Time to finally Begin
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Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 36
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From: Central Florida
2013 ML63 AMG Designo.
Time to finally Begin
Alright guys, need your expertise.
I have a 2004 clk having only blacked it out, added 19" rims with ventus V12's on them i'm getting that urge.
It is cheaper to upgrade than it is to purchase a new car, so why not make it feel newer?
1. I have been looking at suspension parts. I know there's the love for the H&R with bilstein set up. Best i can find for that is about $1200. So i thought about a decent coil over set and the KW V1 kit fits my needs fairly well. Found it for $1400. Your thoughts?
2. Want to do headers and cats, just can't spend crazy money. The secondary cats are what I'm hoping for help on more than anything else. So many choices. I definitely don't want crazy loud. Is there a consensus?
3. The crank pulley from ams who has now changed hands to GTP, has a couple left. Is this a mod worth attempting or just leave it be?
4. Time for rotors, maybe even some newer calipers.
Your ideas are what i need. Truly appreciate whatever you guys can throw my way.
I have a 2004 clk having only blacked it out, added 19" rims with ventus V12's on them i'm getting that urge.
It is cheaper to upgrade than it is to purchase a new car, so why not make it feel newer?
1. I have been looking at suspension parts. I know there's the love for the H&R with bilstein set up. Best i can find for that is about $1200. So i thought about a decent coil over set and the KW V1 kit fits my needs fairly well. Found it for $1400. Your thoughts?
2. Want to do headers and cats, just can't spend crazy money. The secondary cats are what I'm hoping for help on more than anything else. So many choices. I definitely don't want crazy loud. Is there a consensus?
3. The crank pulley from ams who has now changed hands to GTP, has a couple left. Is this a mod worth attempting or just leave it be?
4. Time for rotors, maybe even some newer calipers.
Your ideas are what i need. Truly appreciate whatever you guys can throw my way.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 4,411
Likes: 69
From: Socal, Chino
E55 2006 / CLS55 / S450 / Jag XKR2011
From my experience, i was gonna sell my E55 but decided to upgrade it instead of selling it because could not found anything to replace E55 at my budget. There is no better car with budget. Sure, new AMG is better but cost 3 times more so i decided to upgrade few parts. Kleemann Header, ECU, IC pump... Good luck !
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Joined: Jul 2010
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From: A Canadian in Dubai, United Arab Emirates
'05 C200K SS, '05 Kleemann CLK500K, '08 Hummer H3 & '92 Z34 5sp (track car in Canada)
Alright guys, need your expertise.
I have a 2004 clk having only blacked it out, added 19" rims with ventus V12's on them i'm getting that urge.
It is cheaper to upgrade than it is to purchase a new car, so why not make it feel newer?
1. I have been looking at suspension parts. I know there's the love for the H&R with bilstein set up. Best i can find for that is about $1200. So i thought about a decent coil over set and the KW V1 kit fits my needs fairly well. Found it for $1400. Your thoughts?
2. Want to do headers and cats, just can't spend crazy money. The secondary cats are what I'm hoping for help on more than anything else. So many choices. I definitely don't want crazy loud. Is there a consensus?
3. The crank pulley from ams who has now changed hands to GTP, has a couple left. Is this a mod worth attempting or just leave it be?
4. Time for rotors, maybe even some newer calipers.
Your ideas are what i need. Truly appreciate whatever you guys can throw my way.
I have a 2004 clk having only blacked it out, added 19" rims with ventus V12's on them i'm getting that urge.
It is cheaper to upgrade than it is to purchase a new car, so why not make it feel newer?
1. I have been looking at suspension parts. I know there's the love for the H&R with bilstein set up. Best i can find for that is about $1200. So i thought about a decent coil over set and the KW V1 kit fits my needs fairly well. Found it for $1400. Your thoughts?
2. Want to do headers and cats, just can't spend crazy money. The secondary cats are what I'm hoping for help on more than anything else. So many choices. I definitely don't want crazy loud. Is there a consensus?
3. The crank pulley from ams who has now changed hands to GTP, has a couple left. Is this a mod worth attempting or just leave it be?
4. Time for rotors, maybe even some newer calipers.
Your ideas are what i need. Truly appreciate whatever you guys can throw my way.
Thats my $0.02 from making a lot of changes and wasting a lot of money along my CLK build.
Good luck.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,257
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From: Chicago
2015.5 Volvo V60 Polestar
Since you are on a budget, get the Kleemann headers. I believe they were on sale for 999? Install that with a tune, and it will transform the car. Also add some AFE dry-flows. Noticed a diff in TB response.
