I have an 84 300cd with just over 200k miles and in decent shape.

I've read elsewhere on this board that the diesel engine of that era typically has between 6-8psi of boost, but that this is a factory level set much lower than the safe upper limit. Some say this was done for emissions reasons, but I don't understand why.

People have said they can run 12-14 psi on their 5cyl diesels with noticably improved performance without destroying the engine. If this is true, where can I get an adjustable boost for my car?

Anyone here with experience installing and operating such a device? How 'bout a turbo guage?

Thanks, this board is a big help.

-Gil

Gil,
Sorry I didn't have a chance to reply to your private message regarding this topic. I installed a boost controller that I purchased from www.dawesdevices.com. It's a pretty simple device that has thus far worked extremely well. It's easy to adjust, and has given pretty consistent performance. My boost before the controller was installed was at 9psi, now it is at 14.5 psi (perhaps a little too high, I'm still experimenting). The added boost coupled with a slight increase in fuel delivered to the cylinders has provided a significant increase in acceleration. I can be at the end of most highway on-ramps going about 60 MPH (and those are short NY on-ramps). I also purchased a VDO 0-15psi boost gauge from www.egauges.com that sits to the left of the instrument cluster above the left air vent (held there by some industrial strength velcro).

Check out this thorough website designed by someone else (speedy300DTurbo) on Mercedesshop.com who also installed the same boost controller (he was first). It has some neat pictures and will give you an idea of what's involved in the installation. Good luck.

http://www.geocities.com/wyldrozes/learn.html

Alex

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1983 300D (parked for four years)
2012 VW Sportwagen TDI Manual
2001 Miata SE
1962 Chevrolet Corvair Rampside