GT problems when modified?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Rate Thread
 
Old Jun 30, 2023 | 09:17 PM
  #1  
EddieNel's Avatar
Thread Starter
Newbie
 
Joined: Jun 2023
Posts: 13
Likes: 3
From: Louisiana
None
GT problems when modified?

I’m looking at a low mileage GTS. I called a performance shop that specializes in exotics. The guy said that a down pipe and sending the stock turbos to Pure and upgrading to their 900 turbo would get me close to 800whp. I spoke with another guy who is a big Supra fan said he has heard nothing but bad about the modified Mercedes cars having problems but he didn’t really elaborate. The GTS would definitely be more expensive but he is really pushing the Supra for the same money being more reliable and a faster car. I’m very much torn between the two. I’ve owned several BMW’s and an E350 but I’ve never even sat in or driven a Supra. Any thoughts on the above? What do you think about an 800 HP 4 liter twin turbo? Am I asking for trouble and a lot of maintenance?
Reply
Old Jul 1, 2023 | 03:05 PM
  #2  
cdk4219's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
Liked
 
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,482
Likes: 310
95 SL600
800whp is certainly not going to get you less maintenance. At that power level, it’s not maintenance, but breakage that you will encounter. Nothing on that car was designed to deal with doubling the power of the engine. Not saying it won’t work, but the lifespan of many parts will be much shorter.
Reply
Old Jul 1, 2023 | 03:30 PM
  #3  
EddieNel's Avatar
Thread Starter
Newbie
 
Joined: Jun 2023
Posts: 13
Likes: 3
From: Louisiana
None
I kinda figured that. One of the performance shops in Dallas talked like it was no big deal. Another shop stated tranny upgrades and rear end upgrades as well. Maybe 800 isn’t realistic for a daily driver.
Reply
Old Jul 2, 2023 | 11:13 AM
  #4  
GTConn's Avatar
Senior Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Liked
Loved
 
Joined: May 2023
Posts: 312
Likes: 146
2019 AMG GTC Solar Beam Yellow
If you're wanting something beyond Mopar, etc that you can add some serious power to, have you considered a Porsche Turbo or Turbo S? Those things can handle monster power and still be reliable.

They tested the PDK on a 2014 Turbo S by launching it 50 times as a sort of anniversary stunt or something. Not a single issue. They could have kept going.

Reply
Old Jul 2, 2023 | 12:41 PM
  #5  
Eyeman89's Avatar
Member
Liked
 
Joined: Jul 2021
Posts: 117
Likes: 25
From: Near Atlanta
AMG GTS, Mercedes 6.9, 190SL
From what I remember from Stenzel (among the most knowledgeable posters on this forum), the GTC and GTR, etc have the upgraded engine like they use in the Black (more forged engine parts, run lower compression,etc). If I planned to go beyond 650 hp I'd try to find a good deal on a GTC. Otherwise sounds like a good idea to me, I think the GT platform is a great platform to be able to handle modifications. You should be able to pretty copy the Black if you didn't want to go with aftermarket stuff.
Reply
Old Jul 2, 2023 | 12:57 PM
  #6  
JSwan724's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
5 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 1,375
Likes: 543
2024 AMG G63 2025 Ferrari SF90 AF Spider
Originally Posted by Eyeman89
From what I remember from Stenzel (among the most knowledgeable posters on this forum), the GTC and GTR, etc have the upgraded engine like they use in the Black (more forged engine parts, run lower compression,etc). If I planned to go beyond 650 hp I'd try to find a good deal on a GTC. Otherwise sounds like a good idea to me, I think the GT platform is a great platform to be able to handle modifications. You should be able to pretty copy the Black if you didn't want to go with aftermarket stuff.

There is NO WAY you can replicate the Black motor. Among many other additions the Black has a flat plane crank. When you have a chance, read up on both platforms and you’ll see why it isn’t possible.

Go to Weistec or Renntech for one of their proven packages and you’ll be happy.

Good luck.
Reply
Old Jul 2, 2023 | 01:43 PM
  #7  
MalibuScott's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
5 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 1,025
Likes: 706
From: Santa Monica Mountains
2025 Lucid Air Grand Touring, 2022 F-150, 1926 Rolls-Royce SSG roadster
800 HP may be too much for the street? Ya think???