If you are doing the brakes, I cannot recommend Disc Italia hyper-ceramic pads enough. They are amazing, and no dust.
If you are doing the brakes, I cannot recommend Disc Italia hyper-ceramic pads enough. They are amazing, and no dust.
Member
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 240
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From: Lake Oswego
2003 CLK55AMG
What about doing a tune, CAI, and headers. Those three are for just performance mods. I want to add a LSD to my car. You should take a look at adding this to your parts list. I think they cost about $500.
I have a builsten coil over kit on my CLK. I really do enjoy them, the car handles great.
Post up a pic of your car?
I have a builsten coil over kit on my CLK. I really do enjoy them, the car handles great.
Post up a pic of your car?
Last edited by BRIZZOK84; Mar 8, 2012 at 10:24 PM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
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From: A Canadian in Dubai, United Arab Emirates
'05 C200K SS, '05 Kleemann CLK500K, '08 Hummer H3 & '92 Z34 5sp (track car in Canada)
What about doing a tune, CAI, and headers. Those three are for just performance mods. I want to add a LSD to my car. You should take a look at adding this to your parts list. I think they cost about $500.
I have a builsten coil over kit on my CLK. I really do enjoy them, the car handles great.
Post up a pic of your car?
I have a builsten coil over kit on my CLK. I really do enjoy them, the car handles great.
Post up a pic of your car?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,257
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From: Chicago
2015.5 Volvo V60 Polestar
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2010
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From: A Canadian in Dubai, United Arab Emirates
'05 C200K SS, '05 Kleemann CLK500K, '08 Hummer H3 & '92 Z34 5sp (track car in Canada)
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2010
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From: A Canadian in Dubai, United Arab Emirates
'05 C200K SS, '05 Kleemann CLK500K, '08 Hummer H3 & '92 Z34 5sp (track car in Canada)
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 36
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From: Central Florida
2013 ML63 AMG Designo.
thanks for the replies everyone.
so, got in touch with an old friend of mine that i grew up with who's father used to work for bilstein. a buddy of mine reminded me of this, so gave him a shout. his answer surprised me a little. he informed me that bilstein is a bit dated and that koni makes a better overall product. decided to look into it and they are 20% off right now. so, i will give them a shot and see what happens.
Kev, i live in Miami and don't have to worry about exhaust inspections. i just hate the idea of having a loud car. one of the things i love about our cars is that they are unassuming. but i will bow to your better knowledge and see what it sounds like. probably a cheaper alternative as well.
i am having a hard time seeing someone paying a grand for headers. i will continue to shop around but kleeman and $1000? no justification for that IMO.
i forgot that i did K&N filters when i first bought the car 4 years ago.
i am still trying to decide on that AMS pulley. it is under $400 right now and still can't seem to get enough of a positive or negative response about it.
a couple of you have mentioned a tune. how much do they typically run and are there various styles?
time to upgrade my radio again, Kenwood 9980 here i come
so, got in touch with an old friend of mine that i grew up with who's father used to work for bilstein. a buddy of mine reminded me of this, so gave him a shout. his answer surprised me a little. he informed me that bilstein is a bit dated and that koni makes a better overall product. decided to look into it and they are 20% off right now. so, i will give them a shot and see what happens.
Kev, i live in Miami and don't have to worry about exhaust inspections. i just hate the idea of having a loud car. one of the things i love about our cars is that they are unassuming. but i will bow to your better knowledge and see what it sounds like. probably a cheaper alternative as well.
i am having a hard time seeing someone paying a grand for headers. i will continue to shop around but kleeman and $1000? no justification for that IMO.
i forgot that i did K&N filters when i first bought the car 4 years ago.
i am still trying to decide on that AMS pulley. it is under $400 right now and still can't seem to get enough of a positive or negative response about it.
a couple of you have mentioned a tune. how much do they typically run and are there various styles?
time to upgrade my radio again, Kenwood 9980 here i come
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 4,748
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From: A Canadian in Dubai, United Arab Emirates
'05 C200K SS, '05 Kleemann CLK500K, '08 Hummer H3 & '92 Z34 5sp (track car in Canada)
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 36
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From: Central Florida
2013 ML63 AMG Designo.
i have been an excelon guy for a decade. i have the 812 in there now. the GPS is just really outdated for mine.
you know the new model comes out next month. it will be android compatible.
