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Got this combo sorted out over the last week. Only other mod than what’s listed below is MST intake (going to try modal or LEM soon.)
CTS turbo 200 cell DPs aren’t the best quality and welds looked on par with what I’ve seen on Weistec and Redstar. That said, they are a great value ~$800. I have an Fi exhaust which is already pretty loud. The catted DPs added about 10-20% more sound, basically accentuating what was already there. It’s the stage 2 tune that took things to a different level.
This is my second time working with Eurocharged Boston and was again super happy with the level of customer service Bayhas offers. They turned around my tune file with short 24hrs notice and answered a ton of questions I had along the way. I cannot recommend them enough. They’ve helped me learn a ton about the car and its capabilities. Bayhas and I traded emails at 1-2am about ECU and TCU tune questions. I’m not a paid spokesperson but just have to say that in my decades business career of working with some very expensive vendors, EC is honestly better with customer service and product than some VC funded tech companies.
Now, a few notes about EC stage 1 vs 2:
Cost: EC only charged me the difference between the 1 I purchased a year ago and the stage 2 tune.
Stage 2 offers more top end power over stage 1, but I think most of that is perceived butt dyno.
On WOT, I don’t notice a huge difference, but there is a very noticeable change when going in intervals, ie 1-60, 1-100, 60-130.
Get a transmission fluid change and/or a TCU tune! The TCU is next on my list. I learned from EC that even with a stage 1, the tranny won’t know what to do with all the extra torque and can “catch” at top end of the power band, which isn’t unique to MB at all. The TCU will help solve this though I had the trans fluid flushed today and noticed a good 50% improvement in shift speed and less torque slip.
Sound changes: with the catted DPs, cold starts are insane. 2 days in and had complaints from my neighbors (leave for gym at 5am…). Will get some sound clips but it gives the perfect V8 rumble and w the Fi kit, sounds very exotic. The car had turned some heads before but the day I got the DPs in, I got more props than ever from non car people on the sound. There are more burbles at the low end, and as a nice surprise, it doesn’t sound like popcorn when I let off the throttle. That was my only complained about the stage 1, it was a little too poppy for my taste. I think the stock DPs have a lot to do with it because of how restrictive they are. The car feels and sounds like it’s fully breathing.
Prep beforehand for stage 2 - change coils and plugs for peace of mind
Whether you go with EC or not, the convenience of a handheld tuning device is more than worth its cost. I run stage 1 for daily duty so as not to put too much load on things, and will load up stage 2 for a night run.
Jesus Christ, don’t waste your money on a JB4. I’ve gone from that to EC stage 1 to EC stage 2 and wish I just went to the ECU tune first over piggyback. If you live and die by draggy times, then I guess you can make a strong JB4 argument, but the drive experience is apples to oranges.
One thing to note about the DP install - there’s a one time use OEM gasket for each side that will leak if not replaced w a new one. Most kits do not come with this. A shop can still install without them, but you’ll leak.
Will post some sound clips soon. Next update will be after TCU tune and Wagner intercooler are in!
Plan to get a tune, just wondering EC much better than JB4?
Really depends on your flavor of speed. Some of the fastest straight-line C43s have a JB4 and other mods. I came in from a longtime ownership of M3s and found the stage 1 brought a much more linear powerband, faster shifts, responsiveness, and enjoyable experience I was looking for vs the piggyback which is limited in what parameters it can set.
The JB4 app is cool but honestly I rarely used it. I think a lot of people start in map 1 and eventually just end up on map 2 or 3 for daily use. It’s kind of paltry IMO in comparison to a stage 1 tune, which is really how MB should have shipped it out from the factory.
Thanks, for now my car already run in stock for 70000km, is that too late to get a tune? Not sure if run high kilometers may have more risks, or actually no difference.
Good stuff man! Question about the OEM gasket for the DP install, are you referring to these highlighted in red below? Last week I installed the same downpipes, flushed the trans/rear diff, and upgraded to the EC stage 2 ECU/TCU. Ive been loving the sound and the increased performance. I was also planning to post some sound clips, will update later.
Thanks, for now my car already run in stock for 70000km, is that too late to get a tune? Not sure if run high kilometers may have more risks, or actually no difference.
Just keep up with the maintenance, your plugs and coils will get a little more wear and some people change their oil more frequently than MB recommends. I swapped to stage 1 at 59k miles. My car just hit 69k and has had zero issues.
Good stuff man! Question about the OEM gasket for the DP install, are you referring to these highlighted in red below? Last week I installed the same downpipes, flushed the trans/rear diff, and upgraded to the EC stage 2 ECU/TCU. Ive been loving the sound and the increased performance. I was also planning to post some sound clips, will update later.
Ive seen EPC show gaskets at both the top and bottom of the stock downpipes. Not sure if it varies by year, but my car had nothing for gaskets when I did my DP's. And i didnt add them when going aftermarket, wonder if it would help with cold start leakage/noise?
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