convinced I really want one, but I had given up considering one because I thought it was more expensive. Is the LSD just a different gear in the rear, or is there more to it.

I don’t know what my stock gear is, except that I know it is not LSD. Do you guys know what my current gearing is and what would be best for a slight improvement in acceleration without too much change in the rpms at highway speeds? I would want the car to be quiet when cruising. I don’t want the motor screaming when I am traveling at 75 or 80 mph, but it seems that I could give up a little top end, since I don’t very often travel at 135 mph.

I have to add that I think the E320 is pretty darn fast as it is and I’m not sure any improvement in the performance department is really necessary. Hearing all of you guys talk about it, however, has me wondering about getting a bit more quickness from the start. Then I could race from stoplight to stoplight with heavily modified Civics, and new Accords or Altimas. I am mostly curious about adding LSD for better winter driving.