There are subtle ways of improving the performance of the M102 8 valve in the '85 but with...
There are subtle ways of improving the performance of the M102 8 valve in the '85 but without substantial investment, it won't ever be a V-Tec killer, at least not in the straight parts. First, the chassis is heavy, but the lighter of any MB sedan made since the 1930's. The design, including the aerodymanics, were aimed at all day cruising at 100 mph, not the "stoplight grand prix." As a result, the trans starts out in 2nd gear and the gearing reflects the aim of smooth cruising and mpg from that era.
Start by making sure the engine is clean and tuned. Compression leak down test the cyliners and replace any valve or piston parts that compromise the compression. There is no "R/16" timing resistor in this engine until 1987, so don't bother looking for it to remove it. For "Stage I" tuning, a free flow exhaust system will add a few (and I emphasize few)HP. There are those that claim that sythetic oil, a different air filter or "cold air intake" will get you more HP, but those claims are yet to be verified on a dyno. There are street camshafts for the M102, but remember, what you gain in upper end performance, you might be giving away in low end smoothness. NOS is an option, but remember it's only for flat out use.
Beyond that, it get real expensive. Turbocharging, bore & stroking, and engine swaps.
There are subtle ways of improving the performance of the M102 8 valve in the '85 but without substantial investment, it won't ever be a V-Tec killer, at least not in the straight parts. First, the chassis is heavy, but the lighter of any MB sedan made since the 1930's. The design, including the aerodymanics, were aimed at all day cruising at 100 mph, not the "stoplight grand prix." As a result, the trans starts out in 2nd gear and the gearing reflects the aim of smooth cruising and mpg from that era.
Start by making sure the engine is clean and tuned. Compression leak down test the cyliners and replace any valve or piston parts that compromise the compression. There is no "R/16" timing resistor in this engine until 1987, so don't bother looking for it to remove it. For "Stage I" tuning, a free flow exhaust system will add a few (and I emphasize few)HP. There are those that claim that sythetic oil, a different air filter or "cold air intake" will get you more HP, but those claims are yet to be verified on a dyno. There are street camshafts for the M102, but remember, what you gain in upper end performance, you might be giving away in low end smoothness. NOS is an option, but remember it's only for flat out use.
Beyond that, it get real expensive. Turbocharging, bore & stroking, and engine swaps.
