Which mod should be first?

CLKCLK · 02-22-2012, 12:09 PM

Hi all,

So I currently have 180mm, 550cc injectors (installed soon), some intake mods and second CATs removed with x pipe. If I only have money for either shorties headers or 82mm throttle, which one should I go first? And why? Some thoughts, logic, math, experiences are much appreciated!

Thanks,

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rlh23 · 02-22-2012, 12:55 PM

IC pump? Heat exchanger? I'd go for shorties over TB personally because you'll feel and hear the difference.

AKnight55 · 02-22-2012, 12:56 PM

If you dont have an upgraded heat exchanger Id do that first.

Exotic-metal55 · 02-22-2012, 01:10 PM

You have to do the headers and they will help with cooling some and also do some cooling mods.

SterlingE55 · 02-22-2012, 01:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Exotic-metal55

You have to do the headers and they will help with cooling some and also do some cooling mods.

This.

komp55 · 02-22-2012, 01:27 PM

I think that the first and most "bang-for-the-buck" mod is a good set of LT headers (I'm dividing the header universe into shorties that bolt to the factory exhaust and then everything else). Everything else you'll do after the headers builds off the engine's ability to breathe better following a header upgrade.

And speaking from personal experience, don't waste your time or money with shorties - their gains are relatively minimal compared to LTs (despite a few specious claims around here to the contrary) because they still end up connecting to the restrictive factory catalysts.

grantwoodtx · 02-22-2012, 01:30 PM

Headers like they said!

I think Shardul has a spare set laying around.

chawkins2001 · 02-22-2012, 01:32 PM

Sharduls headers, worth every penny and will make big powa...

kompressede · 02-22-2012, 01:32 PM

+1, Go for LT over shorties. More HP gains, and they help with the heat escape .

AKnight55 · 02-22-2012, 01:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by komp55

I think that the first and most "bang-for-the-buck" mod is a good set of LT headers (I'm dividing the header universe into shorties that bolt to the factory exhaust and then everything else). Everything else you'll do after the headers builds off the engine's ability to breathe better following a header upgrade.

And speaking from personal experience, don't waste your time or money with shorties - their gains are relatively minimal compared to LTs (despite a few specious claims around here to the contrary) because they still end up connecting to the restrictive factory catalysts.

Doesnt e55amgrocket have Kleemanns??? These are basically shorties and there have been a few guys in the tens with them too..

BenzoDoc · 02-22-2012, 01:58 PM

Tune?!?

Cooling?

CLKCLK · 02-22-2012, 02:01 PM

Thanks guys!

I live in CA, so big NO to long tube headers

, also no for high flow CATs. I love those, but can't pass smog here

And not to mentioned, I don't like a loud exhaust.

I have separated coolant but no HE as I don't feel I need it at least for now since I don't track the car nor do multiple WOT. Love doing that too, but you have no room doing it in the bay and cops are everywhere. The city really needs some $$$ from traffic tickets to cover the state budget lol. But don't get me wrong, I love power and need power

Thank you all for your input!

Edit: Yes, EC Tune

Jakpro1 · 02-22-2012, 03:03 PM

My opinion...go shorties than.

82mm will show SOME improvement but the stock airbox is restrictive in my experience. You'll be opening up the hole with still have the restriction before it.

If you go 82mm, go with a higher flow airbox as well like the VRP/Carbino with some K&Ns or your choice of filter.

Still my vote is for Kleemann style header if you wont go long tubers but shorties certainly aren't horrible.

AKnight55 · 02-22-2012, 04:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jakpro1

My opinion...go shorties than.

82mm will show SOME improvement but the stock airbox is restrictive in my experience. You'll be opening up the hole with still have the restriction before it.

If you go 82mm, go with a higher flow airbox as well like the VRP/Carbino with some K&Ns or your choice of filter.

Still my vote is for Kleemann style header if you wont go long tubers but shorties certainly aren't horrible.

Agree.. Guys are running tens with the Kleemanns, so they are more than capable.

grantwoodtx · 02-22-2012, 04:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AKnight55

Agree.. Guys are running tens with the Kleemanns, so they are more than capable.

With Kleemans he will loose his primary cats which may be an issue in Cali with SMOG testing.

CharlyE500 · 02-22-2012, 05:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by grantwoodtx

With Kleemans he will loose his primary cats which may be an issue in Cali with SMOG testing.

Kleemann will reprogram the ECU for free. Its the best solution for California driver. And if you send ECU to Cory for reprogramming, he will give you a great deal on ECU tune in the same time.

grantwoodtx · 02-22-2012, 05:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CharlyE500

Kleemann will reprogram the ECU for free. Its the best solution for California driver. And if you send ECU to Cory for reprogramming, he will give you a great deal on ECU tune in the same time.

