DME Tuning: ST1 vs ST2?
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2019
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2018 C63S
DME Tuning: ST1 vs ST2?
I’ve read some people running stage 2 tunes without modifying their downpipes. I’d rather keep my stock downpipes if it’s not a big deal, and I definitely want to take advantage of the power difference if it’s possible.
Worst case scenario, if I must get downpipes, which ones should I go with, with the stage 2 from DME?
Also I’ve seen an influx in DME tunes lately, I'm assuming they’re really that great?
edit: 2018 C63S btw
Worst case scenario, if I must get downpipes, which ones should I go with, with the stage 2 from DME?
Also I’ve seen an influx in DME tunes lately, I'm assuming they’re really that great?
edit: 2018 C63S btw
MBWorld Fanatic!
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Mercedes-Benz E63s AMG
People running Stage 2 with stock downpipes aren't really running Stage 2 like we all know it... More like stage 1+. Don't start to think that Stage 2 with stock downpipes makes the same power as stage 2 with cattless or high flow catted downpipes.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2019
Posts: 21
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2018 C63S
Yep, completely understand what you're saying - and I wasn't trying to imply that I expected the same results, but from what I've read the power difference with/without downpipes have been +/- 10HP. In my mind, if I can expect a slight increase in power utilizing the stage 2 tune over the stage 1, then that's great, especially if I'm only missing out on a fraction of power. But, as I said, if I need to fill the gap with modified downpipes to make it feasible, i'll do it to accommodate the stage 2 tune.
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Mercedes-Benz E63s AMG
I think it's more like +30hp, but it's still not really a lot for the price of DP's with install on these cars. If you're planning on getting a turbo upgrade or want more sound, DP's are worth it, IMHO... Or if you really want that 30hp 😅 Go with tune only and see how you feel... If you want more, get the DP's.
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Mercedes-Benz E63s AMG
I personally chose Shardul's DP's on the forum... great quality, excellent fitment, utilizes stock bracket placement., very competitive pricing, great customer support. Kook's are great DP's as well, also stock bracket placement, but $$$. MBH are the gold standard, also $$$. BR Mortorsport have the only DP's with a flex section -- not sure it's necessary as even the stock DP's don't have a flex section.
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From: IL
19 E63s, 23 M3 compX, B9 SQ5
I’ve read some people running stage 2 tunes without modifying their downpipes. I’d rather keep my stock downpipes if it’s not a big deal, and I definitely want to take advantage of the power difference if it’s possible.
Worst case scenario, if I must get downpipes, which ones should I go with, with the stage 2 from DME?
Also I’ve seen an influx in DME tunes lately, I'm assuming they’re really that great?
edit: 2018 C63S btw
Worst case scenario, if I must get downpipes, which ones should I go with, with the stage 2 from DME?
Also I’ve seen an influx in DME tunes lately, I'm assuming they’re really that great?
edit: 2018 C63S btw
That's all.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2017
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Mercedes-Benz E63s AMG
^This. But the reason for the confusion is that there is at least 1 other member on the forum that was told they were getting a "Stage 2" tune for their C63 w/ stock DP's... but yes, I think we should stick with the classic nomenclature of Stage 2 being reserved for cattless or high-flow DP tune.
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From: TEXAS
2017 AMG C63, 2001 C5 Corvette
I am NOT sure WHAT the tuning changes are, but I have a EC Stage 2 with STOCK DP's and also still have secondary cats on for my 2017 C63 sedan. I'm sure when you actually have DP's, the tune is modified to account for that change and more free flow. I have experience running BOTH Stage 1&2 on a stock C63 (only added an AWE Cat-Back) I got Stage 1 first and drove a few weeks.
Then added stage 2 to understand the difference. I also went back to Stage1 a few weeks later for a few days just to feel it. Ultimately I put the Stage 2 back on and it is definitely Faster or FEELS Faster and is tuned more aggressively. I'd LOVE Dyno Numbers, or more importantly have real-world Track Numbers in the 1/4 mile for Stock Tune, Stage 1, and last Stage 2 to see what the ET and MPH differences are?
1. Run stock a few runs.
2. Add Stage 1 and do 2 runs
3. Add Stage 2 and do 2 runs.
That would really answer questions for ANYONE running a tune they can add and remove themselves with a MyGenius, etc. I AM going to run DRAGGY stock and get a few numbers, then throw Stage 2 on and see what if any ET/MPH difference I get. I'd like the DYNO more to make sure Air-Fuel was Correct and it's running smoothly with no squiggly lines throughout the pull.
Then added stage 2 to understand the difference. I also went back to Stage1 a few weeks later for a few days just to feel it. Ultimately I put the Stage 2 back on and it is definitely Faster or FEELS Faster and is tuned more aggressively. I'd LOVE Dyno Numbers, or more importantly have real-world Track Numbers in the 1/4 mile for Stock Tune, Stage 1, and last Stage 2 to see what the ET and MPH differences are?
1. Run stock a few runs.
2. Add Stage 1 and do 2 runs
3. Add Stage 2 and do 2 runs.
That would really answer questions for ANYONE running a tune they can add and remove themselves with a MyGenius, etc. I AM going to run DRAGGY stock and get a few numbers, then throw Stage 2 on and see what if any ET/MPH difference I get. I'd like the DYNO more to make sure Air-Fuel was Correct and it's running smoothly with no squiggly lines throughout the pull.
