Without messing with the resistor, would running high octane fuel (100 using the R + N/2 method) help performance, or possibly damage my engine?

Being in the thick of NASCAR territory, 100 octane fuel is available at numerous service stations near my home.

Someone told me that AFTER i take out the resister that i can not use it again after it is out? is this true? they said i would have to buy a new one. Where would i buy such a thing and wut would i ask for ?

Hi johnp123,

I think it was you that emailed me and I told you I had to replace the zip tie because I cut it off, not the resistor. Therefore, do not throw out the resistor. You can definetely use it again!!

BTW, I have been using 94 octane gas and am not experiencing any pinging. I might even go back to 91 octane after this tank runs out.

__________________
Peter Chu aka PIKACHU
08 C300 Premium Pkg, MM Pkg, Sport Pkg, Keyless Go
86 300E soon to be E36 with Euro Headlights
400E front & rear brake upgrade
16" CLK wheels with Michelin MXV4 plus Green X

ok, guys, I did the mod ('90 300E, 138k)...very simple - took about 10 minutes and the only reason it took that long is because I took extra time and care in retaping everything...I notice slightly better accelleration from standstill (seat of the pants, no tests), but in mid rpm range, (i.e., 35-65 mph) the car has a different "feel"...I don't have to feed it as much gas pedal to keep it at a steady speed...also notice the fuel "economy" guage stays more toward max economy, again w/less pedal input...I thought initially that all of this was just wishful thinking on my part because I simply "wanted" the mod to give me more of what I was looking for, but after a couple of days, I really do feel a difference...don't get me wrong, it's not like installing a turbo, but the difference is noticeable, however slight, but I like it...waiting on input from MB techs to figure out if it's worth potential future problems, but for now, it's staying w/out the resistor...Bill

I forgot to mention that I am taking a road trip this weekend and will report back with any mpg changes...I feel as though I will be getting better mileage, but we'll wait and see...also, first trip w/new Eibachs, Bilstein Sports, new steering damper and new 16x7.5 8 holes and Kuhmo ECSTA 712's (from tirerack)...all will be installed in the next day or two and needless to say, I'm REALLY looking forward to my "new" car...thanks to Nick, Scott and Luke for their help in making my decision the right one...Bill

ok , thx but the zip doesn't even hurt anything and doesn't need to be replaced does it? unless your a neat freak eh?

Bill, sounds like a great way to "play" with your new mods, and testing out the 300 without the resistor. Just don't forget to take it with you...just in case! I've yet to remove it from my 300E.

Enjoy your trip, we'll be waiting for a performance and fuel consumption update.

Drive safe!

__________________
Brian W.

01 S55 AMG Silver
01 CLK55 AMG Silver

Still no tech opinon's on this???

-fad

-fad,

Check the top of page 4 Donnie posted there.

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Brian W.

01 S55 AMG Silver
01 CLK55 AMG Silver

Thanks Brian
-fad

Guys,
Pre ignition is very hard to detect audibly
at "High Speed".I'll try to look for mine this
weekend. :p

Has anybody dynoed their car to see if this actually improves horsepower? If nobody has, maybe all the 124 owners who are interested in this can put in a few bucks (possibly via paypal.com?) for somebody that has a dyno shop near their house. I am really interested to see the hp differences with and without the resistor. What do you guys think?

Brian

__________________
'87 300E
Debadged
Euro Clear Corners
Updated '95 Tail Lights

Just thought I'd post a reply to mention that I removed the resistor on my 89 300E. I bought the car over a year ago and have had an issue with it taking a long time to start when cold and also rough idle. Upon removal of the resistor, the two issues went away. Additionally, there is definately a performance increase with respect to acceleration (both from a dead stop and at 50 MPH). I'm not sure if the removal of the resistor is a miracle cure or if it is just compensating for another problem....doesn't matter, at the moment I'm very pleased with the results!

Brothers of the Benz, that little elusive resistor usual is attached to the suction line of the Automatic Climate Control.
You couldn't find a better or cheaper heat sink.
It will be wrapped with Thermotape and attached using a tye wrap.
Straight down behind the first firewall, inboard of the masterclinder.
You can't miss it.
Some years back we all tried the removal of the resistor altogether.
Performance did improve but economy went down.
Not the resistors fault but the change in driving habits.
I've relocated mine so I might remove it for highway driving and replace it for city driving where I need the low speed torque.
I always meant to install a switch, but the manual method has worked over 15 years.
Happy Trails Beep Beep from The Spiderman in Houston!!!

hey dlswnfrd,

You saying that without the resistor you loose a little low end torque in exchange for power on top? I definantly feel a difference when driving normal but when I floor it from a standstill feels like I lost a little ooomp.