Glad to be here -- I'm sure it will pick up activity soon. I've been a regular at the "old" site as well as this on the other shop forums -- now we've got a home here, too.
I've got a 1984 280GE that is in the shop now -- it was time for a head reconditioning (the usual MB engine stuff to do) when I decided it was a perfect time for MORE! I've had the original engine pulled and it's being exchanged for a new long block prepared (but with my G's flywheel, oil pan, etc.) to Euro specs (higher compression pistons, camshaft, etc.) and then some, to put out the Euro car's power. The need for high octane fuel is not an issue for me -- I've used it exclusively on all my cars anyway -- so the original G's engine's ability to run on (third world quality) low octane fuel is actually a negative -- I wanted more power. And now, I'll have it!
After I get the long block installed, and give it a reasonable break-in, I'll report back on the performance improvement, compared the baseline figures I recorded.
Have fun, folks.