(This is some of that "poor feedback." I admit it in advance. But unless this guy drives on the Autobahn and has a few years' experience and a professional racer, I don't want to be on the same continent with him wheeling around 800 HP.)
Reply
Old Jul 2, 2023 | 03:13 PM
  #8  
EddieNel's Avatar
Thread Starter
Newbie
 
Joined: Jun 2023
Posts: 13
Likes: 3
From: Louisiana
None
I have a lot of reading to do. I don’t want to buy something and feel like I settled. 800 HP is a ballpark number I’m shooting for but not a necessity. I have owned and driven several 600 HP cars and had a super charged Denali truck. 600 was definitely fun just want to have a little extra if I do any of the 1/2 mile drag races.
Reply
MB World Stories

The Best of Mercedes & AMG

story-0

Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

 Verdad Gallardo
story-2

Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know

 Verdad Gallardo
story-4

Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know

 Verdad Gallardo
story-5

5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

Mercedes Teases Updated EQS With Steer-By-Wire and a Yoke

 Verdad Gallardo
story-9

8 Mercedes Models With Poor Reliability Records

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Jul 2, 2023 | 04:47 PM
  #9  
shaladdin's Avatar
Junior Member
 
Joined: Jun 2022
Posts: 25
Likes: 17
2020 AMG GTR
Originally Posted by MalibuScott
800 HP may be too much for the street? Ya think???

(This is some of that "poor feedback." I admit it in advance. But unless this guy drives on the Autobahn and has a few years' experience and a professional racer, I don't want to be on the same continent with him wheeling around 800 HP.)
LOL Oh boy, that was a good chuckle.

To OP: I have a stage 2 tune and set up on my GTR and, while only use the car to track, even that much power (far less than 800hp) is hard to use reliably with RWD. My advice is to go with a different car if you're chasing power and speed; you'll honestly have a better time modding a Nissan GTR for that purpose. For what it's worth, my original plan was the get the GT R built to the same numbers you're looking for, but decided to stop at stage 2 and get a manual MK5 Supra for that purpose. The modding community, part availability, and price seem much more conducive to chasing ponies on the Supra than on the AMG.

Last edited by shaladdin; Jul 2, 2023 at 05:30 PM.
Reply
Old Jul 2, 2023 | 06:13 PM
  #10  
ChrisHimself's Avatar
SPONSOR
Photogenic
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Apr 2021
Posts: 846
Likes: 558
From: San Jose, CA
11 E550, 16 AMG GTS, 13 S550
uh you will break stuff trying to DD it at 800hp, it's just physics. The brakes are definitely enough, the diffs, ball joints, and the fluids might not like being pushed that hard so at the minimum you'll just have to shorten certain intervals but 800hp is possible. You also don't want certain items breaking on these cars. A diff or transmission will be a particularly miserable experience. If you're after just a tune from Weistec or something you're gonna be ok all day, but once you start going big turbos you're going to keep an eye on things.

800hp anything is really expensive, but I mean I'd rather have an 800hp Shelby or Z06 than an AMG. A 577hp AMG is a far better experiance than either. Unless you have a specific need to hunt down hypercars that will still weigh less than you by 1000+ lbs theres not much out there that can take on a tuned AMG car with tasteful mods.
__________________
Alpha European Autotech
Purchase Amsoil at 25% off from me

Chris Tran, Retired Alpha European Autotech Owner
Amsoil Independent Dealer #7236674
Reply
Old Jul 2, 2023 | 08:36 PM
  #11  
EddieNel's Avatar
Thread Starter
Newbie
 
Joined: Jun 2023
Posts: 13
Likes: 3
From: Louisiana
None
You guys are awesome. I’m really paying attention to what I’m seeing here. I agree with having to maintain an 800 HP car or just enjoy a tuned AMG. The Supra is still on the list. I just told my wife it really doesn’t matter what car it is as long as I like it and want to keep it. I need to test drive both cars and see what I like.
Reply
Old Jul 2, 2023 | 09:29 PM
  #12  
ChrisHimself's Avatar
SPONSOR
Photogenic
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Apr 2021
Posts: 846
Likes: 558
From: San Jose, CA
11 E550, 16 AMG GTS, 13 S550
Originally Posted by EddieNel
You guys are awesome. I’m really paying attention to what I’m seeing here. I agree with having to maintain an 800 HP car or just enjoy a tuned AMG. The Supra is still on the list. I just told my wife it really doesn’t matter what car it is as long as I like it and want to keep it. I need to test drive both cars and see what I like.
how low mileage we talkin about I'm actually interested in selling mine and going to an M157 E63, which is backwards
__________________
Alpha European Autotech
Purchase Amsoil at 25% off from me

