Typical Mods
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 269
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From: All Around Dallas-Fort Worth
2002 C230K, 2001 Audi TT 225 Coupe
Typical Mods
My dealer is trying to find me a car now instead of waiting on a 2003 with the new engine. So, if you could help with these questions, I'd appreciate your help for a newbie:
What are the typical mods to slowly get into the mod mode?
I will get a clearbra from Invinca or Stongard or someone when I take delivery, but
1. Where/Who is a good quality source and price for OEM Euro side mirrors?
2. Who chips most people and where do you get the pulley thing on the Kompressor?
3. Who makes a good exhaust for great sound and adds some oomph to performance or does MB already make a decent exhaust for this car (ie not much crimping, stainless steel)?
4. Who gives you the best value?
TIA
What are the typical mods to slowly get into the mod mode?
I will get a clearbra from Invinca or Stongard or someone when I take delivery, but
1. Where/Who is a good quality source and price for OEM Euro side mirrors?
2. Who chips most people and where do you get the pulley thing on the Kompressor?
3. Who makes a good exhaust for great sound and adds some oomph to performance or does MB already make a decent exhaust for this car (ie not much crimping, stainless steel)?
4. Who gives you the best value?
TIA
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
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From: SF Bay Area
2002 C230 K
Re: Typical Mods
Originally posted by Duffer
1. Where/Who is a good quality source and price for OEM Euro side mirrors?
2. Who chips most people and where do you get the pulley thing on the Kompressor?
3. Who makes a good exhaust for great sound and adds some oomph to performance or does MB already make a decent exhaust for this car (ie not much crimping, stainless steel)?
4. Who gives you the best value?
1. Where/Who is a good quality source and price for OEM Euro side mirrors?
2. Who chips most people and where do you get the pulley thing on the Kompressor?
3. Who makes a good exhaust for great sound and adds some oomph to performance or does MB already make a decent exhaust for this car (ie not much crimping, stainless steel)?
4. Who gives you the best value?
2. The jury's still out for the best chip - some have seen good results with Upsolute. The pulley with the best dyno pulls posted here is the Kleeman alloy pulley - search "pulley" and you'll have more info on this topic than you know what to do with.
3. Courtesy of bos:
C230 exhaust picture
The C7 option deletes the resonator between the cat and the muffler. This exhaust is probably sufficient - most power will be gained from the pulley option.
4. I'll leave this one to Buellwinkle
Cheers, BT
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 269
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From: All Around Dallas-Fort Worth
2002 C230K, 2001 Audi TT 225 Coupe
Thanks, BT
Euro mirrors sometimes will have the option where the outerhalf of the mirror is split (not actually) where you can see a car by your side whereas a regular mirror won't allow you to see that car
Audi has them in the TT and I installed it -- and big difference. When I was going through some threads here, I say where someone had or was looking for euro mirrors.
Thanks. If anyone can assist, please do and TIA
Euro mirrors sometimes will have the option where the outerhalf of the mirror is split (not actually) where you can see a car by your side whereas a regular mirror won't allow you to see that car
Audi has them in the TT and I installed it -- and big difference. When I was going through some threads here, I say where someone had or was looking for euro mirrors.
Thanks. If anyone can assist, please do and TIA
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 6,211
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From: Laguna Niguel, CA
The first mod to get is to get rid of that factory Alpine Audio 30 cassette radio and replace it with a MB Audio 10 receiver/CD made by Becker that available everywhere but in the U.S.
Evosport sells a replacement for the bumper strip that has the side marker lights to eliminate the lights. I like the lights but some don't. Safety first!
For power, nothing beats a pulley. Currently you can get complete pullies from Wetteraur, Renntech, Brabus, H&S and Vaeth. Kleemann makes a contraption that you bolt over your pulley they call a ring that's the cheapest solution. There are some alloy pullies from various sources in the works but none are available yet, including Kleemann. The alloy pulley promises more power but none you can buy today. Most of the pullies kits are advertised in the 225-230hp engine HP. Each kit has upsides and downsides so research before you buy.
As far as chips go, I only know of Upsolute doing that. Others are testing and should be out soon. Upsolute claims 30hp but only a spike at the highest RPMs, the rest of the curve is 6-8hp.
Other mods available include a intercooler upgrade from Vaeth and MB has a 3.67 rear gear set.
Also, many have added Xenon light kits to their cars for about $400-600 or high output halogens like the Phillips Vision Plus for about $40 or blue/purple 'Xenon look' headlight from Nokia, Razo or PIAA for about $30-80.
Search the forum for details, there's lots of imformation here.
Evosport sells a replacement for the bumper strip that has the side marker lights to eliminate the lights. I like the lights but some don't. Safety first!
For power, nothing beats a pulley. Currently you can get complete pullies from Wetteraur, Renntech, Brabus, H&S and Vaeth. Kleemann makes a contraption that you bolt over your pulley they call a ring that's the cheapest solution. There are some alloy pullies from various sources in the works but none are available yet, including Kleemann. The alloy pulley promises more power but none you can buy today. Most of the pullies kits are advertised in the 225-230hp engine HP. Each kit has upsides and downsides so research before you buy.
