E320 CDi mod
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 422
Likes: 52
From: McDade, Texas
W211 e320 CDI
Yes on the Ford 6.0 I was measuring EGT in downpipe, lesson learned. Thinking about modifying my extra exhaust manifold for one of sweet sounding 10 blade exducer and shaft Garrett 6.0 turbos lol. Sound alone would be priceless, probably a bit laggy though!
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 71
Likes: 1
06 E320 CDI
That would great to hear one on an OM648. It would be even better if you made a mid mounted manifold for it as well for sound quality. Listen to a 2002 and earlier compared to a 03-07 cummins to see the difference it makes in exhaust note based on how the cylinders are paired into the turbo. I'm sure the divided manifold also makes a difference as well and know the M648 isnt divided.
I would be curious to see how that performed. It may be a bit laggy, but I imagine the VNT would help with that a bit.
I would be curious to see how that performed. It may be a bit laggy, but I imagine the VNT would help with that a bit.
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 422
Likes: 52
From: McDade, Texas
W211 e320 CDI
I think I have the VNT part figured out. Guessing there are only a few variations on the theme for the Garrett controller. Chances are either the garret ecu can be swapped from one to the other, or a simple repin, who knows it might be close to plug and play. I do have a spare exhaust manifold and was thinking of dividing as mentioned but honestly unless packaging is an issue thing a simp,e adapter plate will work fine. It’s on my “maybe” list, still waiting to find the right rebuild able prevSept 2004 6.0 turbo to build from. The one I burned up is junk, the exducer, shaft and impeller sit on my desk as a paperweight.
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 422
Likes: 52
From: McDade, Texas
W211 e320 CDI
Just more aluminum to machine and weld for pre IAT and post IAT water methanol spigots, my metal turbo discharge pipe is apparently on ocean freight or something so no killing turbo silencer there properly yet, media blast intake valves and ports while manifold is off...there is probably a lot more I’m forgetting right now. Been slammed at work between Formula 1000 open wheel race cars from Griiip, we’re doing COTA this weekend, you can check out feeds of video from all sessions on their Facebook page and an endless line of broken bikes or bikes in for serious tuning. Doing Ducati Corse V4 pikes peak hillclimb race bikes and a bunch of other racebikes and streetbikes right now
if you have never seen the Griiip G1 visit my page for it at www.af1racingaustin.com or if you Twitter @af1racingaustin
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 422
Likes: 52
From: McDade, Texas
W211 e320 CDI
We did it! 1st overall in open wheel and LMP class at the very fast COTA track, in 5C weather with rain! I’m riding quite the high tonight! Not diesel, but all engines are air pumps and much has been learned. Should you be looking for an open wheel fast as ***** trackday car, hit me up, you will not be disappointed!
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used
Verdad Gallardo
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 422
Likes: 52
From: McDade, Texas
W211 e320 CDI
Thank you! I woke up at 6:45am ON MY DAY OFF, still thrilled! My company is the USA distributor for these Griiip G1 race cars, so this is HUGE for me and mine! It also means I’ll likely be taking in Formula car trades from time to time, I might just get to learn to drive high downforce cars eventually! Right now I can’t wrap my head around it at speed, you have WAY more grip the faster you go, after a decade of racing motorcycles it just seems so wrong, but like on a well sorted race bike they don’t feel right at all until you are in the 95% of full pace range.
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 422
Likes: 52
From: McDade, Texas
W211 e320 CDI
I must be doing something ok. Notice miles traveled total, fuel level and current mpg for trip. Last week in the cold and freezing rain....
oh and a magazine photo pro sent rob sent me these pics of our F1000 Griiip G1’s on track at COTA in freezing temps but on dry track from practice. Thought you might enjoy.
Last edited by Micah / AF1 Rac; Feb 18, 2019 at 11:50 AM.
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2019
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
2005 E320 CDI
This thread is incredible. Thank you all for sharing with the rest of us MB diesel enthusiasts! I looks like Micah picked up all isstay's goodies!
BTW: That F1000 car is insane & I am thoroughly jealous. I am looking to attend the Watkins Glen race June 25-26....wait that is 2016 schedule off the website?! What gives?
My plans after briefly conversing with isstay & a lot or research:
ECU was delivered to Rocketchip today for RC2 tune
Either eBay billet or custom TIAL compressor wheel
isstay-style intercooler
I want to see where this gets me since it is least invasive to stock vehicle.
BTW: That F1000 car is insane & I am thoroughly jealous. I am looking to attend the Watkins Glen race June 25-26....wait that is 2016 schedule off the website?! What gives?
My plans after briefly conversing with isstay & a lot or research:
ECU was delivered to Rocketchip today for RC2 tune
Either eBay billet or custom TIAL compressor wheel
isstay-style intercooler
I want to see where this gets me since it is least invasive to stock vehicle.