Excellent!

komp55 · 02-22-2012, 05:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AKnight55

Doesnt e55amgrocket have Kleemanns??? These are basically shorties and there have been a few guys in the tens with them too..

Nobody thinks of Kleemans as shorties; shorties are those that actually bolt up to the existing stock system. As others have said, they're mid-length headers that eliminate the primary cats. They're a very good compromise if you want most of the performance of LTs, don't mind doing or having welding done to install them, and don't want stainless steel.

Denroll · 02-22-2012, 05:49 PM

I'm in Cali and I'm running long tubes?

How'd I do it? Registered out of state!

AKnight55 · 02-22-2012, 06:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by komp55

Nobody thinks of Kleemans as shorties; shorties are those that actually bolt up to the existing stock system. As others have said, they're mid-length headers that eliminate the primary cats. They're a very good compromise if you want most of the performance of LTs, don't mind doing or having welding done to install them, and don't want stainless steel.

Yea, I guess your right.

CLKCLK · 02-22-2012, 06:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CharlyE500

Kleemann will reprogram the ECU for free. Its the best solution for California driver. And if you send ECU to Cory for reprogramming, he will give you a great deal on ECU tune in the same time.

EC can also do this, but still you won't pass smog with visual check. It's CA

GregMB · 02-22-2012, 06:57 PM

I saw some online chatter that CA was going to skip the visual inspections and tailpipe tests for anything newer than 2000... And just check OBD for codes.

Not sure where I saw that, but there were claims that the administration of all the checks for relatively new cars was becoming prohibitively expensive.

Might be worth researching a bit before buying any new parts.

-G

lowprofile · 02-22-2012, 07:36 PM

Headers like everyone stated. However, Kleemann are stainless. Not the same quality as say MBH though.

CharlyE500 · 02-22-2012, 07:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CLKCLK

EC can also do this, but still you won't pass smog with visual check. It's CA

I actually asked Adam from EC and told me the only one who can reprogram is Kleemann for Primary cat delete and erasing the check engine light.

CharlyE500 · 02-22-2012, 07:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lowprofile

Headers like everyone stated. However, Kleemann are stainless. Not the same quality as say MBH though.

Yes, true but Kleemann runs $1K and MBH $3K

02-22-2012, 12:55 PM	#2
rlh23 Super Member Garage is empty, add now Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Mississippi Posts: 550 Drives: 2004 SL55	IC pump? Heat exchanger? I'd go for shorties over TB personally because you'll feel and hear the difference. __________________ 2004 SL55 **FOR SALE** Kleemann cams, Kleemann headers, Kleemann throttle body, Kleemann pulley, Kleemann tune, LSD, Akebono brake pads, upgraded Bosch IC pump Sold: 2004 E55

02-22-2012, 12:56 PM	#3
AKnight55 MBWorld Fanatic! Garage is empty, add now Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: NH Posts: 5,450 Drives: E55	If you dont have an upgraded heat exchanger Id do that first. __________________ Eurocharged tune/ TTM scoops/ Sec. cats+ resonator delete/ Forgestar F14/ RennTech v1/ CF trunk spoiler/CF mirror cover/CF roof wrap/6000k HID headlights/ 35% tint/ E63 front bumper/ FTP Heat Exchanger/ CF Intake tubes/ Smaller S/C pulley

02-22-2012, 01:10 PM	#4
Exotic-metal55 SPONSOR Garage is empty, add now Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Texas Posts: 2,475 Drives: 2003 CL55	You have to do the headers and they will help with cooling some and also do some cooling mods. __________________ Darton MID sleeved, Forged Mahle custom race pistons, Ported race heads, custom Headers, UPD 3000 stall converter W/#2 pump, EC tune, 725cc Injectors, Bosch 044 pump, 8an fuel line, custom fuel rail, UPD 83mm SC pulley and beltwrap kit, 185mm CP, Aux. HE, Trunk tank w/rule 2000 pump, Mezeire pump, ASP idlers, Aluminum rotor hats, C6 battery.

