Optimising power from older beasts

[Mercv8]

How would you guys optimise the power of the older mercedes engines, such as the 5 litre v8's?

Im thinking along the lines of pre 91, like my own 500 SE.

Sounds silly, but does using say lighter pulleys, belts etc add anymore power?

Im thinking with old components, surely theres a benefit to be had with adding some newer revised components etc?

For example i bought a set of performance K1 leads for my car, and could certainly tell a difference over the original leads.

 

[daveenty]

Air filter?

K&N are sure to make one.....may give a little bit, but certainly more noisy on induction roar

TBH, I'd tend not to bother, though you could go the whole way and fit a supercharger kit to it....NOT cheap, and engine should be A1 or it'll blow the bottom end out.

As for pulleys etc. I would have thought with that size of lump any gain would be negligible.