I want suggestions from you all on my 16V tragedy. My engine failed last month. Previous rebuild in 1997, itself a result of a
superceded chain tensioner failure, put a too-long chain into the engine. Chain rails, timing gear, and oil pump all came apart.

I understand that BENZMAC is a real expert on this but how should I rebuild this engine? Pistons and valves are trashed but cams are good as well as everything else in the block and head. I am in for a bunch of money but is this a good time to improve the performance of this car? How? What have people done that they like to produce more torque and horsepower without turbocharging?

__________________
Charles Cleaver
1975 350SE + 1992 300CE-24 SportLine 5-speed + 2002 SLK320 6-speed + 1974 W114 280
1986 190E 2.3-16 (Decomm rear self-leveling suspension; Euro-code headlamps) sold
2004 Audi S4 6-spd - sold
1969 (2) and 1980 Porsche 911T, S, and SC - alas gone
1987 300SDL - Graf Spee; Euro-code headlamps; 16-inch 8-hole wheels - sold
1994 E420+(E500 suspension/E-code headlamps/PAD chip) sold
1968 250SE 4-speed (NICE car) - long gone
1962 220S 4-speed/column mount - long gone

Can't answer your question, but if you need any parts for your car and are in Texas, there is a 190 2.3 in the Pic'N'Pull on Loop-12 near Dallas. Everything is half price this weekend so you could get the whole engine for under $100.

__________________
-Dave

But it isn't likely to be a 2.3-16 engine. I will call anyway but thank you.

__________________
Charles Cleaver
1975 350SE + 1992 300CE-24 SportLine 5-speed + 2002 SLK320 6-speed + 1974 W114 280
1986 190E 2.3-16 (Decomm rear self-leveling suspension; Euro-code headlamps) sold
2004 Audi S4 6-spd - sold
1969 (2) and 1980 Porsche 911T, S, and SC - alas gone
1987 300SDL - Graf Spee; Euro-code headlamps; 16-inch 8-hole wheels - sold
1994 E420+(E500 suspension/E-code headlamps/PAD chip) sold
1968 250SE 4-speed (NICE car) - long gone
1962 220S 4-speed/column mount - long gone

Sorry, I'm showing my ignorance on non-diesel models.

I did happen to notice that out of about a bazillion Ford Tauruses, there were no less than NINE SHO models with the Yamaha-built engine. Wow.

__________________
-Dave

To start with are you willing to spend as much money on the engine as the car is going to be worth!??



IF you are willing to SPEND the big $$$ then procede with the rebuild! Have the engine bored at least 0.50mm oversize. Custom pistons can be less $$ than OE ones! I used Arais pistons in street & race car engines!

__________________
MERCEDES Benz Master Guild Technician (6 TIMES)
ASE Master Technician
Mercedes Benz Star Technician (2 times)
44 years foreign automotive repair
27 Years M.B. Shop foreman (dealer)
MB technical information Specialist (15 years)
190E 2.3 16V ITS SCCA race car (sold)
1986 190E 2.3 16V 2.5 (sold)
Retired Moderator

Agreed, if you are willing to spend the $$ then there is lots that can be done. Over bore is great, as are pistons (I'm partial to JE). Custom rods would undoubtedly be lighter as well. As I understand it, Beckers makes a cam/valve spring kit that will allow this motor to rev to 8K. You could also contact some of the major cam manufacturers out there, tell them Exactly what you have and they could grind something to your liking.
A custom knife edged crank from someone like Falicon would be ideal, but $$$.

You could also see about going up a point on compression, send the head to a reputable race shop that has worked on something other then Chevy’s and see what they make of things.

I would also look into have the pistons skirts/tops coated as well as the headers internal/external surfaces.

I'd also wager a better air box would improve things.. Check out Ebay, there is a 16V DTM ex factory racer for sale.

Lastly, You'll need to get the motor balenced and you should have it blueprinted while you're at it.

Good luck w/ the build!

Jonathan

__________________
Blue Ridge Mercedes
Jonathan Hodgman
http://www.blueridgemb.com/
Enthusiast Service, Restoration & Tuning.
Follow Us on Facebook!
Located in the Atlanta area
Specializing in all pre and post merger AMG's including Hammers and DOHC M117 engines.
Mercedes Repair Atlanta