AusMB87

Hey guys,

Thought I would follow the trend and start posting updates as I play with my baby.

This is what it looks like now. I've only had it for a few weeks though...




I have fitted the Carlsson C-Tronic ECU unit and their high-flow intercooler (which looks and feels suspiciously like the CDI stock FMIC unit..

Performance gains are awesome and with not much coaxing she goes sideways through any corner.

AusMB87

Just bought these bad boys, I seem to have a Carlsson theme going....:




Planning to black out the headlights, maybe this weekend

Knightmare69

Please elaborate, if that's the case then maybe I should just order the CDI version how were you able to know it's similar to a CDI unit? Stock for stock would diesel versions need a larger FMIC?

AusMB87

CDI's do use a larger FMIC. That extra compression in the diesels needs much more intake.

It's been two years since I last saw a CDI intercooler in the flesh, so don't take my word for it, but I am pretty sure that's what Carlsson has provided me. That said, their price for the unit is cheaper than MBAu will sell me a CDI unit anyway.

Here is the new Carlsson unit next to the OEM C200cgi one:





I'll snap some pics of the ECU piggyback over the weekend

ickdeep

Good luck with your build!

Knightmare69

The end tank design looks like it bottlenecks compared to the CGi unit. I just checked the OEM FMIC between CGI and CDI, here are the measurements.

CGI
Length: 626 mm
Width: 127 mm
Depth: 62 mm

CDI
Length: 625 mm
Width: 128 mm
Depth: 62 mm

These measurements don't seem that radical that it would do much difference if the Carlsson unit is in fact a CDi unit would it?

Edit, After checking again as the CDi measurements I posted above are from a C200 CDi, it seems the C220 CDi measurements would match what you posted better. With that taller face I could see it being somewhat more efficient.

220 CDi
Length: 625 mm
Width: 143 mm
Depth: 62 mm

CrisT

Knightmare69, could you please post the intercooler sizes that are on the V6 CDI's?(eg. C300CDI, C320CDI, C350CDI).

I am intereseted in changing the intercooler on my C200CDI and as far as I know the biggest intercooler I can install is the one from the C220CDI. The C250CDI is a biturbo so it's intercooler can't fit on my car, but what about the bigger diesels?

Knightmare69

CrisT, I already checked, all about the same size. Largest will be the 220cdi measurements which is shared with some of the models you mentioned.

Spd Racr

Any chance of doing some dyno runs in the future to see some realistic gains from your piggy back and FMIC?

AusMB87

Dynos are really for fine tuning in my opinion.
I might dyno it in the future but, seeing as we can't really play with the tune, I'm not really bothered. After all, it's only going to give me an arbitrary figure that I won't be able to change too much.

AusMB87

Here is a couple of snaps of the Carlsson piggy back installed on my car:

AusMB87

Carlsson Callsica CPI/IGs 18x9.5 and 18x8.5.

The offset is only 31 so need to get them machined before they become a permanent fixture.

AusMB87

didn't get time to do the headlights but I did the grill. No plasti-dip. I deconstructed the grill and sanded it back, then primer, gloss black and clear coat. DIY thread to follow.

Before:



After:



I was under time constraints to reassemble so I had to put it back on the car tacky. As a result, right below the star are two chunks of missing paint. I will be able to fix those on the car so stay tuned for a DIY on that also (I guess my mistake will be everyone elses boon )

AusMB87

here are a few more pics of the rims. I'm actually liking the offset so I think I'll keep it as-is for now

Knightmare69

Looks great.

Knightmare69

I noticed that too but I would assume Carlsson did some R&D and figured it would work well enough.

Also AusMB87, can you let us know if you experience any lag with the larger FMIC? From what I understand, a larger intercooler but smallish turbo usually creates room for lag, even with the tune it's more the size of the turbo that will affect how it works with the intercooler.

AusMB87

It will prevent turbo lag.

The main source of turbo lag is volume within the intake between the turbo and the manifold. While you want a large enough diameter to prevent restriction, if you have too much empty space the lag will build up. Additionally, the larger the area, the slower the air flows through it (see venturi effect).
Also, note that the carlsson unit flares out much larger into the wider core.

It's all about balance, especially when we are talking about such a small turbo with such a long distance to the intake manifold. I can tell you that there is a noticeable difference between the tow units, as felt in the drivers seat.

phenom3030

Looks like an aggressive offset! Can you post more pictures of the poke from the side? As in, looking down the length of the car from the front and rear?

AusMB87

That was jsut a test fit mate, I need to get some longer wheel bolts and different rubber before it's done. I will post picks as soon as they are mounted.

sizes are:

front - 18x8.5 ET31
rear - 18x9.5 ET35

I know the rear will fit with some stretched rubber but the fronts, well, that's pretty out there.

I will fit them with stretched rubber and see what happens. I think it will be ok until I lower it, then I think I'll need to have the offset machined down a bit

AusMB87

Just picked up some Carlsson lowering springs for $200 shipped. Also ordered the 5mm rear shims. I will probably look at shaving the front shims to suit.

AusMB87

had a bit of a play with the car this weekend. Replaced the lower grill slats with an inset mesh, stripped and painted the peeling console trim around the cup holders and debadged.

Here is a progress shot




before shot of console trim:





Finished console trim:




and grill (original in post above):

2012C250

How you take apart your grille?

AusMB87

It all just clips together. All you need is a small flat blade screw driver, a steady hand and a fair amount of patience

AusMB87

So driving to work this morning and suddenly the car is revving like crazy and going nowhere. It was still accelerating slowly so I don't think it was slipping clutch packs - felt more like the TC. Turned it off and on again at the lights - problem fixed.

I will have to get it onto a STAR machine and see what codes were thrown.....

AusMB87

Rang the dealer who has been servicing this car - never had a transmission service so that's where I will be starting. 120,000km on original fluid, GAH! This is why I don't work for them any more.

Anyway, to make myself feel better, here are some pics of the freshly debadged rear end. Looks so much wider without the chrome all over it