ESS Supercharger DIY Installation
#26
Member
Thread Starter
Based on the image in post #10, the IAT sensor appears to be reading the air temp directly after the throttle bodies. Is that the position ESS recommend?
If my interpretation of the image is correct, it would be wise to relocate the sensor to be after the charge air coolers - place it close to the head ports. If not, the ECU/tune is only going to recognise the IAT pre-boost which would be way less than ideal - the IAT's after the coolers is the relevant temperature... especially with a twin-screw (unless you are willing to melt engine internals).
If my interpretation of the image is correct, it would be wise to relocate the sensor to be after the charge air coolers - place it close to the head ports. If not, the ECU/tune is only going to recognise the IAT pre-boost which would be way less than ideal - the IAT's after the coolers is the relevant temperature... especially with a twin-screw (unless you are willing to melt engine internals).
#28
MBWorld Fanatic!
I installed the gen3 kit a few weeks ago on my brothers 2012 c63 performance package coupe. This is a very nice kit. I've installed a handful of weistec m156 superchargers and I can honestly say this a far superior kit in every way. One quick tip is to go to a mercedes dealer and buy 8 of the m272 cam magnet solenoid harnesses that were part of a service campaign part# 271150015605. You can use the one end on each harness to make a quick plug and play harness adapter for the injectors that come with the kit. Makes it way easier to install when you don't have to solder in new injector wiring connectors on the car. Other highly recommend things to add to this setup is sls AMG spark plugs gapped to .028 and a set of row airboxes. My brothers car is all factory exhaust except the secondary cats are removed. Currently running the 8 psi pulley on a mix of 5-6 gallons e85 and the rest 93octane. It's an absolute beast! You will love this kit and the power it makes. I would never recommend a Weistec kit over the ESS. His car against a 507 c63 with a stage 1 Weistec kit would be no constest. The ESS is hands down the winner! Enjoy your car when it's done! Here is a picture of the harness for the injectors
#30
Senior Member
Please try to stay on the topic of this thread which is how an amateur mechanic can install the ESS supercharger, what problems are encountered, and how well it works once completed. The IAT goes in a machined mount in the manifold so if you have re-engineering questions it would be more appropriate to discuss them with ESS as I am not equipped to tackle it. I welcome questions and suggestions on the installation (like the FI harness above) but would like to keep it in that vein. Thanks
Sorry.
#31
Member
Thread Starter
Pigtails spliced
Yes, the ESS kit comes with the pigtail and for some luck reason the MB harness mentioned above has the same plug as the FI harness so you can cut it off and solder to the ESS pigtails.
You do have to plug the hole in the throttle body where the PCV tube was located. I used a brass plug and threaded the hole. I believe a 1/8 NC tap works fine with no drilling of the hole. I only threaded part way into the hole so it could never get into the engine, and I sealed with LocTite.
#32
Member
Thread Starter
filler for the intercooler fluid
Catch can hoses
Almost done with the engine compartment.
Almost done with engine compartment
Need to trim the inner edge of both air boxes so they will clear the supercharger
New K&N air filters come with the kit
Good progress today. Got the catch can mounted and running the hoses took a lot of time to figure how to do it and not interfere with the air cleaners. Best spot was under the intercooler fill hose that mounts on the rear of the air cleaner box. Next step is running the wiring to the coolant pump for the intercooler, then removing the bumper to mount the heat exchange radiator.
Last edited by Big Jimbo; 05-13-2018 at 04:13 PM. Reason: Pictures didn't load
#34
Member
Thread Starter
Sorry, some other priorities came up so I won’t be able to continue the supercharger install for another week or so. The next main part is to remove the front bumper cover to install the radiator for the intercooler.
#35
Member
Thread Starter
You need to remove the plastic ducting around the oil cooler to mount to the intercooler radiator. Will finish up next weekend!
Bumper cover removed. Easier than I thought it would be
Mostly done in the engine compartment.
I finally got to work on the car yesterday and made some good progress. Installed the wiring harness for the intercooler pump without problem except the directions are not too clear on one of the wires. Waiting for a response from ESS on that. Got the front bumper cover off and now just have to mount the radiator on the bumper and run one more coolant hose. Will hopefully finish it up next weekend!
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Homer Oz (12-26-2020)
#37
Member
Thread Starter
I should be able to finish the installation, install the fluids, and fire it up this weekend! I am very excited and will post the final pictures. After I get it running I need to drive it over to ESS for the software update and a dyno run.
#38
Member
Thread Starter
I finally had time today to finish installing the hoses and start up the engine! I was amazed that it started right up and other than a slight whir from the supercharge was like I had done nothing to the motor and it hadn't sat for two months! I have not installed the bumper so I didn't drive it but let it fully warm up and had no leaks or other drama. It idles as smooth as ever and has instant throttle response and there were no check engine lights. I will install the bumper and drive it this weekend. I can then bring it over to ESS to have the software updated and do the post installation dyno test. So far I am very pleased with how this project has gone, and everything with the installation appears to be factory quality or better. I will update and finish this up soon!
