M156 W204 C63 Radiator: Aftermarket Upgrade Options
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2011
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From: Kitchener, ON
2010 C63 AMG
M156 W204 C63 Radiator: Aftermarket Upgrade Options
This is likely do to space limitation but it seems there are next to zero options for a larger aluminium radiator.
GPI Racing is the only one I could find
https://gpiracing.com/products/alumi...2011-2012-2013
Anyone know of anything else? I don't have an AC condenser so should I probably just go custom anyway.
GPI Racing is the only one I could find
https://gpiracing.com/products/alumi...2011-2012-2013
Anyone know of anything else? I don't have an AC condenser so should I probably just go custom anyway.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 1,372
Likes: 412
2010 C63 AMG
This is likely do to space limitation but it seems there are next to zero options for a larger aluminium radiator.
GPI Racing is the only one I could find
https://gpiracing.com/products/alumi...2011-2012-2013
Anyone know of anything else? I don't have an AC condenser so should I probably just go custom anyway.
GPI Racing is the only one I could find
https://gpiracing.com/products/alumi...2011-2012-2013
Anyone know of anything else? I don't have an AC condenser so should I probably just go custom anyway.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 5,351
Likes: 1,677
From: Kitchener, ON
2010 C63 AMG
Temp issues on a hot day at the track. I already have a larger oil cooler and now after adding the larger trans cooler it solved that problem but added a new one.
Cooling is a constant battle with this car.
Cooling is a constant battle with this car.
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 320
Likes: 185
From: Philadelphia
2002 CLK55 AMG: 2004 S55 AMG: 2009 C63
Cooling on all AMG cars seem to be a battle, and i don't particularly understand why some say "factory is enough, leave it alone". The main reason i see for upgrading a radiator in the first place is to delete the plastic end tanks that ALWAYS at some point crack and leak. Even if its the same capacity as the factory rad, its an upgrade. The problem i would be concerned with is Fitment and finish issues. It seems like there are a few aftermarket companies out there for Rads but not many.
If you can find something with slightly more capacity in all aluminum, id see no reason not to run it.
I'm personally in the process of rebuilding the entire top end, and i'm seriously considering finding another rad "While i'm in there" so its not an issue later down the road.
Just my .02
- Joe
If you can find something with slightly more capacity in all aluminum, id see no reason not to run it.
I'm personally in the process of rebuilding the entire top end, and i'm seriously considering finding another rad "While i'm in there" so its not an issue later down the road.
Just my .02
- Joe
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2011
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From: Kitchener, ON
2010 C63 AMG
Tell me about it. First it was the engine oil temps. Adding a larger cooler solved that problem but caused high coolant temps because of the restricted airflow to the radiator.
Cutting access holes through the bumper solved that problem.
Next was addressing transmission temps getting too warm on long sessions. Adding a larger cooler solved that problem but again, restricted airflow to the radiator is causing higher coolant temps.
Cutting access holes through the bumper solved that problem.
Next was addressing transmission temps getting too warm on long sessions. Adding a larger cooler solved that problem but again, restricted airflow to the radiator is causing higher coolant temps.
Newbie
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 11
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From: central otago
2008 c63 amg, vw Amarok
cooling
[I've had much the same. i deleted the engine cooler in wheel arch and put another trans cooler there while adding a larger cooler at the bottom of radiator. Had high water temps but since removing air condenser and trans cooler water temps are ok.
I had to add a remote power steering tank with triple capacity to stop power steer oil spewing every where, now all good, i,m back to battling oil temps again, have added another cooler in opposite wheel arch but need to make some proper ducting to it. Its a battle with so little room to play with. On another note i have ducted air from under front suspension to brakes and cant believe the difference in braking, previously had them ducted from front bumper. Solley a track car .
I had to add a remote power steering tank with triple capacity to stop power steer oil spewing every where, now all good, i,m back to battling oil temps again, have added another cooler in opposite wheel arch but need to make some proper ducting to it. Its a battle with so little room to play with. On another note i have ducted air from under front suspension to brakes and cant believe the difference in braking, previously had them ducted from front bumper. Solley a track car .
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2011
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From: Kitchener, ON
2010 C63 AMG
Have you cut the spring on your oil thermostat that's behind the timing cover yet? It apparently allows for much more flow through the coolers.
I have a feeling the gap I have with the missing ac condenser could be reducing the air flow efficiency into the radiator as well. I will try and add a shroud so no air can escape around the outside so it forces it through the radiator.
I have race louvers in the hood directly over the headers as well. It also helped with temps so if you haven't done that yet I would suggest it.
I may add a larger one just back from the cooler array to try and allow for better flow through it.
You have any details on the routing?
I have 2.5" hose from the front bumper pretty much a straight shot back before the 90 into the wheel well. It seems to get decent airflow and haven't had any issues with brake fade. However, if there's a better way I'm all ears.
I have a feeling the gap I have with the missing ac condenser could be reducing the air flow efficiency into the radiator as well. I will try and add a shroud so no air can escape around the outside so it forces it through the radiator.
I have race louvers in the hood directly over the headers as well. It also helped with temps so if you haven't done that yet I would suggest it.
I may add a larger one just back from the cooler array to try and allow for better flow through it.
I have 2.5" hose from the front bumper pretty much a straight shot back before the 90 into the wheel well. It seems to get decent airflow and haven't had any issues with brake fade. However, if there's a better way I'm all ears.
Last edited by Jasonoff; Jun 16, 2025 at 07:28 AM.
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Newbie
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
From: central otago
2008 c63 amg, vw Amarok
Thanks, i was unaware of the spring on cooler thermostat but have wondered about getting the oil too flow earlier. I have some louvers but with the carbon hood it,s double layer so not that easy to fit, i also wondered if it would take some airflow away from headers causing more heat retention good to know.
I got hold of some air intake ducts from i think an ML model where they are a flat snorkel going into a 3 inch round at the side, i zip tied these to lower control arm and straight up to the brake back plate . There i welded a flattened pipe to fit the opening on back of plate. A much shorter route. I put a Chinese black series body kit on
for better air flow at the front, also now on 300/60/18 tyres. About to renew throttle body harness and abs sensors.
cheers
I got hold of some air intake ducts from i think an ML model where they are a flat snorkel going into a 3 inch round at the side, i zip tied these to lower control arm and straight up to the brake back plate . There i welded a flattened pipe to fit the opening on back of plate. A much shorter route. I put a Chinese black series body kit on
for better air flow at the front, also now on 300/60/18 tyres. About to renew throttle body harness and abs sensors.
cheers
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Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2011
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From: Kitchener, ON
2010 C63 AMG
Thanks for the tip! I'm going to look for those ducts and relocate mine which will give me additional airflow into the coolers freeing up where I have them now.
I'm still on 19s and the 275/20R19 in the front has very limited tire options which is unfortunate. I only just cut my rear fenders this season to run a 295 in the back.
You must have tons of options for massive grip.
I'm still on 19s and the 275/20R19 in the front has very limited tire options which is unfortunate. I only just cut my rear fenders this season to run a 295 in the back.
You must have tons of options for massive grip.
