adamls2

Hello all,

I just picked up a 2005 cl65, and I must say, I'm absolutely in love with it! It's such a surreal driving experience. I sold my modded ls460 because I got an offer I couldn't refuse, and stumbled around for a month or so and found this car. I also had a w216 600, that I ended up giving to my father. While I love all the newer gadgetry and different enhancements in the new model, I've always had the itch for something in the AMG line-up.

Now onto the car. The only modifications done when I attained it are a Parrot Bluetooth unit, and an iPod connection in the center console, which I just discovered is linked to a preset on the FM channel.

These are my modification plans that I have in mind that I'd like to accomplish:

cosmetic wise:
-Lowering links
-Clear front corner lights
-CF front splitter, rear diffuser, small rear lip spoiler
-Possibly some nice 20" wheel setup
-Some steering wheel upgrade
-Possibly black out grill bars, or the one bar grill

performance wise:
-Quiafe LSD
-ecu/tcu
-Top mount intercoolers
-Upgraded IC pump
-Bigger heat exchanger
-Newer style coil-packs
-Muffler delete
-Cat-less DP
-More efficient air intake system

A quick question for those that might have any insight on. (could not find an answer anywhere)... Is there a way to get rid of the auto volume increase that happens when the car starts moving? (did not see any settings for anything of that nature)

Would greatly appreciate any feedback on that^^^

Now here is the good stuff....

adamls2

1st mod done. Lowering links!

The links and the clear corners with the amber bulbs came in.


High life no more!


I never knew how big they actually were from pics online...


My friend getting under there...


This is how it sat 1st try... the fronts were at the max adjustment to the HIGHEST height and it was sitting this low and it was hitting the fenders when turning, so it was a no-no...


I guess that what happens when you order the 100 dollar fleebay ones, so we decided to dermel a few MM's off to make it work... we measured very precisely to make sure that they were even....oh and by the way, we discovered these things were cut with bolt cutters when we took it apart


So after that shenanigans, I was satisfied with this height


I ended up lowering it just one turn more after that picture to make it sit just right.

This completely transformed the look of the car, and makes me like these stock wheels even more now. The ride is a bit more stiff for sure, but its hard to stress how much better it feels to have a lower driving position. Also, so far, I have not noticed any rubbing at this height, which is a great plus.

Cheers!

02cl55amg

Congrats! What a difference it makes lowering it right? I've had 4 CL's and lowered all with the links. Funny looking at the pic of it slammed to the ground as I went thru the same ordeal with the $100 eBay links. Was never crazy about the clear lights or carbon exterior pieces, but it's your ride. Looking at that car makes me miss mine-a 600 ain't a 65. Future mod list looks spot on, except it didn't say upgraded turbos......

DO NOT CHANGE THE STOCK WHEELS!!!

Mercedes22

+1 DO NOT CHANGE THE STOCK WHEELS.

Welwynnick

Agree with that - large wheels ruin cars (except if you don't actually want to drive them, that is...)

Other question though - what's a top mount intercooler - do you mean the Speedriven IC's?

shardul

iTrader: (1)

very nice keeps the pics coming

OCKlasse

Unfortunately, it appears the sound speed volume BS cannot be coded out of the vehicle

Beautiful car, though!

Dr Matt

Nice car and great start on modding. Where did you order the clear corners, EBay?

chawkins2001

If you dont mind me asking, what does a low mile 65 go for now days?

adamls2

Only way I'll put the CF goodies is if I get some really nice wheels, and the only way that I'll get different wheels is if they are lighter than the stocks, and will provide me with a larger tire contact patch.

The idea of widening the stock wheels really appeals to me, also.

Yes, I believe they are the only ones that make IC's for this car at the moment.

Thanks

Haha, that really sucks! I don't know why, but I'll be sitting still and the volume just starts increasing randomly. Freaked me out the 1st couple of times.

This is the one I bought....http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...m=171163254535

I haven't installed them yet, so I can't speak for fitment, and quality, but they look like they are ok.

PM'd

BI-Performance

Thanks brotha, we also make I/C and HE's for the TT V12's

Dr Matt

One thing I'd suggest, Tint those windows!