Chris Tran, Retired Alpha European Autotech Owner
Amsoil Independent Dealer #7236674
Reply
Old Jul 3, 2023 | 09:10 PM
  #13  
Hetzle's Avatar
Member
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 152
Likes: 43
From: San Francisco
2016 AMG GT-S
I just noticed Renntech now offers a 4yr/50k drivetrain warranty for cars modified with their packages. They only reach ~720 bhp but that would be all I need for a daily/occasional track car.
Reply
Old Jul 4, 2023 | 09:57 AM
  #14  
EddieNel's Avatar
Thread Starter
Newbie
 
Joined: Jun 2023
Posts: 13
Likes: 3
From: Louisiana
None
Originally Posted by ChrisHimself
how low mileage we talkin about I'm actually interested in selling mine and going to an M157 E63, which is backwards
What ya got? Give me some details. I’m still very much undecided but also been super busy with work and the 4th so I havnt had time to go look at any cars.
Reply
Old Jul 4, 2023 | 04:53 PM
  #15  
Skilly's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 1,291
Likes: 624
From: California
2020 McLaren 720s Spider
Honestly, not clear to me what you would get for 800hp in a GTS. Its 2WD so applying it to the road will be impossible to do.

The GT class, even with its pinnacle Black Series, aren't designed for brute force pulls off the line. Sub 3 sec launches is not why someone gets this car...track it, and you learn why. That is where these things shine. There are some great options from tuners to get there in HP range, but you will pay $50K do dial it all in with Turbos, tune, DPs and exhaust and it would still struggle with a sub 3 sec launch - nanny mode comes on even with a stage 1 set up! And track performance improvements would be moderate unless you start considering aero and weight drops. I know you didn't call out launch specifically Im guessing there is some sort of objective in beefing it up to that level of HP.

If you want bragging rights or a 1/4 mile killer there are better choices (hint AWD platforms). If you want a highly capable track car that will daily drive, you're in the right place.
Reply
Old Jul 4, 2023 | 08:07 PM
  #16  
G. P's Avatar
Super Member
5 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 591
Likes: 341
From: Northeast USA
2020 AMG GTC
Originally Posted by Skilly
Honestly, not clear to me what you would get for 800hp in a GTS. Its 2WD so applying it to the road will be impossible to do.

The GT class, even with its pinnacle Black Series, aren't designed for brute force pulls off the line. Sub 3 sec launches is not why someone gets this car...track it, and you learn why. That is where these things shine. There are some great options from tuners to get there in HP range, but you will pay $50K do dial it all in with Turbos, tune, DPs and exhaust and it would still struggle with a sub 3 sec launch - nanny mode comes on even with a stage 1 set up! And track performance improvements would be moderate unless you start considering aero and weight drops. I know you didn't call out launch specifically Im guessing there is some sort of objective in beefing it up to that level of HP.

If you want bragging rights or a 1/4 mile killer there are better choices (hint AWD platforms). If you want a highly capable track car that will daily drive, you're in the right place.
Words of wisdom. Nicely put.

Hey Skilly, did you have a chance to track the 720S? any comparison points vs the GTR?
Reply
Old Jul 5, 2023 | 03:58 PM
  #17  
boosted20v's Avatar
Senior Member
5 Year Member
Photogenic
Liked
Loved
 
Joined: Oct 2020
Posts: 336
Likes: 97
From: Houston, TX
2020 AMG GT63s
Skilly is on point, in addition to what he said, at the end of the day what do you want to do with the car and what kind of driving do you enjoy. Want something a little more exclusive/rare that is great on a track or a windy road, then the GT is a great choice. Otherwise there are plenty of better options. As also mentioned I can't imagine you wouldn't be satisfied with a stage II GT which will put you around the 700 hp range with just a tune and DP's. My Stage 1 tuned C63 walked away from a tuned Supra above triple digits and my Stage I tuned GT is quicker than the C63 was. Go drive em and your answer will come to you.
Reply
Old Jul 5, 2023 | 06:32 PM
  #18  
JSwan724's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
5 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 1,375
Likes: 543
2024 AMG G63 2025 Ferrari SF90 AF Spider
Originally Posted by EddieNel
I’m looking at a low mileage GTS. I called a performance shop that specializes in exotics. The guy said that a down pipe and sending the stock turbos to Pure and upgrading to their 900 turbo would get me close to 800whp. I spoke with another guy who is a big Supra fan said he has heard nothing but bad about the modified Mercedes cars having problems but he didn’t really elaborate. The GTS would definitely be more expensive but he is really pushing the Supra for the same money being more reliable and a faster car. I’m very much torn between the two. I’ve owned several BMW’s and an E350 but I’ve never even sat in or driven a Supra. Any thoughts on the above? What do you think about an 800 HP 4 liter twin turbo? Am I asking for trouble and a lot of maintenance?

