MUCH less complicated vacuum system, fewer electronics. Put your own 2.88 in there.

'79 and '84 are, from personal experience, my two favorite years. I've owned an '82 and a couple '80's (and the '79 and a couple '84's).

1980 brought the vac modulator for the transmission. Without the bowden cable (added in '81). It is tough to get these to shift how AND when you want them to.

'81 still has ACCI. Bad news.

If you have to buy an '85, try to find one w/o Cali emissions.

Buena suerte!

Jay.

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On the road, currently:
'83 300D (German spec.) 168k mi. - - Wolfgang (tucked snugly away for the winter!)
'87 300D 375k mi. - finally went over to "The Dark Side"
'87 300TD 225k mi.
Cannondale 66cm CAAD5 w/Campy/Jamis Aurora
Hujsak Custom Fixie/Landshark Track Shark Custom/Ahearne Custom 29'er