CAracer

I'm getting ready to purchase a C63. I'm debating on the P31 option...

Thirty plus HP sounds good. Is it 30 HP or more? It's kind of vague on the web site whether it's 30 Hp or 30+.

Do I really need the forged pistons and titanium rods? I can see their usefulness if I was going forced induction.

Nobody seems to know if tuning will produce more power than a non P31 optioned car.

Has anyone driven both cars for comparison? If so, I'd like to hear your thoughts.

I know MB throws in brakes, spoiler, and steering wheel.

Any comments?

Thanking you in advance.

dmyrick

I have the 30 and I say yes!

CAracer

Can you offer more info? Have you driven a no 30 for comparison? Does your car rev qucker?

In your opinon, what are the best features this option offer?

Thanks

blindfold

P31 is 100% worth the money in my eyes. If I could order a P31 equipped car over seas, it would be no doubt be done that way, however it is not available.

Bitterness aside, the P31 has better brakes, I believe lighter two piece rotors, LSD, which also available as an option should you not want the entire performance package. And most attractive upgrade is the internals, with forged internals I would assume the entire engine assembly would be more durable and allows the end user to worry less should s/he decide to upgrade NA or boosted applications.

honestly, a forged motor from the factory is almost like god's gift. No need to open up the block, saves you on labor, machine work and retains your warranty. For $6,000, it is a deal.

dsr123

I'm in the same boat: considering p31 or non-p31. I'd rather not have the cosmetic alterations: red brake calipers, carbon fiber spoiler and alcantara wheel. I think I also read that final Hp with a K1 tune is the same with and without p31, so because I'll be getting the K1 tune (dealer installs and warranties the K1) the +30hp is negated. So for me:

Plus:
forged and lighter engine parts
Lighter 2 piece brakes

Minus:
Red Calipers
carbon fiber spoiler
Alcantara steering wheel
$5950

I don't understand the advantages of forged engine parts.

Like OP I would like to hear other people's ideas.

Also, P31 does NOT include LSD, it's $2k extra w/ or w/o p31.

BerBer63

K1 : 1495
CF Spoiler: 300
Evosport Rotors x 4: 2000

That's about 4,000, minus the red calipers, alcanatra wheel, and forged internals, which for some are useless or unnecessary options. Use the remaining 2k and get the LSD option and you are set IMO.

Jae Duk

Actually chubbs, it seems that the P31 is MORE than a little bit of tune to the ECU. I believe that these parts as the op says "forged pistons and titanium rods" will weigh less. Obviously I don't think he's gonna be going 1 second faster on the 1/4 mile, but it does seem like if he got a tune he will end up with a few more horse power than those without the P031. Not sure how much more but probably not some exaggerated amount.

sprins

Simple logic: more = better!

So yes, get the P31 if you have the chance.

AMG Dictator

Why would you get the K1 tune rather than the +30 HP the P31 package gives you?

Your dealer is snowing you on the warranty of the K1. Get it in writing. Mercedes is going to have a serious issue if you blow up your differential and they find out you have a tuned ECU.

I would have ordered the P31 if the offered it at the time. More power and a full factory warranty? Love it.

jafores

I have driven the P30 and have the non PP car the ride in the P30 over here is just too hard. I know the P31 doesnt have the harder springs but you save some weight on the 2 piece rotors and the lighter internals should give less stress to your motor and should help with the lighter reciprocating mass.

I really like the alcantara and the suede on the wheel but I would pass on the red calipers. its too boy racer for my taste.

I would do it.....

oh ya the LSD is extra

dmyrick

I drove the non 30 before i bought the 30. the ride is better in the non 30 but my 30 really handles well, but remember the 30 came with LSD. Thats a big reason i like it , when i step on the gas no squeal just go.

iatacs19

Just get the LSD and better tyres, the car has plenty of power in stock form.

dsr123

Because my understanding is that you end up with the same final HP w/ or w/o P31's +30hp bump and I'm assuming the dealer wasn't lying when they said they'll install the K1 tune and it won't affect the car's warranty.

You're right I would want the warranty in writing from the dealer. If the warranty claim is false then that's a plus for p31.

emericr

If you ever decide to track your car, some threads have indicated that the P30/P31 rotors do not hold as well as the regular rotors so food for thought.
I am with Chubbs. Save your money, take a bit of chance with a tune if the other P31 options are not worthy to you.
The only reason why I have the P30 package is because I bought CPO and when you buy used, they really cant command much of a boost for it.

Jae Duk

I swear I'm invisible on this forum sometime.