You missed an opportunity;

7k-Mile 2019 Mercedes-AMG GT R for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $155,000 on July 5, 2023 (Lot #112,558) | Bring a Trailer

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/20...es-amg-gt-r-2/

Maybe there will be another.


Last edited by JSwan724; Jul 5, 2023 at 07:33 PM.
Reply
Old Jul 5, 2023 | 06:39 PM
  #19  
EddieNel's Avatar
Thread Starter
Newbie
 
Joined: Jun 2023
Posts: 13
Likes: 3
From: Louisiana
None
Originally Posted by JSwan724
You missed an opportunity;

7k-Mile 2019 Mercedes-AMG GT R for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $155,000 on July 5, 2023 (Lot #112,558) | Bring a Trailer

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/20...es-amg-gt-r-2/

Maybe cthere will be another.
Just a tad above my budget. Looking more GTS used price. $80ish.
Reply
Old Jul 5, 2023 | 06:46 PM
  #20  
AMG 17GT's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 4,005
Likes: 711
From: ATLANTA
R Nine T
Originally Posted by G. P
Words of wisdom. Nicely put.

Hey Skilly, did you have a chance to track the 720S? any comparison points vs the GTR?
Originally Posted by EddieNel
Just a tad above my budget. Looking more GTS used price. $80ish.
Don’t want to be assuming, but how old are you ?
Reply
Old Jul 5, 2023 | 08:02 PM
  #21  
G. P's Avatar
Super Member
5 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 591
Likes: 341
From: Northeast USA
2020 AMG GTC
Originally Posted by AMG 17GT
Don’t want to be assuming, but how old are you ?
?
Reply
Old Jul 10, 2023 | 11:25 PM
  #22  
torquecraz's Avatar
Junior Member
 
Joined: May 2022
Posts: 68
Likes: 50
AMG GTS, Audi Q8 Lumma, Mini Cooper JCW
Talking

Originally Posted by EddieNel
I’m looking at a low mileage GTS. I called a performance shop that specializes in exotics. The guy said that a down pipe and sending the stock turbos to Pure and upgrading to their 900 turbo would get me close to 800whp. I spoke with another guy who is a big Supra fan said he has heard nothing but bad about the modified Mercedes cars having problems but he didn’t really elaborate. The GTS would definitely be more expensive but he is really pushing the Supra for the same money being more reliable and a faster car. I’m very much torn between the two. I’ve owned several BMW’s and an E350 but I’ve never even sat in or driven a Supra. Any thoughts on the above? What do you think about an 800 HP 4 liter twin turbo? Am I asking for trouble and a lot of maintenance?
Hi,
please listen to what happened to me before you mod ur car. mine is a 2015 GTS and tuned the car to stage 2. remap the ecu, bmc filter, catless downpipe, full custom exhaust system. results 562whp - 665hp/779nm torque. after a month driving it the car was misfiring. so took it to the mechanic and diagnose the car and the fault code P036600 related to engine timing and position of camshaft for cylinder bank 1 has malfunction. another fault code P001764 position camshaft cylinder bank 1 is implausible relative to the position of crankshaft. mechanic says have to drop the engine and open the valve cover. so they did and found out the camshaft adjuster have twisted. have to replace all 4 camshaft adjusters. how did this happen? according to the mechanic the torque was to much that the camshaft adjuster twisted. cost estimate plus labour USD6500. for those of you have not seen a camshaft adjuster the 1st picture below shows it.




to cut the story short dont mod ur gts or maybe im just the unlucky ones or maybe the remap torque was to much. the camshaft adjuster could not take the extra torque. u want to mod a car get a nissan gtr.
Reply
Old Jul 11, 2023 | 07:00 AM
  #23  
EddieNel's Avatar
Thread Starter
Newbie
 
Joined: Jun 2023
Posts: 13
Likes: 3
From: Louisiana
None
@torquecraz I do appreciate the pictures and you sharing your experience. Reading a lot about these cars and others I’m still undecided. I’m not sure what route to go but 800 HP is not reasonable for a daily driver. I’m wanting to do a couple of half mile races and I need to decide if I’m wanting a weekend fun car or a drag car. The more HP the more maintenance and less drivability of the car so what’s that happy medium? I’ve driven several fun reliable 600 ish HP cars but never drag raced with them.

