c32AMG-DTM

Hey everybody,

I have a 2002 C Coupe (2.3L, S/C m111 engine, 6spd manual) that I've owned since new 5+ years ago. It's been always maintained, and is in great shape (given the mileage - see below), and I'm finally getting around to some performance upgrades. I think I'm going to go for an Eibach Pro-System Plus kit to handle the suspension, so I'm okay there. I've had an independent mechanic give it a thorough "top-to-bottom" and has picked out a couple minor issues that need attention (some bushings, new clutch, etc.) but no deal-breakers that would cause me to just want to sell it.

However, here's my issue - my Coupe has 145k miles (not a typo - I drive quite a bit for work ) - should I pursue any engine upgrades like an ASP pulley upgrade, or a Powerchip? I've searched the forum and noticed people have experienced nice gains out of either of these mods, but am I asking for trouble to increase boost or use a more aggressive ECU tune on an engine with almost 150,000 miles?

I guess I should mention, I'm not looking to hang onto this car forever; but if I can perk it up a bit and enjoy it for 30-50k miles over the next 2-3 years, I'd be happy.

Any thoughts? TIA.

KIRA

ASP pulley and powerchip is the two things i been dreaming about for my coupe :naug hty:: naughty:

C230 Sport Coup

Tough to say, but many of us having been running ASP for a long time with no problems. Emrliquidlife and one other person I can think of are in the same mileage range and everything is fine.
I just cracked 111K mile, and no engine related problems.
No plans to go back to stock!

c32AMG-DTM

Thanks!

Emrliquidlife (and others), if you're out there, care to chime in?

Still undecided, but leaning towards "yeah, do the ASP pulley, even with the mileage" - think that's a good idea?

rlee02135

you could also get Supersprint headers.....

splinter

When I first came to know of emrliquidlife through this forum, his signature contained quotes heard from others during an MBWorld meet. The one that struck me most was; “Your car is freaking fast…!”

He is very knowledgeable and extremely adept with the various mechanical tweaks and upgrades the M111 Coupes require for improved performance.

emrliquidlife and C230 Sport Coup are highly regarded by savvy Coupe enthusiasts. They and other Coupe fanatics have already completed and posted about the modifications you are contemplating. Utilize the vast knowledge this forum contains to learn from their experiences, as they know of what they speak.

Good luck with your mods, and please let us know how it goes.

valexv

is supersprint the only one who makes headers for our car?

SeaCoupe

I had written a response yestarday, but MBworld was running terrible, and my answer didn't post....

I don't see any problem with doing a pulley upgrade at high mileage.

M111 cars don't need a retune/reflash with the pulley upgrade.

Remember, the M111 was in the SLK, and in the older C car. This engine is refined in terms of it tuning. Go with what works.

I know people are turning more to tunning, but I have yet to see a remapped car.

I don't think an exhaust is going to get you much. A header, would move your HP up at the high end, but you woud sacrifice down low for it.

Good luck guys.

E

jagsy

Good stuff. I have the same car, the 2002 c230 coupe I just purchased with 19k miles on it. I want to do the pulley and/or chip. Should I go with ASP?

Wayne

C230 Sport Coup

The SS header is a long header, the pipes running all the way under the car, so it's not like a short header where you lose in the low end.
Didn't notice any loss at low rpm, especially in conjunction with the ASP pulley. My greatest gains I think are in the mid rpm range.
It's an expensive beast though. 1st things first, get the pulley.

ASP shouldn't be a problem as long as it's installed properly.
You're not driving WOT very often, and you just get more response in lower rpm most of the time, engine doesn't need to downshift as much, easier to drive actually!

C230 Sport Coup

Yes, absolutely. There is no chip with proven (dyno'd) gains on a pullied car.

SeaCoupe

You would know. My bad. He does have the header in his car. We were both sending smoke signals to Kineda to sell it to either of us.

Sorry, but in rereading my post, it just seems so unreadable.

Renntech used to offer Tunning for the M111, but they did away with that.

The only downside of the pulley is that the engine runs lean. The car protects itself well, but I have to wonder what some bigger injectors, THEN some tunning could do. Jose-Mig88 has way more knowledge on this than me.

Personally, I'd like to see a well modded M111, run the 350 egnines. I think its possible. We just need someoene with say,

Pulley
Header
Exhaust
Bored Throttle Body
Ported S/C
Larger Injectors
Tuning-Remapped ECU
Perhaps a different gear ratio in the Diff?

E

c32AMG-DTM

Thanks for all of the advice! Sounds like an ASP pulley upgrade *should be* (no guarantees, obviously) a worthwhile, trouble-free upgrade for my high-mileage m111. I'll let you guys know how it goes.

I appreciate your feedback, thanks again.