Please no laughs!

I just bought my first Mercedes, a '83 380SEC with 107K original miles. It's absolutely beautiful and perfectly maintained.

The first items on my agenda are:

Brakes - switching to cross drilled rotors, stainless lines, rebuild calipers, etc.

Springs and shocks - a little too soft for my taste

I have two questions....

I'm looking to dump the 14" rims, they definitely seem to be a big stumbling block in the handling department. Any good recommendations on 16" or 17" rims?

Second, I'd like to improve the performance somewhat. Any good tips for the 380 engine? It seems that the exhaust has to strangle it. Anyone actually put a real dual system on these?

All tips and hints are appreciated!

A MB Newbie

The USA 380 (M116) engine was a slug! NOT much will help that car except for a 500-560SEL-SEC-SL engine.
Also would brakes from the later version cars(1986+ W126) as well.

__________________
MERCEDES Benz Master Guild Technician (6 TIMES)
ASE Master Technician
Mercedes Benz Star Technician (2 times)
44 years foreign automotive repair
27 Years M.B. Shop foreman (dealer)
MB technical information Specialist (15 years)
190E 2.3 16V ITS SCCA race car (sold)
1986 190E 2.3 16V 2.5 (sold)
Retired Moderator

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AMG Monoblocks always look good, especially 18"
I could post a pic of my previous W126 with 18" Monoblocks if you'd like to see what they look like.