cabruce64

Hi,

I have my 09 C63 for about 3 years now (daily driver) and I haven't had any real problems. Chain rattle noise at startup, fixed under warranty (exhaust cam adjuster) they also changed the timing chain tensioner.
It's got about 125,000 KM's on it.

I get the dreaded lifter/bucket noise about every 3 months for a few minutes and then it's gone so no biggy there. Generally the tappet noise is not loud.

I'm thinking about hanging on to the car for the longer term (probably a daily driver for another few years, then a weekend car) and wanted to get the headbolts replaced because I'm paranoid that they are going to fail and then I'll be screwed.

Which makes me think if I'm getting that done (the head bolts) then it's worth putting the SLS buckets in and while I'm at it, replacing the cam-shafts (if they are problem worn/pitted from the dreaded bucket problem), so new buckets and cams at the same time.

I was also looking at using Weistec studs instead of the updated head-bolts because that way the engine is bullet-proof from a headbolt/gasket point of view and if I want to do further upgrades them I'm gold.

I'll be getting a tuning shop to do the work but i'll be supplying the parts.

So in summaryneed the following itemsWould like some input on doing the above... also

1. Does this seem like a sensible thing to do?
2. Am i missing anything that will be need to do the job?
3. Should i wait until the cams are out to make a call on those?

Thanks!

computertom

I did the same thing on my '09. There are a bunch of front end gaskets that you'll also need (sorry, don't have the list handy). They'll also need all the cam positioning and othe special tools. They'll need them before they start the job, they are not easy to come by.

My Indy took all of the 20 hours they estimated for this, but they also dropped the engine to make it a bit easier to work on the top end.

I can see about specifics, if need be, but that should get you started. There are a bunch of little bits.

Best,
Tom

Merc63

Dropped the engine to work on the top end?? Sounds like they took you for a ride.

For the amount of money you're going to spend replacing all those items you could buy a new low mile engine and have a spare lol.

You don't need studs unless you're going with a blower.

computertom

No doubt I paid real money to get it done, but I'd hardly say taken for a ride. I've done a lot of my own engine work, including dropping and swapping. I'd always prefer an engine in a stand versus working over the quarterpanels.

-Tom

Merc63

You probably paid well over 5-8 hours just to remove the engine. I've done head bolts 3x now so easy in the car, must have been a slow time of year.

computertom

Next time I need it done, swing on down. I'll buy you dinner.

RuckinAMG

If you were only around the NW...

roadtalontsi

well, keep in mind it does save alot of time when you aren't actually replacing the headgasket and you do the bolts one at a time. It's much more time consuming when you do it the way it's supposed to be done.

Merc63

Ya if the heads are staying on I wouldn't remove it. If they are coming off probably much easier to remove engine.

cabruce64

Thanks Tom....