1996 Performance
 

I just got my first mercedes, a 1996 SL500. Now I'll never be able to go back to any other car. <IMG src=smileys/smiley2.gif border="0"></P>


Since, I can't stand to leave anything alone, I have been searching for any performance upgrades. So far, I have found absolutely nothing. Does anyone have any suggestions.</P>


Also, I am not sure what to do with the built in phone. Can these be upgraded to a modern version?</P>

1996 Performance
 

I kinda asked pretty much the same question here and kinda pretty much came up nil, seeing as I have no large bags of dough lying around. There are a few things around like hi-flow intakes and 'puter upgrades, but they'restupid amounts of money. Something like $1700 USD for an intake for my SL. It takes two, but that's still about $850 each. Criminny!I'm gonna make my own when the weather gets warmer. It'll probably look ugly, but it'll work and be cheap. Cams and heads packages will run you into the five-digits.</P>


I have one of those doofus phones, too. I'd like to rip it out for the storage space, but I'm afraid I'll let loose a bunch of electrical gremlins. The car will probably think I stole the phone and go nanners or something.</P>


I think these cars were meant to be left alone... sort of. Maybe not.</P>

1996 Performance
 

Thanks for the response. Nil is about all I have found also. The only thing I have found is RennTech. But that runs like $30,000USDto upgrade to a 6.0L and 400 hp. <IMG src=smileys/smiley11.gif border="0"> Sorry, no thanks. Looks like I'll just have to keep looking.

1996 Performance
 

Yep, RennTech. Their packagessound awfullygood but I don't think they take Monopoly money. That's all I have.

RE: 1996 Performance
 

I have found a little information on this. A local performance car parts outfit has suggested a setup with a new computer chip, air intake, camms, and performance exhaust. For something on the upper range of affordable.

I asked another mechanic that specializes in mercedes for a second opinion and his advise was to do nothing. According to him, the computer chips generally only change the timing and do nothing for mixturer. This can/will lead to the engine pinging. Bad news.

Anyone else have any advise? :eek:

RE: 1996 Performance
 

Yeah. Buy a Camaro or a Mustang and hack it up. It would be a lot cheaper. Leave the MB alone.

I know the computer on the LS1-powered Corvettes and F-bodies uses two timing advance tables. One is for "good" gas and the other is for gas that causes pinging. If the engine pings the computer uses the "other" table which reduces the timing advance. A performance program upgrade merely uses the "good" gas table all the time. Pretty dangerous unless you're very careful and particular about the gas you use and how and when you drive. And also a major ripoff.

There are a few other things they can do in an upgrade chip or program. They can adjust the speed limiter, adjust the auto trans shift points and firmness, adjust the speedo for aftermarket tire sizes, and some other things. They can also fool some sensors into misreading certain data so that performance takes precedence over reduced emissions but they normally don't due to liability risks and incredibly hefty federal fines if they're found out.

RE: 1996 Performance
 

Ya that is pretty much what I have already decided to do. Better to what about five years and then get a used 600sl or 55sl.