02-22-2012, 01:32 PM	#8
chawkins2001 MBWorld Fanatic! Garage is empty, add now Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Cape Town South Africa to the ATL Posts: 6,039 Drives: 2006 E55 AMG	Sharduls headers, worth every penny and will make big powa... __________________ *CornFed E55 (e85)/Meth* -10.84 @ 127mph-w/1.65 60ft-TUNED by TONY@BIP *Slammed on VOSSEN CV7's* http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HHv4jhA2lyc http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PZHxMP9BrOM http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=youtube_gdata_player&v=96DNQbnYuBE

02-22-2012, 01:58 PM	#11
BenzoDoc Super Member Garage is empty, add now Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: TMC Posts: 776 Drives: a 3-0 vicryl	Tune?!? Cooling? __________________

02-22-2012, 01:27 PM	#6
komp55 MBWorld Fanatic! Garage is empty, add now Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 1,351 Drives: ML550	I think that the first and most "bang-for-the-buck" mod is a good set of LT headers (I'm dividing the header universe into shorties that bolt to the factory exhaust and then everything else). Everything else you'll do after the headers builds off the engine's ability to breathe better following a header upgrade. And speaking from personal experience, don't waste your time or money with shorties - their gains are relatively minimal compared to LTs (despite a few specious claims around here to the contrary) because they still end up connecting to the restrictive factory catalysts.

02-22-2012, 01:30 PM	#7
grantwoodtx MBWorld Fanatic! 2004 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Edmond, OK Posts: 1,423 Drives: W212 E63	Headers like they said! I think Shardul has a spare set laying around.

02-22-2012, 01:32 PM	#9
kompressede Super Member Garage is empty, add now Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: NY Posts: 696 Drives: 05' E55, 12' E350	+1, Go for LT over shorties. More HP gains, and they help with the heat escape .

02-22-2012, 02:01 PM	#12
CLKCLK Super Member Garage is empty, add now Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Bay Area Posts: 811 Drives: 03 C32, 06 CLS55	Thanks guys! I live in CA, so big NO to long tube headers , also no for high flow CATs. I love those, but can't pass smog here And not to mentioned, I don't like a loud exhaust. I have separated coolant but no HE as I don't feel I need it at least for now since I don't track the car nor do multiple WOT. Love doing that too, but you have no room doing it in the bay and cops are everywhere. The city really needs some $$$ from traffic tickets to cover the state budget lol. But don't get me wrong, I love power and need power Thank you all for your input! Edit: Yes, EC Tune __________________ CLS55 ASP 180mm Pulley, 82mm throttle body, 550cc injectors, BMC headers High flow CATs X pipe 2nd CATs removed, PLM H/E Johnson pump Separated coolant, Lower by STAR + some mods, 20" 20mm spacer, Euro Command video + backup camera enabled. EC ECU/TCU dyno tune. C32 LET 185mm Pulley, LET headers, CODE3 Intake, CODE3 Intercooler, 2.5 Modified Intake Plenum, 2nd CATs Removed, Quattro tips, Separated IC coolant, LET Dyno Tune And big fat 5bls heavier wheels on 275 Last edited by CLKCLK; 02-22-2012 at 02:07 PM.

02-22-2012, 03:03 PM	#13
Jakpro1 MBWorld Fanatic! Garage is empty, add now Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Salt Lake City (but not Morm) Posts: 7,066 Drives: 2003 E55	My opinion...go shorties than. 82mm will show SOME improvement but the stock airbox is restrictive in my experience. You'll be opening up the hole with still have the restriction before it. If you go 82mm, go with a higher flow airbox as well like the VRP/Carbino with some K&Ns or your choice of filter. Still my vote is for Kleemann style header if you wont go long tubers but shorties certainly aren't horrible. __________________ __________________________________________________ _______________________

02-22-2012, 05:49 PM	#19
Denroll Super Member Garage is empty, add now Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 636 Drives: '06 E55	I'm in Cali and I'm running long tubes? How'd I do it? Registered out of state! __________________ '06 E55 A pulley, some tubes, other stuff = 527whp @ 94º ambient.

02-22-2012, 06:57 PM	#22
GregMB MBWorld Fanatic! Garage is empty, add now Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: The Granite State Posts: 1,258 Drives: 2006 E55	I saw some online chatter that CA was going to skip the visual inspections and tailpipe tests for anything newer than 2000... And just check OBD for codes. Not sure where I saw that, but there were claims that the administration of all the checks for relatively new cars was becoming prohibitively expensive. Might be worth researching a bit before buying any new parts. -G __________________ 2006 - E55 Black (Sirius / Bi-Xenon / Premium Pkg with Pano / Trunk Closer / Keyless GO) ...... 41,145 original miles

02-22-2012, 07:36 PM	#23
lowprofile MBWorld Fanatic! Garage is empty, add now Join Date: Apr 2009 Posts: 1,217 Drives: E55	Headers like everyone stated. However, Kleemann are stainless. Not the same quality as say MBH though. __________________ *...... 10.50 @ 132.53 w/1.50 60ft ...... T/T/M ......* http://i760.photobucket.com/albums/x...-47-15_501.jpg With DA of +850: http://www.dragtimes.com/2004-Merced...phs-24819.html True street trim, full weight on Hankooks: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=akIYD...g8LR0EwfsBZR3g

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