As far as chips go, I only know of Upsolute doing that. Others are testing and should be out soon. Upsolute claims 30hp but only a spike at the highest RPMs, the rest of the curve is 6-8hp.
Other mods available include a intercooler upgrade from Vaeth and MB has a 3.67 rear gear set.
Also, many have added Xenon light kits to their cars for about $400-600 or high output halogens like the Phillips Vision Plus for about $40 or blue/purple 'Xenon look' headlight from Nokia, Razo or PIAA for about $30-80.
Search the forum for details, there's lots of imformation here.
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Posts: 6,211
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From: Laguna Niguel, CA
Vaeth used to have it up on their web site and then it dissapeared when they redid their site. It wasn't cheap. If I remember correctly it was about 2,200 euros but Vadim at Evosport thinks it was more than that. They claimed an additional 20hp in addition to their pulley kit.
James Wei, SLK230 owner purchased an intercooler from Spearco that's 4" thick to replace the factory intercooler which is about 2" thick. It was only $380 so the price is right. It's a generic intercooler so it's not setup exactly for the car so some fabrication will be required.
James Wei, SLK230 owner purchased an intercooler from Spearco that's 4" thick to replace the factory intercooler which is about 2" thick. It was only $380 so the price is right. It's a generic intercooler so it's not setup exactly for the car so some fabrication will be required.
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Out Of Control!!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 10,067
Likes: 11
From: Westwood, NJ
2004 Civic Si. FWD for the Win!
You're right - I'm getting it done by Home Depot for $59.99. Prototype testing in 6 months. Look for dynos!
I was just glad that they weren't Pepto-Bismol-colored. Thanks for the pics. Are you done with testing of the solid pulley yet? I'd like to volunteer Young's car as northeast test mule.
I was just glad that they weren't Pepto-Bismol-colored. Thanks for the pics. Are you done with testing of the solid pulley yet? I'd like to volunteer Young's car as northeast test mule.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 3,600
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From: Earth
GLB 250 4matic
if kleemann would like to pay for my car being the test car, i will be happy to volunteer my car!
(and yes, i'm also working on my sooper dooper secret copying project... i've got my lathe all ready... chunk of iron ready...
)
(and yes, i'm also working on my sooper dooper secret copying project... i've got my lathe all ready... chunk of iron ready...
)
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 6,211
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From: Laguna Niguel, CA
Re: Why so quiet??
Originally posted by KLEEMANN
I post pics of both pulleys and NO responses??? Whats the matter- everyone off to copy it now??
I post pics of both pulleys and NO responses??? Whats the matter- everyone off to copy it now??
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 269
Likes: 1
From: All Around Dallas-Fort Worth
2002 C230K, 2001 Audi TT 225 Coupe
Kleeman
Thanks, Kleeman.
I was off to the dealer trying to pull off a deal without suffering too much. Looks like I'm in for a 39 month walk away if I want - tell me, I have gone to your site, but it's difficult to navigate with the dual screens.
What are these two options, ie can you describe them?
What do they each give you in terms of real world peformance over the entire power band?
What is the pricing structure?
Hours of labor to install for dealer/other shop?
Thanks.
I was off to the dealer trying to pull off a deal without suffering too much. Looks like I'm in for a 39 month walk away if I want - tell me, I have gone to your site, but it's difficult to navigate with the dual screens.
What are these two options, ie can you describe them?
What do they each give you in terms of real world peformance over the entire power band?
What is the pricing structure?
Hours of labor to install for dealer/other shop?
Thanks.
Super Member
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 641
Likes: 0
From: Deerfield Beach, FL
2006 MB C230 SS 6spd, Navi
I took the plunge and Gil of AI will be installing my pulley kit on the 15th of this month. I do have two questions for Kleemann. With the first kit being a bolt on:
A) How do you assure perfect alignment to existing crankshaft pulley. I would imagine even small misalignments would cause wear on the belt and introduce vibration.
B) What is the long term wear of the bolted on part. Given that you have a reduced number of contact points isn't it possible for the bolt on portion of the pulley to eventually become loose?
A) How do you assure perfect alignment to existing crankshaft pulley. I would imagine even small misalignments would cause wear on the belt and introduce vibration.
B) What is the long term wear of the bolted on part. Given that you have a reduced number of contact points isn't it possible for the bolt on portion of the pulley to eventually become loose?
Former Vendor of MBWorld
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Ring questions
The ring has a shoulder (backside of the printed face). The ring bottoms against the stock pulley at this shoulder. MBZ maintains very tight tolerances on their pulleys so the belt plane will always be aligned as measured from the front face.
The ring is nearly a press fit on the original crank. There are 8 bolts that apply force to the original crank- the force exerted is in excess of 3,000 lbs. Maximum drive requirement of that belt drive is approx 40hp, it would require more than double that to even budge the ring. It will not slip. We have used this system for over 3 years starting with the SLK- no problems to date.
