Infamous Programming Resistor Upgrade (107) - Results

[Strife]

It has been discussed before, that replacing the EZL programming resistor will improve the performance of many MB's at the cost of requiring premium at all times, possible temperature increases, and emissions concerns. I disassembled the resistor plug on my car and put in a resistor yielding 2 degrees of retard (as opposed to 6). Although it's only soldering a single resistor, it was surprisingly difficult because the pins are very heavy and there is a lot of solder to melt (so much so that the plug's plastic softened, not good). Supposedly, removing the plug entirely on this car and engine will yield straight up timing, but I'm just too nervous about pinging and potential heat issues to do this. In any event, it's 93 octane from here on out (92 and 93 are sold here, same price). I would never use anything less than 92 in the car anyway, and proportionally the additional cost of premium at $2.80 is a lot less than it was at $0.80 or $1.80, and let's all hope that dime per gallon difference stays that way.

I've noticed a definite, but not spectacular, performance increase - I'm certain that this is not a placebo effect. The increase is most noticeable with first gear start engaged, only very slightly noticeable without. I'm leaving it installed, but I'll probably buy or boneyeard a stock plug replacement in case I need it in an emergency (like bad gas). All in all, I would not really recommend this "upgrade" unless you are a tinkerer.