Tossing around exhaust ideas???
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 601
Likes: 6
From: Kansas
2001 CLK430, 2012 CLS550
Tossing around exhaust ideas???
My secondary cats are clanking and I cannot justify replacing them right now with the expense involved.
I am thinking of going straight pipe from headers all the way back and possibly deleting the resonator or maybe leaving it. I'm not exactly sure about the repercussions involved though. Our emission laws are non-existent in Kansas so I'm not worried about that.
"Kansas does not have emissions enforcements for motor vehicles. You are not required to have your vehicle tested, and, consequently, no related paperwork is required in order to register your vehicle." -DMV.org
I'd like to get some ideas about what options I have. These cats are driving me crazy!!! Throw me some ideas and share your expertise, I would greatly appreciate any recommendations!
I am thinking of going straight pipe from headers all the way back and possibly deleting the resonator or maybe leaving it. I'm not exactly sure about the repercussions involved though. Our emission laws are non-existent in Kansas so I'm not worried about that.
"Kansas does not have emissions enforcements for motor vehicles. You are not required to have your vehicle tested, and, consequently, no related paperwork is required in order to register your vehicle." -DMV.org
I'd like to get some ideas about what options I have. These cats are driving me crazy!!! Throw me some ideas and share your expertise, I would greatly appreciate any recommendations!
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,398
Likes: 1
From: Los Angeles
2000 CLK 3.2
My secondary cats are clanking and I cannot justify replacing them right now with the expense involved.
I am thinking of going straight pipe from headers all the way back and possibly deleting the resonator or maybe leaving it. I'm not exactly sure about the repercussions involved though. Our emission laws are non-existent in Kansas so I'm not worried about that.
"Kansas does not have emissions enforcements for motor vehicles. You are not required to have your vehicle tested, and, consequently, no related paperwork is required in order to register your vehicle." -DMV.org
I'd like to get some ideas about what options I have. These cats are driving me crazy!!! Throw me some ideas and share your expertise, I would greatly appreciate any recommendations!
I am thinking of going straight pipe from headers all the way back and possibly deleting the resonator or maybe leaving it. I'm not exactly sure about the repercussions involved though. Our emission laws are non-existent in Kansas so I'm not worried about that.
"Kansas does not have emissions enforcements for motor vehicles. You are not required to have your vehicle tested, and, consequently, no related paperwork is required in order to register your vehicle." -DMV.org
I'd like to get some ideas about what options I have. These cats are driving me crazy!!! Throw me some ideas and share your expertise, I would greatly appreciate any recommendations!
Just cut off your 2ndary cats and muffler but keep the resonator because it will be annoying without it. This advise is if you are not in the best of financial situations and want to get rid of the CATS rattle but want a little sound and fun while your at it. You may loose A little grunt from a stop but you'll be fine. When you have the money just get a nice muffler like Eisenman and remove the resonator and you'll be happy.
you have a 430 so it will sound nice
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,398
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From: Los Angeles
2000 CLK 3.2
your o2 sensors will be fine as long as they are not bad already
droptop208 should chime in here because he owns a smog shop and has no 2ndary cats but has a muffler and passes smog.
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 601
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From: Kansas
2001 CLK430, 2012 CLS550
I replaced all 02 sensors last May so they're fine. Not too worried about smog tests but do chime in droptop208.
I gotta say I haven't really tossed the idea of getting rid of the muffler too. What exactly is the benefit of that? Just better sound? Lookin for a deeper throatier sound btw...
Much appreciated CLK FAN
I gotta say I haven't really tossed the idea of getting rid of the muffler too. What exactly is the benefit of that? Just better sound? Lookin for a deeper throatier sound btw...
Much appreciated CLK FAN
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,398
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From: Los Angeles
2000 CLK 3.2
I replaced all 02 sensors last May so they're fine. Not too worried about smog tests but do chime in droptop208.
I gotta say I haven't really tossed the idea of getting rid of the muffler too. What exactly is the benefit of that? Just better sound? Lookin for a deeper throatier sound btw...
Much appreciated CLK FAN
I gotta say I haven't really tossed the idea of getting rid of the muffler too. What exactly is the benefit of that? Just better sound? Lookin for a deeper throatier sound btw...
Much appreciated CLK FAN
or you can get rid of the resonator and 2ndary cats but keep the stock muffler...I'm sure the sound will change but how much I'm not sure.
and yes, fun sound would be the goal here, and if you do any high speed runs you'll get there a little quicker after the cat removal
2ndary cats only and not primary cats for both options
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Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 601
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From: Kansas
2001 CLK430, 2012 CLS550
Got ya, leave primary cats because of the 02's? I'm not sure if a muffler shop will cut and weld(straight pipe) so I guess I would have to have them cut off by someone, than piping replaced by a shop and than mounted back onto the vehicle. Is that the deal? I can take the secondaries off myself if I have a decent lift right? Good stuff...
Thanks
Thanks
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Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 601
Likes: 6
From: Kansas
2001 CLK430, 2012 CLS550
I know Ghost has done something along these lines, hopefully he will chime in with his knowledge. 
My whole deal is finding the most cost effective way to fix the annoying rattle for now... Any sound or HP gains is always a plus too.
My whole deal is finding the most cost effective way to fix the annoying rattle for now... Any sound or HP gains is always a plus too.
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 601
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From: Kansas
2001 CLK430, 2012 CLS550
I really like the sound of this one.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oy4u-MENxAI
And of course the Eisenmann here.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KFOJV...eature=related
If I were able to come across an Eisenmann muffler, how would it sound without 2ndary cats and with or without a resonator?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oy4u-MENxAI
And of course the Eisenmann here.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KFOJV...eature=related
If I were able to come across an Eisenmann muffler, how would it sound without 2ndary cats and with or without a resonator?
