Adding 50+ Horsepower to a w201 190e 2.6
 

I've done some looking and made some calls and so far have come up short. I'm looking for a way to add 50 to 100 HP to the 2.6L without modifying the block. In theory, this should be able to be accomplished with a Kompressor or with a turbo system. I've talked to a few shops and most are into their little import systems "out of the box" and aren't interested in building a custom system. I have a good budget to approach this project, but can't seem to get hooked up with anyone who really knows what can be done.

I'm thinking a streetable 5-10 PSI "pump gas" system would adequately push the stock engine management system and drivetrain without totally overpowering it and meet the 50-100 HP mark.

Does anyone have any suggestions or good Mercedes turbo contacts?

might want to e-mail benzmac ont hsi site, he did a custom turbo on his 190e 16v and it is pushing like 400 horsepower!

I know another member put an slk supercharger on his 16v 190 as well.

the 2.6 is a different engine, I would check up on some of the turbo threads here, as some have been into great lenghty discussions about it.

Alon

If you want a little extra "oomph":
Do a compression test to make sure the seal is tight in the cylinder. Do a complete ignition tune up. And look into a "wet" N2O (nitrous) set-up.

You may have to buy a "universal" kit that may need to be slightly modified, but an I6 that's up to use of forced induction, should be able to handle a 75hp boost of N2O.

Nitrous isn't any more damaging than forced induction. The main thing to worry about is detonation (aka pre-ignition), which both poorly tuned forced induction and nitrous can cause. A wet setup injects fuel as well as nitrous. A "dry" setup only injects nitrous. By injecting additional fuel, you cause a "rich" condition. Which prevents detonation. It's just easier to tune...and cheaper :)

Another thing to consider is that in I6 is more balanced than a V8, plus lighter. By adding a compressor, turbo or supercharger, your adding additional weight to the front. With a nitrous kit, most will be in the trunk.

Kompressor or Turbo??
 

Maybe I should add a some info about the condition of the drivetrain. At 180K miles a valve broke. I rebuilt the cylinder head entirely with the help of a local machine shop. New valves, springs, guides, seals, timing chain, tensioner and timing gears. While having this apart, I powdercoated every possible bracket and accessory. Re-did the valve cover in an asphalt coating. I replaced the water pump, alternator, fan clutch and a whole lot more.
The trans was just rebuilt and the entire suspension is new, steering, A arms, Eibach springs, KYB shocks as well as the entire braking system, calipers, pads, rotors all around with fresh Michelin Pilot's.

This chassis is just begging for more HorsePower!
Super Smooth- Mercedes style.

I've read up a bit on the M62 Kompressor install and it looks like a viable option that will produce something in the 200+ HP range.
(adding like 50 HP I think)

I'm not too keen on the juice as it's expensive to buy refills and it's been known to eat pistons if something goes wrong.

I would like to know more about building a custom turbo. There's not much room for an intercooler, but plenty for the turbo or even a twin turbo. I'll ask around some more this week, possibly find a custom exhaust welder to fabricate the exhaust & header for a turbo setup. Maybe start building a kit.

How many people would be interested in a 2.6L turbo kit?
I know I am, I have not seen one available yet.

The "Juice" as you put it, will eat holes in your pistons just as easily as forced induction. Both induce higher EGT's. Both require proper A/F ratios so as not to run lean (leading to detonation, VERY harmul to rod and crank bearings). Thus, cooling the intake charge (which is a natural phenomenon with nitrous and the purpose of an intercooler with forced induction) and running the correct ignition timing as well as higher octane fuel, along with more of it, reuslts in a much more "stable" ignition.

It's a catch 22. More weight and higher initial cost vs cheaper and lighter....until you need to refill the bottle.

Definitly good points. It really is a matter of preference, all three choices have their specific advantages.

What I've decided upon is an M62 Kompressor from a 3.2. I've ordered a cold air intake and the Eaton Supercharger. Once the M62 arrives, I'll start the fabrication process for the bracketry and the plumbing.

I'm open to suggestions on what to do for a blow off valve and where to get the air duct for the MP62.

Sounds like an interesting project.. - keep us updated!



Russ

The parts guy at Brumos was most helpful, even faxed me a diagram of the OEM supercharger installation. I ordered the intake and exhaust manifolds for the unit. He offered to order in the SC bracket & the w201 bracket so I could compare them.
The installation will be tight as the smog pump is only 7" or so long and the new SC unit is over 11. May have to do some wild bracket making. ;O)

Items still on the table;
- Blow off valve
- Oil lines
- Ignition retard (may just use the R16 pot)

Here's the diagram;

Keep us posted. My 300E has the 2.6. Might be a neat way to add some more giddyup without dropping in a 5.0L V8 or some other heratic mod.

Found the Eaton specs on the M62...
http://www.automotive.eaton.com/product/engine_controls/superchargers/M62.asp

Looks like this will have to be mounted in a "special way" as not to disturb the exhaust manifold... I'm thinking some wizard like bracketry is at hand.

;O)

$%# fool! Post a pic of the beautiful engine compartment!

Here's a few shots...

I just don't know what came over me... :afro:

There's more at http://photos.yahoo.com/brclinton

Let us know how it all goes!! Can't wait to see how the 2.6 changes with all that HP..

reference resistor or R16/1
 

Have you tried removing the reference resistor or R16/1? I did and let me tell you, it's worth your time giving it a try! Nitrous may be a quick way to increase horsepower, but I'm not going there with my 2.6....just removing the reference resistor has helped performance and fuel milage of my benz!

What kind of plugs are you running? I use Autolite 104 and they are awesome!! When I bought the car it had a blown head gasket from bosch dual tip plugs that the independent car dealer installed. I have been using autolite plugs for over 15 years and I love them. Good luck with your "bullet-proof" 2.6!

Removed the R16
 

Thanks for the R16 tip, I recently made that change and yes it's well worth it! Noticed a 3MPG increase and some improved "revving" above 3k RPM here in 90+ Degree, 90+ % humidity, 93 Octane, swampland...
Um.. er, I mean Florida...

I may use the R16 hookup with the dial pot with the M62 as a timing retard

I'm still having off the line and cold start issues. It starts really rough and has almost no power under 2k RPM with the AC on. On a cold morning with the AC off it "jumps" off the line and really get's going, but when it's hot with the AC on, I can put my foot to the floor off the line, count to three and still be under 10 MPH until it slowly climbs up to 2k+ RPM, it takes off.

I have a sneaking suspicion that I'll be converting to a 5 spd sometime soon. If for nothing more than "fun" factor.