How’s your car doing now? Are you still modded? Since you had to go into the engine did you upgrade anything else?
Reply
Old Jul 11, 2023 | 10:39 AM
  #24  
ChrisHimself's Avatar
SPONSOR
Photogenic
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Apr 2021
Posts: 846
Likes: 558
From: San Jose, CA
11 E550, 16 AMG GTS, 13 S550
if you're doing a half mile you need to get an S550 mustang with a mahle pistons, eagle rods, Hellion twin turbo kit on drag radials and you'll be doing teardowns about every couple seasons. C6 vette with a built shortblock, heads cam and procharger will do it too.
GTS at these prices are for if you're a Porsche contrarian and you want a less proven engine/transmission combination
__________________
Alpha European Autotech
Purchase Amsoil at 25% off from me

Chris Tran, Retired Alpha European Autotech Owner
Amsoil Independent Dealer #7236674
Reply
Old Jul 12, 2023 | 06:10 AM
  #25  
torquecraz's Avatar
Junior Member
 
Joined: May 2022
Posts: 68
Likes: 50
AMG GTS, Audi Q8 Lumma, Mini Cooper JCW
Originally Posted by EddieNel
@torquecraz I do appreciate the pictures and you sharing your experience. Reading a lot about these cars and others I’m still undecided. I’m not sure what route to go but 800 HP is not reasonable for a daily driver. I’m wanting to do a couple of half mile races and I need to decide if I’m wanting a weekend fun car or a drag car. The more HP the more maintenance and less drivability of the car so what’s that happy medium? I’ve driven several fun reliable 600 ish HP cars but never drag raced with them.

How’s your car doing now? Are you still modded? Since you had to go into the engine did you upgrade anything else?
the car is still in the workshop waiting for parts to arrive. im not going to upgrade internally to avoid more issues.
Reply

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 


You have already rated this thread Rating: Thread Rating: 0 votes,  average.


All times are GMT -4. The time now is 03:31 PM.

story-0
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

Slideshow: A one-of-one U.S.-spec Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster became even rarer after a factory-backed transformation at McLaren's headquarters.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-29 11:19:28


VIEW MORE
story-1
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

Slideshow: Before curves took over, Mercedes mastered the art of the straight line, and some of those shapes still look right today.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-25 12:05:49


VIEW MORE
story-2
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

Slideshow: The 190E Evolution II shows how a homologation necessity became a six-figure collector icon.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-22 17:53:47


VIEW MORE
story-3
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know

Slideshow: Mercedes is turning one of its core nameplates electric, and the details show just how serious this shift is.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-21 13:58:06


VIEW MORE
story-4
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know

Slideshow: Faster charging, longer range, and a controversial steer-by-wire system define the latest evolution of Mercedes-Benz EQS.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-15 10:35:34


VIEW MORE
story-5
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve

Slideshow: These overlooked Mercedes-Benz models never got the spotlight, but they quietly delivered more than most remember.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-13 19:35:45


VIEW MORE
story-6
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping

Slideshow: A well-used 1991 Mercedes-Benz 300D with more than one million miles is now looking for a new owner, and it still appears ready for more.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-10 10:05:15


VIEW MORE
story-7
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used

Slideshow: From bulletproof sedans to surprisingly tough SUVs, these Mercedes models proved that the three-pointed star can go the distance.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-08 09:55:49


VIEW MORE
story-8
Mercedes Teases Updated EQS With Steer-By-Wire and a Yoke

Slideshow: The 2027 update adds a fully digital steering system, revised styling, and potential charging upgrades as the company looks to revive interest in the luxury EV.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-04 10:24:38


VIEW MORE
story-9
8 Mercedes Models With Poor Reliability Records

Slideshow: From problematic air suspensions to early dual-clutch transmission issues, these specific models and years stand out as the least dependable modern Mercedes vehicles.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-26 18:08:10


VIEW MORE