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#39
MBWorld Fanatic!
I finally had time today to finish installing the hoses and start up the engine! I was amazed that it started right up and other than a slight whir from the supercharge was like I had done nothing to the motor and it hadn't sat for two months! I have not installed the bumper so I didn't drive it but let it fully warm up and had no leaks or other drama. It idles as smooth as ever and has instant throttle response and there were no check engine lights. I will install the bumper and drive it this weekend. I can then bring it over to ESS to have the software updated and do the post installation dyno test. So far I am very pleased with how this project has gone, and everything with the installation appears to be factory quality or better. I will update and finish this up soon!
#40
Super Member
Nice one. Nothing better than getting your car fired up after doing mods.
Looking forward to your dyno results and driving impressions.
Looking forward to your dyno results and driving impressions.
#41
Junior Member
You may have just sold me on this kit over the alternative.
How difficult was relocating the power steering and coolant reservoirs?
Are relocation brackets provided with the kit?
How difficult was relocating the power steering and coolant reservoirs?
Are relocation brackets provided with the kit?
#42
Member
Thread Starter
You get a new PS reservoir that is aluminum instead of the plastic original, and the hoses are attached so it plugs onto the original lines very easily. Probably took me about an hour or so and you use your MB filler cap so it looks like an original part. . The new coolant reservoir you get is for the supercharger intercooler and it also was very easy to install with the new brackets and hoses and you never do any modification to the factory antifreeze coolant system. The new one is completely separate with it's own antifreeze. They recommend using a different color antifreeze so if you ever get a leak you can tell which system is leaking. I had some Subaru coolant so I used that! I should get my bumper on today so I can give a driving impression. I am scheduled to get the computer updated next Tuesday!
#43
Member
Thread Starter
Mounted below bumper with 4 bolts
Driver's side with coolant hose connected
Passenger side right before connecting coolant hose
New PS Reservoir
I took a few pictures of the radiator before install the bumper cover.
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Homer Oz (12-26-2020)
#44
Member
Thread Starter
Got the bumper cover back on and drove about 30 miles in 110 degree AZ weather. Water and oil temps the same as before the SC. With easy throttle it drives the same as before the SC with no hesitation or issues and no check engine lights. I still have the stock software and when I stepped on it a little and got revs over 2500 it started to hesitate so I just drove it easy. I will get the software update on Tuesday and he told me to then put about 200 miles on it before doing a dyno test. I will report back after Tuesday.
#45
Member
Thread Starter
Finished engine compartment with SC and also catch can. I need to trim the front engine cover a little to clear one hose but otherwise it is finished. No leaks so far!
Back Together!
Back Together!
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#46
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Join Date: Feb 2010
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2012 C63;1971 280SE 3.5(Sold);2023 EQS 450 SUV 4 Matic (Wife's)
Looks great, well done! Looking forward to results once tuned and to the dyno results. Looks like the ambient temps for this dyno might be a little higher this time around though.
Enjoy!
Enjoy!
#47
Member
Thread Starter
Just got back from EES and had my computer re-flashed! I was told to break it in for about 200 miles and gradually increase the RPMs. After about 30 miles I slowly took it up to about 3500 RPMs and could tell by the growl the beast is waiting to be unleashed! Driving it easily the throttle response is like nothing has been done to the engine. If not for the faint whir of the SC it feels like a stock MB in stop and go traffic, which is exactly what I wanted. I will update you on the driving in a week or so when I can put the pedal down. The bearings went out on the EES dyno so I will have wait until it gets fixed for the "after" comparison. It was 112 today in Phoenix so it also might be a good idea to wait until it cools down a little before doing the dyno. So far I can say that I am extremely please with the quality of the product and the assistance I got from Ahmad at East Coast Euro and from EES!
All finished!! It sure doesn't look like an aftermarket part. All tanks, hoses, etc. are very high quality and appear to be factory parts. The PS tank is TIG welded aluminum, better than the plastic original!
All finished!! It sure doesn't look like an aftermarket part. All tanks, hoses, etc. are very high quality and appear to be factory parts. The PS tank is TIG welded aluminum, better than the plastic original!
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#48
Super Member
iTrader: (1)
Awesome work! I just wish more of these companies would invest in jumping through the hurdles in CA to get CARB approvals so we could run them. I mean it’s not like we’re an insignificant market.
#49
Former Vendor of MBWorld
Looks great Jim! Factory like finish 👌 Can't wait to hear about the huge smile on your face after you get to put the pedal to the floor! It is a beast above 4k rpm! And this kit maintains all the factory emissions hardware!
#50
Put your foot down
You dont need to run this bad boy in
You dont need to run this bad boy in