I auto crossed a 280E for 3 years in SCCA events... no real reason to disconnect or remove the booster..Use front brakes from a late W126 chassis with ceramic pads...you will have a GREAT feel that way.

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MERCEDES Benz Master Guild Technician (6 TIMES)
ASE Master Technician
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44 years foreign automotive repair
27 Years M.B. Shop foreman (dealer)
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190E 2.3 16V ITS SCCA race car (sold)
1986 190E 2.3 16V 2.5 (sold)
Retired Moderator

Drum brakes were "self-energizing".

In theory, yes. In practice, almost none. I have never seen such a system on a car, although I did own a motorcycle with self-energizing front drums.

Now THERE'S some good, been there, done that advice!

To see what it feels like without the power booster. Pump the brakes about 10 times with the engine off to exhaust the reserve left over and step on the brakes. Either that or disconnect the vacuum supply to the booster. Do not do this on a public road the first time. At best, try it on your driveway as long as it is not inclined very much.

If you keep the same size master cylinder, you will find there will be a tremendous difference in pedal effort required to stop a car with disk brakes wth no power booster. I would bet it requires significantly more than 10 times the pedal pressure. As an abover poster stated, you will literally need both feet on the brakes to even notice that you have applied the brakes.

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Ali Al-Chalabi

2001 CLK55
1999 Dodge Ram 2500 Cummins Diesel
2002 Harley-Davidson Fatboy
Merlin Extralight w/ Campy Record

how much help do you think that throwing 10-20lbs overboard will give you when racing versus the security of good brakes?stripping the doors would surely be of more value.

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David S Poole
European Performance
Dallas, TX
4696880422

"Fortune favors the prepared mind"
1987 Mercedes Benz 420SEL
1988 Mercedes Benz 300TE (With new evaporator)
2000 Mercedes Benz C280
http://www.w108.org/gallery/albums/A...1159.thumb.jpg

thanks. actually this car came from the factory that way. and i plan to put it back one of these days as the vented rotors have been removed along with the larger calipers.

tom w

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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.