ni7robles

Has anyone had any luck finding c43 headers? I've seen the ones on ebay but have read those aren't really worth it in terms of performance. I haven't had any luck besides going the custom route which would cost a pretty $$$. Very grateful if someone pointed me in the right direction.

DRBC43AMG

Very difficult to find headers for the C43. The ebay ones advertised are mostly of poor quality and should not be considered. There are Kleeman headers but they are $$$$ if you can find them. Also space in the engine bay is a major problem and getting around the steering mechanism is the biggest problem. Don't forget that these vehicles are getting old and few specialist parts companies would want to invest for a market of a couple of hundred potential customers in the world. Just my 2cents worth...

benzslo

You have to find the kleemann headers used. If you keep an eye on here and scour craigslist, should be able to find some eventually, I picked up a set on here last fall, they work well, you see them pop up now and then.

It helps to know that anything that fits the 208 clk55 or clk430 will fit the c43. The headers are the same.

Ebay headers should not be considered unless you want less performance and exhaust leaks.

ECTurboGSX

One of the last batches of Kleemann headers had a manufacturing defect and have to be reworked to fit. So be mindful if you see any for sale that were never put on a car. Kleemann was honest with the customers who bought them and wanted to modify them to fit, but that doesn't mean the seller will be honest with you if you try to buy them secondhand.

ni7robles

Thanks guys I appreciate the info. Its what I also suspected if I find anything it would be second hand products at this point. Ill have to keep my eyes peeled on the forums. Those 370ish ebay headers I remember reading a bit about on an old thread that it wasnt an increase in hp.

benzslo

Not to be negative this is just my opinion.. I wouldn't worry about headers, the performance gain is minimal, and for the price, availability, and install.. Doing a 55 swap will give you way way more benefits and they are readily available just about anywhere.

ECTurboGSX

I would second that. Hands down the best bang for the buck. A few years back the 5.4's were pretty pricey but I have seen some very affordable ones over the last year or two. You could likely get one for a few hundred bucks more than you would get used headers for.

ni7robles

Speaking of the 55 swap I found an engine on ebay for about 5k that had a supercharger already dumped onto it. I would love to do the 55 swap but for now the money just isnt there. Overall I dont see much at all made for our c43s so I guess Ill save up for the 55.

benzslo

You could get one on eBay but I'd get one local and save shipping plus you can check it out beforehand. Got one from a junkyard for $1600 and was able to see the car it was in and got a few extras thrown in.

DRBC43AMG

Good move :-)

ECTurboGSX

I bought one with 42k miles on it four years ago for a hair under $2k. I most definitely would not pay over $2k for one now. A little patience and searching and you will find one.

ProjectC55

5.5l vs the headers is common sense. Not a big fan of the quality of the Kleeman headers even though I have a set on my car. If I had to do it over again from x pipe reso delete back would have been the way to go.

DRBC43AMG

You can always go 55 engine AND headers. That should be also interesting....

cm60k

+1,

Gooood Advice...

ZAYED,,

DRBC43AMG

If you find some good quality headers, I recommend you get them Zircotec coated. Not cheap but it will protect the surface and reduce a bit of heat...

benzslo

yep, that's fun too

Like someone said earlier in here, I'm also not very impressed with the kleemann designed headers, but as far as I know they are really the only thing out there. They fit fine and don't leak which are the big things, just feel they left alot on the table with their design.

RobertM27

http://www.ebay.de/itm/Mercedes-W-20...d=657547058134

there are always these headers.

DRBC43AMG

Yep seen those, but expensive. IMO the welds could look better...

ECTurboGSX

They look a little fancier, but honestly the flow path is pretty similar to the Kleemanns. I'll pull mine out tomorrow and take a pic in the same position and we can compare.

RobertM27

Quick question, will kleemann headers fit for a clk430 or clk55 fit into the c43?

ECTurboGSX

Yes, they should all be the same part number.

benzslo

Those really don't look much better than Kleemann either, But it is another option at least. Wonder how they fit? Kleemann's do come with the "downpipes" off the headers which is nice and makes them very easy to connect to the rest of the car's exhaust.

cm60k

AGREEEEED...

zayed,,

mickey13

Kleemann: Is it just the w208 headers that fit the 4.3 or would the w210 headers fit as well? Or in turn, which headers would fit the w210?

side note: There's a e55 on ebay with 35k mi for 3500+425 shipping, I'm thinking its overpriced when they've got one with 186k miles for 1300 shipped. Essentially you could drop 2700 bucks in the older one and potentially have an eng with a couple of goodies.

benzslo

Just the 208.