i am not a fan of kenwood speakerrs though.
i am an infinity guy. have the "perfects" in my car and the clarity is outstanding. i am using a 5 channel polk amp to push it all.
enjoy your new sounds, kevv.
you know the new model comes out next month. it will be android compatible.
i am not a fan of kenwood speakerrs though.
i am an infinity guy. have the "perfects" in my car and the clarity is outstanding. i am using a 5 channel polk amp to push it all.
enjoy your new sounds, kevv.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 4,748
Likes: 0
From: A Canadian in Dubai, United Arab Emirates
'05 C200K SS, '05 Kleemann CLK500K, '08 Hummer H3 & '92 Z34 5sp (track car in Canada)
i have been an excelon guy for a decade. i have the 812 in there now. the GPS is just really outdated for mine.
you know the new model comes out next month. it will be android compatible.
i am not a fan of kenwood speakerrs though.
i am an infinity guy. have the "perfects" in my car and the clarity is outstanding. i am using a 5 channel polk amp to push it all.
enjoy your new sounds, kevv.
you know the new model comes out next month. it will be android compatible.
i am not a fan of kenwood speakerrs though.
i am an infinity guy. have the "perfects" in my car and the clarity is outstanding. i am using a 5 channel polk amp to push it all.
enjoy your new sounds, kevv.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 1,224
Likes: 6
From: S.E. FLA.
05 ML-500 , 03 CLK5.5 AMG has left the Garage
Time to finally Begin
With all The add on's (Pulleys Crank & undrive , Air Box's Filters) and ECU tunes. NOT much will be seen on a Dyno or 1/4 mile runs. Maybe on a good day 20 RWHP at the most. BUT , Remove the very restrictive OEM exhaust Manifolds & install headers , BAM!! 26 RWHP & 30 ftlbs torque plus.
If you Follow some of my old Threads you will see what works. Keep your Secondary Cats & Stock Exhaust pipes & Muffler. When You have a tune done from EC ( There box Tune is pretty damn Good ) they can Code out the 2nd oxygen sensor Err Code. Have fun Lots of good opinions, see what Fits you & your Budget
Cheers _PTEngineering
If you Follow some of my old Threads you will see what works. Keep your Secondary Cats & Stock Exhaust pipes & Muffler. When You have a tune done from EC ( There box Tune is pretty damn Good ) they can Code out the 2nd oxygen sensor Err Code. Have fun Lots of good opinions, see what Fits you & your Budget
Cheers _PTEngineering
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,257
Likes: 5
From: Chicago
2015.5 Volvo V60 Polestar
With all The add on's (Pulleys Crank & undrive , Air Box's Filters) and ECU tunes. NOT much will be seen on a Dyno or 1/4 mile runs. Maybe on a good day 20 RWHP at the most. BUT , Remove the very restrictive OEM exhaust Manifolds & install headers , BAM!! 26 RWHP & 30 ftlbs torque plus.
If you Follow some of my old Threads you will see what works. Keep your Secondary Cats & Stock Exhaust pipes & Muffler. When You have a tune done from EC ( There box Tune is pretty damn Good ) they can Code out the 2nd oxygen sensor Err Code. Have fun Lots of good opinions, see what Fits you & your Budget
Cheers _PTEngineering
If you Follow some of my old Threads you will see what works. Keep your Secondary Cats & Stock Exhaust pipes & Muffler. When You have a tune done from EC ( There box Tune is pretty damn Good ) they can Code out the 2nd oxygen sensor Err Code. Have fun Lots of good opinions, see what Fits you & your Budget
Cheers _PTEngineering
To the OP, headers are worth 1k. Take the 400 for the pulley and put it towards the headers. Tune can be had for maybe 500. So for 1500, you will transform the car. If you can stretch the budget, get the MBH long tubes as they make a bit more power than the Kleemanns.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 1,224
Likes: 6
From: S.E. FLA.
05 ML-500 , 03 CLK5.5 AMG has left the Garage
Time to finally Begin
Jezter's Car Has a 3" / 75MM single Exhaust. Adding Headers with Down Pipes , Make it Necessary to remove the Primers Cats & much of the exhaust pipe. The area before the Secondary Cats is pretty slim for a X pipe. It is so far down the system I believe it will have very little effect on adding HP.
Own my own car I did a expensive True Dual Exhaust system , With a X pipe Muffler Near the opened up area before the Diff. I'm now in the process of installing a New X pipe Back as close to the Transmission As Possible ? Jezter has a limit set for what he wants & How much he is willing to spend.
