I am getting prepared to overhaul my 350k old engine sometime next week and I already started to obtain parts and got an appointment from the machine shop. Any suggestions and help is much appreciated as I am trying to build an nearly perfect engine.

- I will replace the valves with original spares, do I also need to change guides and springs?

- I am thinking of machining the cylinder head in order to increase the compression ratio. What are the pros and cons, assuming everything is calculated and done right? (mechanical engineer here)

- I obtained mahle pistons with +0.5mm diameter. In order to insure longest engine life and less compression leak, what is the optimum honing value recommended for the cylinders? I will make sure the engine is treated carefully during the break in period anyways so I want to go as tight as I can.

- How exactly are pistons and rods blueprinted? Do you recommend material removal in order to make all parts weigh same?

- What is your recommendation for the crankshaft?

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2001 E200 Kompressor Avantgarde
1987 300E 5-speed
1976 450SLC
1975 280S (sold)
1973 230.6 (sold)