Well I just wanted to post up my thoughts on my newly acquired 81 240D and post a few questions that some of you long time Benzers may answer.

I purchased my 240D manual 4 speed in Vegas with 136k.. a one owner rust free dirver literally driven by a 81 year old lady who bought it new in Gemany 1981. She owned and had a German MB service it since new. I brought it to a 4500' elevation in Utah and lost some of that oomph I need. Here are my qustions after 500 miles. ( keep in mind the car runs real well and gets 26-28 mpg. I havent done that much straight out higway driving yet. .. ( that comes next)... Alaska baby here I come...I want to get in on the end of the King Salmon run out of Soldatna Ak.
..........here is what I wondered about.........
*Seems like I am really hammering the little engine when I shift at the suggested shift points onthe speedo. Is That OK.. can I over rev?
* when I start to slow down due to long uphills ... do I need to move off the go pedal as I slow ?.. does that cause poor ignition if I leave the hammer down ( unburnt fuel) and lead to overheating? I have not gone over 90c yet btw.
* Can I run/rev that little 4 banger as harder?.. say stay in 3rd gear for extended periods on uphills up to 55 mph. IIRC 55mph+ is the shift point for 3rd. I feel like I may over rev due to no tach.
I am considering driving to Alaska in July via the Alcan highway thru Canada just to say I did it. Will I see some improvement as I get closer to sea level?... what percent would you say in terms of power ? 10-15%
* Any suggestions for a long trip from Utah to Alaska?

I sure like the little bugger for cruising at 65 mph... that seems to be the sweet spot .. What rpms would a stock tire 240D be at 4th gear at 65-70 mph?
any and all suggetions appreciated.

thanks
Bennett