Cheers _PTEngineering
Own my own car I did a expensive True Dual Exhaust system , With a X pipe Muffler Near the opened up area before the Diff. I'm now in the process of installing a New X pipe Back as close to the Transmission As Possible ? Jezter has a limit set for what he wants & How much he is willing to spend.
Cheers _PTEngineering
Last edited by PTE; Mar 12, 2012 at 12:24 PM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,257
Likes: 5
From: Chicago
2015.5 Volvo V60 Polestar
Jezter's Car Has a 3" / 75MM single Exhaust. Headers with Down Pipes , Make it Necessary to remove the Primers Cats & much of the exhaust pipe. The area before the Secondary Cats is pretty slim for a X pipe. It is so far down the system I believe it will have very little effect on adding HP.
Own my own car I did a expensive True Dual Exhaust system , With a X pipe Muffler Near the opened up area before the Diff. I'm now in the process of installing a New X pipe Back as close to the Transmission As Possible ? Jezter has a limit set for what he wants & How much he is willing to spend.
Cheers _PTEngineering
Own my own car I did a expensive True Dual Exhaust system , With a X pipe Muffler Near the opened up area before the Diff. I'm now in the process of installing a New X pipe Back as close to the Transmission As Possible ? Jezter has a limit set for what he wants & How much he is willing to spend.
Cheers _PTEngineering
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 36
Likes: 0
From: Central Florida
2013 ML63 AMG Designo.
got the Kleeman springs, thanks very much Patrick.
Koni shocks have been ordered and shall be here soon
now, with all the information provided above, i think i am just gonna give up doing anything else.
if anyone knows of any good websites that have great prices let me know.
again, appreciate all the help guys.
Koni shocks have been ordered and shall be here soon
now, with all the information provided above, i think i am just gonna give up doing anything else.
if anyone knows of any good websites that have great prices let me know.
again, appreciate all the help guys.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 4,748
Likes: 0
From: A Canadian in Dubai, United Arab Emirates
'05 C200K SS, '05 Kleemann CLK500K, '08 Hummer H3 & '92 Z34 5sp (track car in Canada)
got the Kleeman springs, thanks very much Patrick.
Koni shocks have been ordered and shall be here soon
now, with all the information provided above, i think i am just gonna give up doing anything else.
if anyone knows of any good websites that have great prices let me know.
again, appreciate all the help guys.
Koni shocks have been ordered and shall be here soon
now, with all the information provided above, i think i am just gonna give up doing anything else.
if anyone knows of any good websites that have great prices let me know.
again, appreciate all the help guys.
Which Koni's did you get, yellows or orange?
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 60
Likes: 3
From: Dallas, TX
'04 E55 AMG
Jezter, I couldn't agree more with PTE about the headers. I just installed the Kleemann headers (I had them ceramic coated first) on my 04 CLK55 Cab. & will soon have my Jerry (EC) tune after I do some data logging. The difference with just the headers is truly amazing, both the power & the sound. It's hard to keep my foot out off the throttle (given today's gas prices + the cost of those 19" Yokohama's), it's a lot of fun (just wish there were a way to completely disable the EPS
). Cory at Kleemann is very helpful, too.
My next project is suspension & possibly brakes (wish I could afford a S/C right now). Keep us informed on your progress & how well the new suspension works.
). Cory at Kleemann is very helpful, too.My next project is suspension & possibly brakes (wish I could afford a S/C right now). Keep us informed on your progress & how well the new suspension works.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 4,411
Likes: 69
From: Socal, Chino
E55 2006 / CLS55 / S450 / Jag XKR2011
Jezter, I couldn't agree more with PTE about the headers. I just installed the Kleemann headers (I had them ceramic coated first) on my 04 CLK55 Cab. & will soon have my Jerry (EC) tune after I do some data logging. The difference with just the headers is truly amazing, both the power & the sound. It's hard to keep my foot out off the throttle (given today's gas prices + the cost of those 19" Yokohama's), it's a lot of fun (just wish there were a way to completely disable the EPS). Cory at Kleemann is very helpful, too.
My next project is suspension & possibly brakes (wish I could afford a S/C right now). Keep us informed on your progress & how well the new suspension works.
). Cory at Kleemann is very helpful, too.My next project is suspension & possibly brakes (wish I could afford a S/C right now). Keep us informed on your progress & how well the new suspension works.
