'80 still has a .1 transmission, so shift kits are not available.

I hear you on the power thing, but my old 300sd (116) shifted consitantly whether warm or cold. Meaning always harsh, which is fine, I just want predictable and consitant with no flaring. I know I am probably asking for too much with a 28 year old car with a quarter million miles on the odo, but it's a hobby...

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'90 300SE 298k
-300K and it gets put into retirement.
'80 300D 255k Purchased new by family in 1980.

Had a:
1973 220 (gas)
1980 300SD
1992 400E