Syntaxerror

I'm trying to figure out what exhaust mods I can do to make the 5.5 V8 sound more alive like it should, but I'd like to do this without buying a whole new exhaust. I'm looking into getting an x pipe, but I can't seem to find them anywhere. I'm curious about doing cutouts, but I'm not sure how that works either.

Any tips would be appreciated!

vikingdiesel

I was going to ask the same question, pretty much what's the best bang for the buck. Should I straight pipe mufflers or resonators?

mobhouse

I have my resonator deleted, and honestly doesn't do much due to the really restrictive mufflers on our cars. Your best bang for your buck would honestly be finding a very rare set of stock c63 mufflers with e63, cls63, and cls55 being your other options.

TheTherapist

+1 on C63 mufflers!

I've seen people pull the guts out their muffler and this does provide a nice note but it's a pretty radical move. Once you see how tight that thing is packed you will understand why the E55 has a relatively quiet exhaust. I have an x-pipe and res delete and this provides a nice balance insofar as it roars when going WOT but without drawing attention when cruising normally.

vikingdiesel

Does the x pipe and resonator delete do anything for performance or just strictly sound? Does the c63 muffler even have performance gains?

TheTherapist

Removing the resonator has little or no performance gains it makes the sound a little deeper and a little louder but only when putting your foot down. Apparently the resonator is also supposed to stop droning when cruising but I haven't noticed. It does weigh a bit so there's the added advantage of reducing weight.

cij911

Headers + mufflers will make your car sound great and give you some HP too. Magnaflows sound very nice (IMHO) and they are a lot cheaper than finding c63 mufflers. Urbanworm has them on his car and has a video posted on Youtube.

mobhouse

You won't get any realistic power gains with either the resonator delete or muffler change, but your butt dyno may say different. I just picked up a set of c63 mufflers that will be going on my car tomorrow

TheTherapist

Nice score on the C63 mufflers.

Off topic but where did you get your lip from? I found one I liked today at a reasonable price ($275) but they wanted $650 to freight it to Australia so apparently I'm still looking... PM me if you like so this thread doesnt get hijacked.

Syntaxerror

Thanks for the tips fellas. I'm definitely thinking about going the x-pipe and resonator delete route, but I have no idea where to buy an x-pipe from. Any ideas where to score one at?

Has anyone tried the cutout on their exhaust?

dchl21

do second cat n res + muffler delete for cheap

TheTherapist

I did a little more research on res/cats/muffler deletes and there's plenty of good info throughout these forums. First if you do want more power that is only possible by getting rid of your cats. Renntech claims +10 HP and +15 LB-FT with their secondary Cats remove:
http://www.renntechmercedes.com/www/node/888

Many people don't like the sound of both the resonators and secondary cats being removed though so have a listen to a few cars on YouTube first to decide how you want to proceed. To me it produces a rawer and raspier sound.

Installing an X-Pipe is covered nicely in this post and includes answers to common questions: https://mbworld.org/forums/c-class-w...-answered.html

And finally you can purchase an X-Pipe here: http://www.magnaflow.com/02product/02xpipekits.asp

Syntaxerror

Thanks! I'm mainly doing this to bring the sound out more, but not to the point where it gets annoying. I can care less about the gains, but a little would be nice lol.

TheTherapist

Better sound = good

More power = good

Sound + power = very good!

Simple mathematics.

SPatykAMG

If all you want is sound electric cutouts are fun. You can make all the noise you could want and still be able to go back to nice quiet cruising.

2000UZJ

What magnaflow mufflers do you guys suggest? I'd like a louder exhuast but don't want it to sound like an American an pickup truck.

I've heard the #12229 and they sound great in the videos. Any feedback? What type of mufflers to the FTP performance exhaust use? They appear to be magnaflow as well.

AKnight55

I had magnaflows on my 55 a few years back. Drone was terrible. I am not sure what model number they were. Get some c63, cls55/63 or E63 mufflers and you will be very happy. I have E63 mufflers now and very similar to stock cruising but once you get on it the sound is perfect.

Syntaxerror

As far as the x pipe goes, do I need the whole kit or would just the actual x pipe work alone and which diameter is best?

kponti

From what I've read and heard, removing anything other than the manifolds (headers and primary cat) and/or the factory muffler is a waste of time as far as sound goes. You won't hear enough changes to be worth it.

Headers minus primary cats or muffler (C63, aftermarket(beware of drone), or removing the packing from the stock mufflers is the way to go. Combine them and get quiet cruising loud WOT

BenzoBoi

+1

It's not that much louder but it is noticeable without getting crazy.

2000UZJ

I found a set of SL55 AMG mufflers for sale that are very, very cheap. I watched a few videos and love the way they sound (even stock).

Thoughts?

mobhouse

I just installed my C63 mufflers and have to say that it's the best mod i've done so far. FREAKING AMAZING

Syntaxerror

It's not too often C63, E63, and etc., exhaust systems pop up for sale at a decent price, so the x pipe and resonator mod sounds good, but if it's worth waiting and saving for a C63 exhaust, then I'll just do that.

XSTAR

Any modifications needed to make them fit and what year C63's will work? I need to find some!

edan82

Eisenmann is what you want.

You still don't know that's what you want but trust me on this one- you want Eisenmann mufflers.

I got the Eisenmann Race mufflers- it's a freak'n machine gun, what a symphony!