Installation is the key- properly installed you will never have a problem. AI Design does outstanding work, rest assured you are getting the best service.
The ring is nearly a press fit on the original crank. There are 8 bolts that apply force to the original crank- the force exerted is in excess of 3,000 lbs. Maximum drive requirement of that belt drive is approx 40hp, it would require more than double that to even budge the ring. It will not slip. We have used this system for over 3 years starting with the SLK- no problems to date.
Installation is the key- properly installed you will never have a problem. AI Design does outstanding work, rest assured you are getting the best service.
Super Member
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 616
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From: Central Ohio
Awaiting a new arrival...
And who would be recommended to install in Ohio, instead of the dealer? Though, my dealer is perfectly fine with my desire to pulley equip the car and do the install once it is out of the break-in period. 
Kleemann, for all of the crap you take, thanks for giving more than 1 option to us.
Kleemann, for all of the crap you take, thanks for giving more than 1 option to us.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 3,600
Likes: 1
From: Earth
GLB 250 4matic
Originally posted by Duffer
Hi Kleeman,
Can you answer my newbie questions and tell me about an installer in Texas?
Thanks!
Hi Kleeman,
Can you answer my newbie questions and tell me about an installer in Texas?
Thanks!
TEL : +1 719.473.6441
http://www.kleemann.dk/dealers/index.htm
Super Member
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 641
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From: Deerfield Beach, FL
2006 MB C230 SS 6spd, Navi
Originally posted by Buellwinkle
OK WyattEarp, way to go. Are you going to dyno (before/after)? I'ld love to see an independent dyno done at sea level.
OK WyattEarp, way to go. Are you going to dyno (before/after)? I'ld love to see an independent dyno done at sea level.
Kleemann Thanks for the reply.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 10,067
Likes: 11
From: Westwood, NJ
2004 Civic Si. FWD for the Win!
Wyatt, we don't really need the specs on that Buttdyno, so don't worry about it.
I'd like to hear your impression of AI and the pulley, and of course see it at the June 1st Bear Mtn. gtg. Thanks!
I'd like to hear your impression of AI and the pulley, and of course see it at the June 1st Bear Mtn. gtg. Thanks!
Super Member
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 641
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From: Deerfield Beach, FL
2006 MB C230 SS 6spd, Navi
Originally posted by Buellwinkle
Wyattearp,
Not dyno is the way to go, that way you can't be dissapointed. What made you go with the ring vs. the alloy pulley?
Wyattearp,
Not dyno is the way to go, that way you can't be dissapointed. What made you go with the ring vs. the alloy pulley?
MBWorld Fanatic!
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Posts: 6,211
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From: Laguna Niguel, CA
It would seem to me that if you have 8 set screws that are under constant high pressure, heat and vibration, there would be in an indentation where each screw was. The roughed up surface may cause the belt to wear out sooner and certainly be obvious to a tech if warrantee work was done. If the set screw got a little lose and the ring slipped, even a little there would be a groove in the pulley and it would be a throw away. On the other hand if you totally removed the pulley and then replaced it with the alloy pulley it would look them same as when you took it off. Odds are, once the pulley is in, it will stay there forever unless you want to sell the car and pull the ring off to sell seperately. Is it any more labor to remove replace the pulley vs. putting the ring on with 8 set screws? It seems as though there's one bolt & washer to remove, the woodruff key and pull the pulley with a pulley puller and reverse the process with the new pulley or am I being naive and oversimplifying this? I never removed a crankshaft pulley so excuse my ignorance.
Former Vendor of MBWorld
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Pulley removal
On 6 spd cars removing the entire pulley is pretty simple. There is a $300 "special tool" from MBZ to hold the pulley- you dont need this with a 6spd. Put the car in 6th, apply parking brake and then use a 1/2" breaker bar to remove the crank bolt. The bolt is quite tight. On AUTOMATIC cars you dont have this option and there is not a simple way to hold the ring gear on the flexplate (trans).
The ring is far easier to make a quick removal. And, yes, it does leave an indentation where the set screws were. If you remove the ring: Take a triangular file and dress the spots where the set screws were.
The Carlsson ring requires that you remove the stock pulley and drill pass holes for bolts into the ring from the backside- at bit more obvious.
The belt will only wear faster if there are bits extending outside the standard "GATES" profile of the ribs. Removing material inside this profile will not promote belt wear. The belt will last 30k to 40k (2 to 3 years typical driving) replacements are $17.
The ring is far easier to make a quick removal. And, yes, it does leave an indentation where the set screws were. If you remove the ring: Take a triangular file and dress the spots where the set screws were.
The Carlsson ring requires that you remove the stock pulley and drill pass holes for bolts into the ring from the backside- at bit more obvious.
The belt will only wear faster if there are bits extending outside the standard "GATES" profile of the ribs. Removing material inside this profile will not promote belt wear. The belt will last 30k to 40k (2 to 3 years typical driving) replacements are $17.
Last edited by Brandon @ Kleemann; May 12, 2002 at 01:35 PM.