Like I said before, the lighter internals with K1 will result in MORE hp than one without P31 with K1. Difference probably not by much, but there will be a little bit difference. The P31 does have a slightly tuned ECU ON TOP of the lighter internals. How much power is gained from the lighter internals? Don't know, won't think it's much. Is it worth it? If you have the money and absolutely need to get those extra power.

LSD you can always just buy from the different vendors on the forum. For example, check with James@acg he was doing a special on Quaife LSD. The pricing on them were really good.

CAracer

I'm sold on the P31 option. Of course, I don't like the price tag. But, I do like the warranty that comes with the extra HP. More and more manufactures are denying warranty work if the ECU has be modified. GM is really cracken down on ECU modifications and voiding warranties.

I can't imagine what that motor would cost if it failed and I had to pay for it.

Anyway, any more comments or suggestions would be appreciated

Thanks

Newzchspy

I am on the fence about getting an 2010 C63 with the P31, BUT if I do pull the trigger or wait for the 11 model, I'd get the P31. I spec'd one out at MB Hoffman Estates and it had no Navi, no leather, Package 1 with the carbon fiber and P31. That's about all I'd want for that car. The cost of the engine internals alone is worth the P31 price of admission and tunes are about $1000, so wheres the issue??? Problem here, is the C63 getting the 5.5 Bi turbo engine in the near future and is it worth the wait? It 'll certainly have more HP than the current 6.2 and will most likely be "more modifiable."

ATT

If you want the best and last 63 engine, take the P31, those up grade items are mostly in the 63 family upper model, the price sound deep but hard to duplicate. If they offer with the latest dc trans, I will trade-in my 2009 for the new one. I don't like the turbo that much.

MB_Forever

I'm involved with a similar project, so let me give some insight. The internals are not lighter than stocks by much: very minimal weight saving and the difference will NOT show on a regular dyno. It may show on an engine inertia dyno, but definitely not on a regular dyno.

In terms of price, the internals are most definitely worth the price offered by Mercedes/AMG. Doing this upgrades after the car leaves the factory could cost 5 to 7 times as much. So it is best ordered with the upgrades from the factory. To me, the engine internals are most valuable in the area of reliability and engine durability. The stronger/lighter forged internals will last longer and will allow one to add more mods in a safer manner.

I have not seen this option offered on any AMG model other than the C63. Of course, the SLS63 come with all this stuff standard and the whole engine is upgraded to the M159.

RAKLAW

I factory ordered my 2006 Carrera S with the Porsche Power Kit. It was a prox $17.5 K option and added about 17 BHP.. Admittedly the option included the sport exhaust system and carbon f air box that was worth 4K. Yet stiil a lot of $$ for the added HP. However, somewhat similar to the P31 package, it added upgraded cams, ECU and upgraded internals. I had driven the non PK Carrera S and their was a noted difference in the upper power bands. And the PK kit came with the full factory warranty.. The P31 option adds 30 BHP, plus the internals, ECU and unlike porsche adds some cosmetics plus advanced brakes.. And again you have the full factory warranty for $5500.00. to me it was a no brainer.. I anxiously await delivery.

dmyrick

you have made a wise choice, but make sure you get the LSD

whiteongrey

Is the speed limiter removed...

dsr123

[quote=Jae Duk;4041124]I swear I'm invisible on this forum sometime.

quote]


Pardon me,my mistake, I'm surprised I missed your post.

Very enlightening discussion so far.

I'm sold on the value of p31 (and also respect the other route that chubbs outlined) but I just have one aesthetic hangup: the red brake calipers. I'm trying to grow to like them but haven't yet. I have no evidence but maybe there will be a red brake delete option for 2011

I've driven a 2009 p30 and a 2010 p31. The drives were 4 weeks apart so it would've been difficult to remember well enough to compare and it turned I couldn't really tell if there was any difference in thrust. Also, the 2009 had 4500 miles and the 2010 had about 20. So, the 2009 would've been loosened up. The p30 suspension was memorably stiffer but apart from bad roads I didn't mind the p30.

dsr123

Like p30, p31 raises the speed limiter to 174

Here's the full kit description:
P31 – AMG Development Package – $5950
Adds 30hp for a total of 481hp
Lightweight AMG Forged Pistons
Lightweight Connecting Rods
Revised Crankshaft
New Engine Management
AMG compound Braking System
Red Painted Brake Calipers
Carbon Fiber Trunk Spoiler
Exclusive Engine Intake Runners in Titanium Grey
Top Speed at 174 mph
AMG Leather/Alcantara Performance Steering Wheel

dbturbo2

Can you add the sport suspension from the P30 package to the P31 as a standalone option? If so how much?