We get questions concerning performance modifications on a regular basis. Can anyone answer this question from a fellow AMG enthusiast? Misha asks:

Hi,

I have a 1984 Mercedes-Benz 190E AMG with an 2.0L 8v 4 cylinder engine and I'm thinking of changing the engine to a 2.3L 16V 4 Cylinder engine. I would just like to know if there was anything installed by AMG back in the mid 80's when my car was modified that would make the engine swap very difficult to do. I have been told that there was lots of sensors put on the car by AMG. Where can I find info on what modifications AMG did to my car? Thanks

Editor's Note: If you have an answer, please leave it in the comment section below. 

It is hard to say what AMG mods were included during the 1980s. There is little documentation and Daimler obtained few records from AMG at the time of the acquisition (1990s). One place to check might be the Mercedes-Benz Classic Center. The techs at the center may have been involved with a restoration project for that model.

The last few years have seen a flood of 500 horsepower sedans almost pouring out of Germany from BMW, Audi, and Mercedes-Benz. Earlier this month, however, representatives from Mercedes and AMG announced that the "horsepower wars" were over, saying that outright power would no longer be the "main focus" for future sports sedans.

Apparently, no-one sent that "war over" memo to RENNTECH.

RENNTECH announced a new "stage 3" tune for the 2008 65 series AMG models, which makes use of what the company calls "next-generation ECU software" to get 695 hp and 890 lb-ft of torque from the AMG's twin-turbo V12.

"Power will always be important to many customers, especially torque." explains Hartmut Feyhl, RENNTECH's president and ex technical director of AMG North America. "Our cars have always been able to make considerable torque, and have been praised in magazines for their drivability. Still, we are constantly trying to improve our product."Commitment to constant improvement is one reason RENNTECH has become known as one of the world's premier tuning firms…

RENNTECH believes their new software will further cement that knowledge in the public mind. they have two full-time in-house software engineers and others that work with the software on a part-time or contract basis.

The latest software takes advantage of the increased power of the new engine computers, and offers a number of small improvements that add up to a big 'overall' improvement," Feyhl explains. Continue reading » »