Just to close the loop on this thread, I finally took the ALDA off today for the first time. It's adjustment screw cap was not previously removed, so I decided to shim it. I used one of the copper oil filter washers/seal-rings, as they are the right ID and OD. I didn't actually measure the thickness, but elsewhere on peachparts it was suggested that they are sufficiently thick to be equivalent to no ALDA. I wanted to try the performance of no ALDA combined with relatively stock appearance.

As you all suggested, the performance from a stop is remarkably different. Even with high expectations/hopes, I was pleasantly surprised. I was unable to see any smoke during accels, and the shifting didn't seem much different. It did smoke a little bit at idle while cold, which it didn't do previously. If that persists, I will probably put a thinner shim in. I do like the power when doing a left turn before on-coming traffic, but I also don't want my kids to smell the car when sitting at a traffic light.

I drive the car so few miles that I don't yet have a good handle on the fuel economy, so unfortunately I won't be able to share if shimming the ALDA was detrimental. Previous fuel economy has been 25-29 mpg, but that is for only 2 tanks. Also, I recently bought michelin low rolling resistance tires, so that would complicate any direct comparison to previous values. The car desperately needed tires, and the cost differential for LRR tires was small enough to justify their added expense.

My 0-60 time is now ~13 seconds, which is plenty good for me. The bottom line is the car feel safer in traffic, which is a great thing. Thanks again for all the help.

Andrew

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1968 220D, w115, /8, OM615, Automatic transmission.
My 1987 300TD wagon was sold and my 2003 W210 E320 wagon was totaled (sheds tear).