300 D Missing vacuum tank!

What problems might one experience if the vacuum tank in the trunk is missing? The line is plugged with a bolt, I assume there was a leak and a temp solution was improvised. Is there any chance this would cause a delay in engagement(up to 6-8 seconds) of first gear?
The locks will cycle about 8 times before the vacuum is used up. I don't know if it holds overnight.
I might buy this car, the normal problems exist. The tach doesn't work, I plan to try the cig. butt trick. The HVAC will do heat or cool, but nothing in between, will dig into this, much help in archives. Cruise doesn't function at all, will check bulbs, might also be vacuum related?

Anyone know the price of a replacement tank?

BTW, car is a 1983 300D 178k

Doug

I talked to the seller today, now I feel a little silly. He says the plugged line was for an extra fuel tank he used to have in the trunk. He says he could go 1000 miles without a fillup with the extra tank which has since been removed.
I will need to replace the mast on the radio ant. If I can negotiate the right price, I hope to pick her up this week.

Anyone have any ideas on the transmission delay? The archives are not clear on this one.

Thanks,
Doug