Hey guys. New MB owner.
I just bought a 1980 450SL and really love the car but having some problems and could use some advice.
1. There is an oil leak coming from the head bolt/rear main or maybe both. The headbolt is not accessible without removing the manifold so that's going to be a pain and of course the rear main is no fun at all. I have already had the valve cover gaskets replaced and it helped a little. After about 1500 miles of driving I had to add about 1/2 qt of oil. What should I do? is there any sourt of additive or anything I can do to keep from replacing these seals? Should I even worry about it? the oil pressure gauge is also pinned all the way up as long as I'm driving and goes down to about half way when I let off the gas (as long as the car is warm). It seems to be directly proportional to the RPM. What's the deal with that?

2. The car is extremely sluggish off the line especially when it's cold. It will hesitate and act like it's going to choke down then I hear what sounds like a small backfire coming from under the hood and it goes fine. Once it warms up it not a problem anymore (though still slugish if I try to happer it off the line).

Any suggestions?

thanks in advance.