Adding a supercharger to a 2.3-16
 

I am looking for advice, help, condolences whatever on my efforts to supercharge my 1997 190E 2.3-16. I am heading in the supercharger direction because I wanted to improve bottom end torque more than top end horsepower. I have acquired a supercharger off of a 1999 SLK 230 kompressor and am now in the process of trying to figure how to install it and the other components necessary to make it work effectively.

From my reading, I need a by-pass valve. The original bypass valve was computer controlled, I am looking for a vacuum controlled valve.

One of my concerns is about the fuel injection system. Does it need to be modified? I believe Clinton (I think) posted that he installed a Mosselman unit to his computer. I have not been able to find any information on this unit, is it needed? Where is it available?

Has anyone already installed an Eaton supercharger on a 190E?

Jim,
I've been thinking along the same lines lately. I believe the stock FI system should be sufficient as long as a method to enrich the fuel mixture can be developed. The Mosselman setup ties into the EHA circuit which seems like a good way to do it. I wonder if Mosselman will sell their 'black box' separately? That alone would make the job much easier!

I've been researching superchargers and what I think will work best. Regarding the SLK s/c...have you decided where you are going to mount it? Without taking any measurements, I think it's too large physically to fit comfortably. I'm currently looking at the IHI unit from the Mazda Millenia S but it seems rather long. Another possibility is the unit from the Toyota Previa S/C minivan. Both of these are intriguing because they have engines with about the same displacement as the 16V. Another possibility is a centrifugal s/c but I don't know too much about those yet.

Anyway, lets keep in touch on this.

Glen

Glen ... I think that size wise, it will fit. It will be tight and I will need to do a little fabricating on the input duct and maybe the output duct. I bought the unit off of eBay and it came with the "stock" input and output ducts. If I utilize one belt for the supercharger and the accessories, I will only have about two inches from the blower to the engine mount for an intake duct. If I move it forward and utilize a second belt, the "stock" output duct runs into the radiator. The other issue is the location and shape of the air cleaner and by-pass valve plumbing. Both need to squeze by the alternator. It will be a couple of weeks before I can actually stuff it into the space to get accurate measurements.

I bought this blower because it is an Eaton Model 45 and I thought that suppliers would have various "universal" parts for it. As I am finding, there are only specialized kits available so it will be more of a "make it yourself" project than the "bolt on" job that I was hoping for. At lease it came with the stock Mercedes pulley, input and output ducts as starting points.

I'll post progress when I make some.

Blair added a supercharger to his 190E 8V. http://members.optushome.com.au/blairc/

He might be able to give you tips on fitment, etc.

Hope this helps!

Thanks Dan. I've seen Blair's website, his car is very impressive :cool:
From the pictures it looks like he's using some sort of centrifugal supercharger. But, he also completely redesigned his fuel injection system and I don't want to do that.

I have seen pictures of Blair's car on the 190E Revolution site. It is beautiful. As an eight valve, he had more room around the exhaust manifold and had the luxury of routing the air duct over the engine. I seem to recall another picture of his car somewhere where the supercharger itself was pictured. It looked like a Vortec centrifugal unit. ( http://mb190.tripod.com/ go to readers rides, Blair's 2.4-8v Supercharged)

I plan to run the duct under the front beside the sway bar and up behind the oil cooler near where the current air cleaner is located. I am still trying to figure out the exact location of the supercharger itself and the modifications to the input and output ducts that will be required. I am also looking at locating the air cleaner in the window washer reservoir space and connecting the by-pass valve to the air cleaner.

Jim,
Just curious...do you plan to use an intercooler? How about fuel enrichment?

Glen .. I am currently not planning on an intercooler. According to the graphs on the Eaton site [URL=http://www.eaton.com/supercharger/M45.html[/URL] a 5-psi boost would only result in a 80 degree F increase in temperature. I will have some room under the radiator for an intercooler but I doubt that an intercooler would be necessary at 5-psi boost.

Whenever I get the unit installed and running, I'll evaluate the need for changes to the fuel system or an intercooler. The by-pass valve is the only item that I know I will need and I am including it in the initial installation.

Fuel enrichment
 

Here's a possible solution for fuel enrichment...
http://www.autotech.com/fuelcomp.htm

Disclaimer: I found this site while searching on the net. I have no previous experience with either the company or the product.

Glen,
I think that this "box" does almost exactly what the computer that comes with the mosselman turbo kit does. I know that it connects to the EHA as well. You're right, this should be all that's neccessary to run a low-boost blower on a 16V.
Jim, if you decide to go with this unit, please let us know how it goes. BTW, how are you coming along with the mounting of the supercharger?

Later!

Dan,
I was thinking the same thing :)
I think Clinton said the Mosselman unit had a vacuum connection as well, presumably to only enrich during boost conditions. Either way, at least there's an off the shelf product that may work!

Dan .. As I mentioned, I will be too busy to do much for a month or so. Driving up to New England for a rallye this weekend and I have my 190SL in the body shop. My first step will be to verify where it will fit and whether I will need to use a second belt for it. It looks like I will need to drop my sway bar to locate the supercharger above it. Everything takes time and my plate is currently full. I will post progress as it occurs.

Thanks for the link on the fuel enrichment item. That is way down the line but I keep every interesting link and suggestion.

Jim,
Just wondering if you've made any progress...
Have you decided on a dedicated belt vs. using a single, longer belt to drive the s/c? If using a dedicated belt, what pulley is available and how will it attach to the stock crank pulley?

Glen:

Have I sent you this address yet?

KLEEMANN USA Inc.
29 West Cimarron Street
Colorado Springs
CO USA 80903

TEL.: +1 719 473 6441
FAX: +1 719 448 0715

Kleeman has redone their web site, and is offering springs, brakes, wheels, as well as 2 different superchargers for 4 cyl MBs. It looks like the new site is flash based, with some missing items/broken links.

http://www.kleemann.dk/

Jim Villers:

I would have thought you would look for an Amherst Villers unit ;)

http://www.ridgwaynet.com/reviewpine5.html

John .... A very interesting reference to the "Amherst Villers" supercharger. I had never heard of them and would have ordered one if I could fid a web page or source for them (Ha).

Just a note on progress. I bought a spare exhaust header and had the tube for the second cylinder rerouted under the tube for the first cylinder. That frees up significant space behind the generator for the input duct to the supercharger. If my manifold gaskets arrive today, I will install the manifold this weekend.

After the manifold is installed, I should be able to try fitting the unit to determine its final position. At the moment, I am leaning toward utilizing a second crank pulley and using a SLK mounting bracket for the compressor and the generator. The price for the bracket, idler pulley and tensioner is about $300 and would make a clean installation. It would also allow me to adjust the crank pulley size to adjust boost.

I am still looking for an "inexpensive" vacuum controlled bypass valve that could also be adjustable as a blow off valve. Anyone have any good sources or ideas?