Oh and it might be kind of loud with both a muff & Cat delete. I did the muffler delete and really like the sound now. I can hear the exhaust just enough with the windows all closed for my taste. I'd try one and see how you like it before doing the other.

adamls2

PM'd!

I'm diggin the "fish bowl" status at the moment, but I will probably add something once it starts getting hotter again. My DD is a convertible so I'm accustomed to the sun rays LOL

As for the exhaust modifications, I'm definitely going for the muffler deletes 1st, and probably will do the down pipes later on. Iv'e been going back and forth if I should do electronic cutouts, like I had on my previous ls460, or go ahead with the muffler delete. Even with a video of it, I won't be able to tell how loud it actually is unless I experience it in person. I do not mind loud exhausts at all, though The only reason I would think about going with cutouts is to have them mounted right after the cats to achieve a louder tone than just the muffler deletes, hahaha!

Welwynnick

I never heard about them!
Couldn't find them on your web-site.
Do you have any pictures or links?
How do you manage the air filters and inlets?
Thanks
Nick

RaceHorse

Congratulations on a clean low mile find. If I were you just get an ECU/TCU for starters and you will have too big of a smile to worry about what it sounds like. Everybody has there preferences, but a 86 Monte Carlo SS with a 305 and flowmasters can sound pretty good but it can't get out of its own way. My LSD made a huge difference in getting some of the power from the tune to the ground. Good luck with what ever you choose to do, enjoy it!!

Dr Matt

+1!!
Like to see what other options there are for intake/IC setups. Not planning on going with any at this time but my projects tend to snowball, LOL.

adamls2

If I can get some nice black friday pricing as a package for everything I want, it would be nice to have all the cooling mods supporting the extra hp at the same time!

I'm also wondering, since my car is pretty low mileage, how long should I expect these coil packs to last after a tune? I've seen in the other thread the people need them right away or have lasted them a few months before having problems. I'm already putting aside the cost of them, just as everyone suggests.

Also, the LSD is one of my top mods to do!

RaceHorse

Despite the mileage, there is a possibility that they failed over time and have been replaced. Check the updated part numbers for the coils to be certain. Otherwise budget for replacements when you intend to do the tune. The part numbers were recently listed in one of the other posts regarding coils, it should be easy to find.

adamls2

That's a good speculation, I'll definitely check which ones I have.

adamls2

Time for muffler delete!


They welded 2 bars on the tips to keep them in the same alignment to reuse them. THis muffler is a big boy!


All out!


Some welding action.


Custom y-pipe fabricated


Final placement, made the tips stick out just a little farther


I thought it would be a little bit louder, but it's VERY subtle. If you haven't heard a stock 65 before you would think it is stock. The amazing part is WOT where the v12 howl mixed with the increased volume of the mass of air flowing from the turbos is just intoxicating. It's sounds like no other car honestly. It definitely now sounds up to the standard of the car now. Definitely one of the best bang for buck mods for this car.

I"ll try to put a little compilation video together this week. Stay tuned.

Dr Matt

I agree, the muffler delete makes the CL65 sound awesome. Before I got my car someone had patched in some 2.5" pipe you can see in the pic below so I had to replace that restriction. Once I cut it off & fired up the car I knew the mufflers weren't going back on mine either.

02cl55amg

Your not messin around! I wish I would have gone this route on my 65 as I spent some bucks on a pair of hi flo Burns mufflers. Going to do this mod on my 600 tho. Can't wait for sound clips. When are you going Catless?

adamls2

^^^ I got a quote from speeddriven for the 200 cel cat downpipes, and the catless downpipes, but I think I'm gonna wait a little and get the LSD 1st...they do have some good pricing though. Ive noticed this car needs the LSD, along with stickier rubber.

Today was cars and coffee, and we screwed around a little going on a group cruise. The sound is absolutely intoxicating. Did a few really nice pulls and got a better feel for the insane amount of power. Loving it more every second.

adamls2

Here's a better look at how much farther the tips stick out. It looks a lot better IMO, especially since the car is lowered.





Also, can anyone read this name out to me? It came up at cars and coffee, and none of us could figure it out lol


EDIT: It's Lorenzo Saparito

adamls2

BTW the stock mufflers are pretty straight through, for those wondering if you should add a resonator or a smaller muffler....