Build it stock, turn the boost up to 13 psi, adjust ALDA correctly (either by smoke or by EGT) and set the valve timing and injection timing exactly on (there are offset Woodruff keys for the cam timing) and you will have very decent performance and incredible longevity.

Note that EGT isn't as useful in a pre-chamber diesel as in a DI diesel -- EGT won't rise anywhere near as much with extra fuel, you just get extra smoke. I believe there is considerable quench behavior in the pre-chamber as excess fuel is injected late in the power stroke. Could be wrong, but someon on the forum has measured EGT and it stays pretty low.

Block off the EGR if you want, it won't make any difference in operation (unless it sticks open -- LOTS of smoke, very low power, and strange looks from other motorists!)

Open exhaust, as usual on a diesel, has very little effect on operation except more noise at load -- engine is moving plenty of air at idle anyway, so the exhaust supplied by MB is pretty low backpressure. Turbo adds much more air, and MB has taken that into consideration too.

Peter

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1972 220D ?? miles
1988 300E 200,012
1987 300D Turbo killed 9/25/07, 275,000 miles
1985 Volvo 740 GLE Turobodiesel 218,000
1972 280 SE 4.5 165, 000 - It runs!