MGKSRB

Hey guys.
First of, just to say that this is probably the best Mercedes forum going around. SO much information on 124's!
Anyway, to the point. I have a 1986 Mercedes 300e 3.0l. A friend of mine placed a bet of $600 that he would beat me in a 4KM drag race.
Now my main point is, what where the top speeds of the car?
How can I improve the peformance for free or very little money. As in i've heard people taking of the Air Filter, filling tires with helium (these are the wheels I have: http://liveimages.carsales.com.au/ca...3656524504.jpg) And some people say that placing octane booster? helps somehow. Anyway, please give me some suggestions. As this is happening soon and I need as much information as possible.
Thankyou!

Saijin_Naib

Make sure your engine is in 100% top shape. Mine isn't, and instead of doing 0-60s in the mid-low 7s like its supposed to, it takes 14s.

If your car isn't well taken care of, you're not winning a race against anything except maybe the diesel Smart, but that still pulls 0-60s in the 12s.

190E 16V

Speed with no money??

Helium will NOT make your car lighter, and NOS additive is a scam.

- Replace the heavy, restrictive, exhaust resonator with a straight pipe between the Cats and the muffler.
- Change the oil, air filter, fuel filter.
- Fill the gas tank with just enough fuel for the race.
- Empty the trunk - take out your golf clubs, skateboard, subwoofer, tools and spare tire.
Remove the back seats, floor mats, carpets, even the front passenger seat if you can.

This works for all Mercedes...

Post the link to YouTube video of your race, please. What kind of car are you racing?

Good luck

Brett: should we give him Zach's email address??

neanderthal

What's your friend driving?

If it's anything modern, save yourself the time and trouble and just give him the $600...

MGKSRB

It's a 1987 Holden Commodore VL Turbo bt1 he has around 230000km. Ex-cop car. Mines in fantastic condition. It has 138000ks and it over heated a few months back. so everything in the cooling and electrical systems were replaced.
Another quick question, what would happen if I didnt bypass the fader when installing a soundsystem myself?

watut

190E 16V

Yep, that says it all.

The Borg have a turbo...

MGKSRB

It doesnt matter that he has a turbo. It has 10kw more than mine and its super unstable at high speeds....

funkgab

weight is also a huge factor..

change the rules and do some kind of top gear race.. point a - to point b.. take whatever shortcuts you have to.

Saijin_Naib

I think you might be taking on a race your car isn't ready for, especially if it over-heated. Doesn't sound like the engine is in great shape if that has happened.

Either way, post the video. I'm curious to see how it goes. Best of luck!

MGKSRB

It overheated due to the fact that the hoses were not in use for years. It did 4000ks in 9 years. We replaces everything, runs like new. No joke. Ive seem 124's that drive like sh*t. But this one is actually good. I think i have a chance....

ptoro01

For that kind of loot on the line, you're gonna have to win. It's gonna be a close race, weights are similar, as is power. If his turbo is out of tune or reduced compression(high miles on a turbo), you've got a solid chance at this thing.

Here's what you do. Everything Saijin Naib and 190e 16v said, and then some.

#1, most important. A car is only as good as its driver. Lose some weight, and get good sleep (mind and body right!). I recommend the salt water master cleanse, look it up, you'll feel great afterwards. But hours before the race, go on a run wearing trash bags under your clothes. This will make you sweat like crazy, remember we are 70% water (heavy!!), then red bull up.

#2 Here's the list of performance upgrades you can do to your car for free.
-45PSI tires
-remove mirrors
-tape the front end, bumper slits, hood gap, headlights
-remove the fan (you don't need one above 30mph!!)
-put on a shorter belt(no AC, alternator or power steering)
-remove the air filter
-octane booster is only gonna help if you put in a gallon or 2..
-empty out the windshield washer tank

#3 Defeat your opponent before the race.
Go have some burgers, rally him to eat a triple bacon cheeseburger with a milkshake and onion rings. While you go for the veggie burger with no sides and water(finish only half). That ought to gain you a second off the line, cha-ching right there.


But whatever you do, WE JUST WANNA SEE THIS GO DOWN!

rivcal4life

1: Lend me a few bucks for a paint job.
2: Charter a jet for me and my car.
3: Tell him you'll be wearing a helmet.
4: Collect your money.


oh and
5: Fly me and my car home.

Thanks are optional. As is the school girl-esque giggling as you videotape from the bushes.

RHW

MGKSRB

Thankyou sooo much ptoro01. Youve really made me confident that I can win this. And due to the fact that I never planned to film it. I will now, as multiple people are going to be on different positions of the road. Any other minor tips which could add up to make a difference?
And one more quick question. If i ended up removing the fan, taping, resonator and all of the other tips. What can I expect at the top end? Seeming as though thats what the race is all about..
Again, huge thanks to everyone!

ptoro01

Don't forget the skinny tires. 195 at most. if you've got hub caps, remove em.