Carlsson is definitely cheaper than that. I guess what it comes down to is that these are highly refined machines. As a result, a simple boost increase (ie JB+) and similar piggy backs aren't going to give a lot of increase and in fact can lose some torque.

If you want any sort of decent, reliable gains that won't cause long term damage you are going to spend a few grand

 

so true
i guess that's the only route

btw...Great thread!!!

 

Cheers

 

Finally blacked out my headlights the other weekend. In keeping with my grill, I decided to keep the chrome strip under the eyelids. I also kept all the clear parts clear. I think it gives a nice appearance without the featureless look of an all black job while still giving it that stealthy aggressive image.

Tip for young players - 180 degrees, as mentioned on all the DIY threads, means FAHRENHEIT!

Being an Aussie, I didn't think twice. Dialed up to 180 degrees Celsius and melted the lens of my LH headlight in less than 4 minutes

So, if you use Celsius, it's 50-80 degrees for 10 minutes.

Anyway, second hand headlight is in the post so I can scavenge the lens off it. Free mod ended up costing me 200 bucks :S

Here are a few pics, sorry for the terrible quality. I will take some decent picks soon.

 

very nice
i did mine few months back and surprise how it change the overall front look

 

Update!

So I took the merc for a 400km drive to Newcastle over the weekend. It went fine until just past Sydney, then started to feel a bit sluggish.

By the time I got into Newcastle you could hear it leaking boost back through the diverter valve like no one business. Sounded cool but was pretty concerning. Anyway I was a million miles form home so I had no choice but to drive it without boost. What can go wrong?

Turns out limp mode is what. The poor thing sharted its lederhosen on Saturday night and I had to limp it 10km to the closest dealership.

I left it there and hitched my way home. Heart breaking.

Anyway, so the dealership calls me today. They have checked codes, found a bunch for low boost pressure (fyi I had already told them I was pretty sure the diverter valve had split due to the higher boost I was running).

Their official diagnosis? "its logging low boost codes but we found no leaks in the intake system, it must be particles that have gotten past your after market filter. We need to remove the entire intake and do a visual inspection"

@#$%!@#$% sake. seriously?

they reckon it has let particles through and they have...something? held a seance and invited the spirits of leaking boost into the engine? **** if I know

so that's where we are at. I'm in Canberra, the Merc is in Newcastle, dealerships are manned by semi-trained monkeys, I need a strong drink

 

Are you running the custom intake already? I don't recall if you got around to finishing that. Sorry to hear about your troubles, it's odd that it happens as I'm running almost the same mods as you.

Btw, sent you an email. Holla back when you're feeling better. Hope your car gets sorted out.

 

Just the Apollo K&N filter at the moment.

I am heading back up to the car tomorrow with a brand new diverter valve. fingers crossed that will solve the issue

 

Any updates on the car?

 

Bump!! Any updates?

 

Hey guys!

Sorry for the delay...Much has happened since last we spoke!

Firstly, I blacked out the tail lights. I masked off the white strip through the middle and hit the rest with about three coats of nightshade. When I took the tape off, I liked the black and white look but the contrast was a bit jarring so I did two very light coats over the white bit.Lastly I layered about 6 coats of clear on.
Once it was good and dry, after about a week, I took to it with 2000 grit sandpaper. I sanded down all the awful bumps and got it glassy smooth. After that I got out the rubbing compound and polish. It still isn't as shiny as I want but it is the best I can do with limited time and elbow grease.....must purchase an electric polisher....

lights out


masking up


Action shot! (multitasking like no ones business)


here are the lights straight after painting and clear coat. They look pretty dark but once they were sanded and polished they became much brighter (no picks of that yet)




Now, I mentioned earlier that a diverter valve was in the works and the boys from GFB here in Australia have delivered. I fitted the unit recently and it is awesome. Well built, looks great and has made a noticeable difference to the car.

Here is the kit:




On the C Class, the DV sits right below the exit point of the turbo. It is reasonably easy to get to and doesn't need the removal of any parts.



Once the connector is off, there are three 5mm allen key bolts holding it on. I didn't take any photos of the removal - it is pretty straight forward. This is the complete unit once removed


The factory unit is made up of a plunger and a solenoid to actuate it. The plunger just pulls off


leaving a solenoid and spring


remove the spring and then fit the new one supplied by GFB


The small metal lunger supplied in the kit just sits on top. I suggest coating it in a thin smear of engine oil as it has some o-rings that need to seal and won't go well if you pinch them on anything


then you just sit the DV+ housing on top. Press it down and it will click onto the solenoid.


The next step is optional. You can fit the big spring supplied ontop of the DV+ housing as shown or you can leave it out.
If you fit it, the unit will meter out the boost discharge, meaning a decrease in boost lag. If you don't, it will just work like the factory unit, only without the flimsy rubber diaphragm that always breaks


Whether or not you fit the second spring, you now fit the cylindrical metal plunger. This is a very close fit - perfect machining. Use some oil for lube or it will probably get damaged during installation


This is the unit, complete but balancing together


and this is it after I realised it all clicks together snuggly


installation is just as easy as removal. Three new, longer bolts come with the kit and it slips straight in with no hassle






After driving around with it for a week I am stoked. Due to the second spring, at low revs it makes an unusual 'whoosh' sound, not loud just different, but I really like it. After a gear change but, releasing the pedal and then giving it a boot shows that the unit makes for a much more responsive accelerator!

All in all, the unit is very very well made, the performance difference is noticeable and it is easy to tell that the unit is much stronger than the factory rubber diaphragm.

So there you have it, all up to date. When I get time to polish the tail lights properly I'll put up some photos.

In the meantime, I just scored a TIG for xmas so I will be trying to get in some practice time in the lead up to making a complete custom intake

 

For anyone interested in the DV+, at the time of writing they were not yet available on the GFB website. Email Brett at sale@gfb.com.au and he will be able to sort you out

 

What kind of tool did you use to get to the two harder screws holding the Diverter Valve in place?

 

Just a Allen key socket, a short extension and a ratchet

 

AusMB, just curious how much did you pay for the valve?

 

They sent me a prototype model free of charge, on the agreement that I would give regular feedback on its performance.
I think they retail for 180 Australian dollars

 

Thanks mate! Got it installed last night! So far it feels pretty good, might be placebo though, will run it more for a few days. But installation was pretty easy, jut a matter of using the right tool. Payed $164 delivered for mine, which is reasonable. Happy to support an Australian tuning company
Does yours sound any different to the stock valve? Can't hear any difference so far

 

I think the main difference is in reapplying the throttle.
There is a definite difference in sound, put only when you snap the throttle of at low revs. I really like it

 

AuysMB87. I'm thinking about getting the C-tronic now that I no longer have warranty on the car. Do you think that the intercooler makes much of a difference?
Did you do a run with just the tuning box installed or did you install the IC and the box at the same time?
Not sure if it is worth getting the IC. CKS has a special right now and I am very tempted.
Cheers.

 

Hey Spoon,

I fitted the box without the IC to begin with. The box gives the car a decent bit of punch but once I fitted the IC the difference was amazing. I definitely recommend fitting an IC.

 

thanks for the info. Guess I will get the IC then......time to spend some money...