Super Member
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 576
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1999 CLK320
i would get rid of the secondary cats first, knowing the rattle is in fact coming from the cars and not a heatshield.
then later on, remove the resonator and/or muffler.
whatever you do, please post some before and after vids.
good luck
then later on, remove the resonator and/or muffler.
whatever you do, please post some before and after vids.
good luck
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 601
Likes: 6
From: Kansas
2001 CLK430, 2012 CLS550
It's the cats for sure, been like this for two months.
Yeah I will try to do a couple sound vids for sure.
Yeah I will try to do a couple sound vids for sure.
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 601
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From: Kansas
2001 CLK430, 2012 CLS550
Okay so I've decided on what I'm going to do.
-I will first have the two 2ndary cats removed and replaced with straight pipe.
-I will leave the resonator in place. (Can always remove down the road)
-Chop off old muffler and replace with a magnaflow.
My questions are:
-What size piping will be needed to bridge the gap between my stock pipes after the two 2ndary cats are removed?
-What size inlet will I need in order to match the muffler up to the pipe coming out of the resonator? (Is is a single pipe right?)
-Can you recommend a certain magnaflow series muffler for me? (street, racing, ect).
Here are a couple I like. Would these fit okay or need to be modded?
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Magna...spagenameZWDVW
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Magna...1%7C240%3A1318
Thanks guys, hopefully I can get some vids together to show differences in tone!
-I will first have the two 2ndary cats removed and replaced with straight pipe.
-I will leave the resonator in place. (Can always remove down the road)
-Chop off old muffler and replace with a magnaflow.
My questions are:
-What size piping will be needed to bridge the gap between my stock pipes after the two 2ndary cats are removed?
-What size inlet will I need in order to match the muffler up to the pipe coming out of the resonator? (Is is a single pipe right?)
-Can you recommend a certain magnaflow series muffler for me? (street, racing, ect).
Here are a couple I like. Would these fit okay or need to be modded?
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Magna...spagenameZWDVW
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Magna...1%7C240%3A1318
Thanks guys, hopefully I can get some vids together to show differences in tone!
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Joined: May 2005
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From: KCMO, but Houston is my home.
01 CLK 430
This is what I was talking about and the sound you are looking for.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EApSaVVzbbY
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EApSaVVzbbY
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 601
Likes: 6
From: Kansas
2001 CLK430, 2012 CLS550
This is what I was talking about and the sound you are looking for.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EApSaVVzbbY
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EApSaVVzbbY
I called a couple muffler shops here in town and they both told me they wouldn't cut and weld straight pipes in place of my cats....I guess I'll keep checking around.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,833
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From: Atlanta
Current: AMG GT-C. Sold: 01 CLK55, 00 ML55, 01 ML55, 06 E55
I'd recommend cutting 2ndary cats and resonator. keep primary cats and stock muffler. should give plenty of grunt, but nothing obnoxious. if you aren't happy, then stick a magnaflow muffler on later when you get some extra cash.
Remind your muffler guys that you have 4 cats, and are getting rid of the after-cats. the o2 sensors are all in front and cause no problems. that's what i'm running on my 55
Remind your muffler guys that you have 4 cats, and are getting rid of the after-cats. the o2 sensors are all in front and cause no problems. that's what i'm running on my 55
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 1,261
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From: SoCaL (LA / OC)
E55 AMG (SOLD), EvoSport CLK (SOLD), 2013 GsxR 750 (SOLD)
GUNDO... what about this....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_MWF_xeiysk
LISTEN TO THE LAST 10 SECONDS. I love that sound
Last edited by babyboigsxr; Dec 10, 2008 at 01:39 AM.
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 601
Likes: 6
From: Kansas
2001 CLK430, 2012 CLS550
Yea, not a bad sound at all.
Guitarist, that me be something to think about.
I really like this (both look and sound)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6U4d7...eature=related
Guitarist, that me be something to think about.
I really like this (both look and sound)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6U4d7...eature=related
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 357
Likes: 0
From: San Diego, California
CLK 430
I had a Eisenmann and sold it. So now im just running no exhaust with 2ndarys and resonator and it sounds almost like my Eisenmann but not as deep. Next step is a custom dual with no muffler and no 2ndary cats.
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 601
Likes: 6
From: Kansas
2001 CLK430, 2012 CLS550
A buddy at work told me we can do the cat removal at his shop on Saturday. I need to get some pipe from a shop to put in place of the cats.
Can anyone tell me what size pipe I need to do this?
Also what size inlet (on the muffler) would I need if I left the resonator and wanted it to match up to a magnaflow muffler? -This would have to be welded right?
I also need to know how I can pull the 02 sensors off when I remove the piping to cut out the cats? Can this be done at my house with the car jacked up?
Thanks guys, I'm really trying to get this ball rollin but need some answers first.
Can anyone tell me what size pipe I need to do this?
Also what size inlet (on the muffler) would I need if I left the resonator and wanted it to match up to a magnaflow muffler? -This would have to be welded right?
I also need to know how I can pull the 02 sensors off when I remove the piping to cut out the cats? Can this be done at my house with the car jacked up?
Thanks guys, I'm really trying to get this ball rollin but need some answers first.
Last edited by Gundo; Dec 10, 2008 at 01:30 PM.
Super Member
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 576
Likes: 1
1999 CLK320
Ghost, thats pretty much spot on what I'm looking for. So should I take the res off also? I'm leaning towards the magnaflow street series with dual tips (link above). Is this a good choice in muffler?
I called a couple muffler shops here in town and they both told me they wouldn't cut and weld straight pipes in place of my cats....I guess I'll keep checking around.
I called a couple muffler shops here in town and they both told me they wouldn't cut and weld straight pipes in place of my cats....I guess I'll keep checking around.
