i have a 1990 190e 2.6 and want to know what i can do to improve acceleration from a standstill to about 30 mph whithout changing the axle ratio.

The M103 engines were not designed for low-end grunt at all. The plan was more for kickdown or highway passing power. As such, they don't readily do the drag-race bit very well. However, you can always modify them.

Nitrous....for about $1000 you can get BIG power in a can. Not for daily use, probably a bit extreme for the street.

Turbo/supercharger....mosselman used to make them, Kleeman makes some for newer cars. Don't know what has happened to the Mosselman kits since CEC has bought them out. In any case, a blower can sure wake up the M103 engines. If memory serves, the kits were about $7000 bucks plus installation.

Tuner work...big bucks and big results. If your stock engine is a bit tired you may want to consider a performance rebuild.

Aside from that there isn't much that will give you big gains off the line. You already mentioned the axle ratio. In the case of the 2.6 it probably wouldn't help as you already have a fairly short axle ratio (3.27 if memory serves) to begin with. (not like a 400E's 2.24:1)

Beyond that just drive more aggressively. Pop the gearshifter into 2nd and press the pedal at least 50% while holding the brake. This should get you down in 1st gear. It will also hold 1st/2nd gears in a very sporty shifting manner. That should help the feel some. You can always powerbrake...

Hope this helps...Lee

[This message has been edited by Lee Scheeler (edited 09-14-1999).]

I know Bekkers makes a larger throttle body, If i use that with a high flow air filter such as a K&N will that aid in low end power. Also, do you know of any company that makes chips for 2.6's and do they work as advertised?

The 190e 2.6 uses a CIS-E type injection system with mechanical injectors. The "chips" most companies sell are for electronic fuel injection systems,that way the "chip" can modify the fuel/ign curve by electrical inputs which will hold injectors open longer or change the "pulse" of the injector. On a CIS-injected car with a stock (or mildly modified) engine,fuel flow is not usually a problem.Basically speaking, As the engine draws in more air, the fuel distributor flows more pressure to the injectors. The only drawback to most CIS systems is that airflow needs help.The air intake is restrictive by nature with the filter,metering plate,throttle body etc all having an effect on air flow. And since an engine is really a big air pump, the faster you can get air in& out of it the more power it will make. This is why turbo& supercharging are so popular,as is nitrous(chemical supercharging). Therefore any thing you do to help it breathe easier will help ie low restriction filter,ram air type ducting etc..

If I were going to do some mods to a 190 2.6 for the street and not spend a bunch of $$, I'd remove the exhaust manifold & have em jet hot coated (not a big HP gain but,helps ex flow& looks cool)-get a free flowing exhaust system installed- install a K&N air filter- make a more direct duct to the air filter housing. You should be able to do this for less than 1,000.00

Now if you want a better "kick in the pants" from a dead start, start looking for a used diff with a 3:45 gear or convert the car to a 5-speed manual and use a 16 valve trans.

[This message has been edited by Alain V. (edited 09-15-1999).]

I know that if you go too big on the throttle body and exhaust diameter you can hurt low-end torque. (it will help peak/top-end power but...) K&N's certainly wont hurt in any case. Looking at the intake runners one could be forgiven for thinking you could improve things with a different intake manifold. (perhaps at the expense of top-end) There are also camshaft kits but they wont do much for bottom end...

If you REALLY wanted a rocket-sled what I would do is consider putting Benzmac's C36 engine and trans in your car. You would then be traction limited 0-60...

Just an idea...Lee