Last edited by evan717; Feb 28, 2019 at 12:46 PM. Reason: outdated info
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2019
Posts: 54
Likes: 3
From: Lawrenceville, NJ
2006 E320 CDI
This thread is incredible. Thank you all for sharing with the rest of us MB diesel enthusiasts! I looks like Micah picked up all isstay's goodies!
BTW: That F1000 car is insane & I am thoroughly jealous. I am looking to attend the Watkins Glen race June 25-26....wait that is 2016 schedule off the website?! What gives?
My plans after briefly conversing with isstay & a lot or research:
ECU was delivered to Rocketchip today for RC2 tune
Either eBay billet or custom TIAL compressor wheel
isstay-style intercooler
I want to see where this gets me since it is least invasive to stock vehicle.
BTW: That F1000 car is insane & I am thoroughly jealous. I am looking to attend the Watkins Glen race June 25-26....wait that is 2016 schedule off the website?! What gives?
My plans after briefly conversing with isstay & a lot or research:
ECU was delivered to Rocketchip today for RC2 tune
Either eBay billet or custom TIAL compressor wheel
isstay-style intercooler
I want to see where this gets me since it is least invasive to stock vehicle.
Coincidence, I recently purchased an 06 E320 CDi for my daughter. Took it to Mr Rocketchip himself (Jeff) actually last week on 2/28 for the RC2 tune.
Amazing. I thought this car was way powerful & ridiculous torque before the RC2. After RC2 all I can say is I've never driven a car like this ever before. Beyond amazing.
My daughter loves it.
I want one.
That's all I can say.
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 422
Likes: 52
From: McDade, Texas
W211 e320 CDI
Gotta say, my downpipe DEFINITELY decreased spool time with the catalyzer mesh not sitting 125mm from the exducer. Your mileage may vary but that’s one of my most satisfying mods to date. Much like ditching the mufflers and barely changing the sound unless you are really into the throttle! Tune is ALSO very important. Mine is down right now for all new front suspension and rotors, pads and sensors...I’m sore and it’s definitely bedtime here at the ranch. Got my new 225/55-17 truck tires mounted and balanced today...the most sidewall within reason I can use for the ****ty dirt roads I call home.
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 422
Likes: 52
From: McDade, Texas
W211 e320 CDI
Well, still have the w211..but today, basically accidentally I bought a 2011 VW Golf 2dr TDI 6 speed. Hail damage but I’m a storm chaser so it’s only gonna get worse. $5k total and it’s in really good shape all things other than dents considered, 116k miles. At least I don’t have to make every darn part for it, as soon as I get it home from far north panhandle Texas, it’s game on. I needed a backup commuter as the miles rack up on the w211. Looks like I’ll be booking a flight for Friday-ish to go grab it. Everything works, decent tires...mod game-on. Shooting for about 200 bhp, have Malone stage 2-3 in cart, full exhaust without DPF or EGR, fap delete, throttle delete and I’m only slightly over $2k including hybrid turbo. So easy...oh and VW is putting on a new intake manifold tomorrow which will be promptly de-flappered once I get car home. Figure you folks have a serious compression ignition addiction so I’d share. Sold my Audi A8 yesterday as it was becoming a nightmare at only 160k miles...no tax return this year, but I couldn’t pass it up at that price. If anyone has advice I’d love to hear it. My first VW diesel since a brief PD beetle in 99 or so....the Golf is actually built in Europe not Mexico. 500 miles to drive home, see what it’s like stock before going baths!t on the mods. Looking for about 48-52 mpg once finished. Thoughts?
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 71
Likes: 1
06 E320 CDI
Sounds like a fun car, I think you'll be disappointed in the material and overall build quality compared to the Mercedes. The cheap mods on the TDI are great though. I think there may be some mods coming soon for the CDI, the big issue currently seems to be tuning but that had been improving as a few people begin to work on them.
If you had a TDI before the 2004 models in the US it wasn't a PD, it would have been a VE rotary pump engine.
If you had a TDI before the 2004 models in the US it wasn't a PD, it would have been a VE rotary pump engine.
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 422
Likes: 52
From: McDade, Texas
W211 e320 CDI
Roger, I only had that car a few weeks, Beetle build quality back then what as BAD. In no way do I expect to replace the Benz with the TDI, just two different options for different missions and days. Ive driven the MKIV cars before, only the 2dr manual transmission 2.0 liter TDI cars made in the Euro interests me. Literally average about 35k miles per year, usually spread across a few cars. Just wanted a manual trans again too, it’s been a while and if the car gets too beat up in Austin a Traffic I’d like to swap motor/trans/Ecu into a second gen mid 90’s Toyota SW20
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2019
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
2005 E320 CDI
My thought is that you will be much quicker to put the CDI to pasture. Inline 6s are an engineering marvel due to the perfect mechanical balance but what you will lose in mercedes "comfort" you will most definitely gain back ten fold with the manual trans and the handling. As much as I have enjoyed the CDI; I have been searching for a sportwagen or golf a few weeks after the CDI purchase. I tend to go through vehicles like women go through shoes but I held on to my 2000 Gold TDI for almost 10 years.
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 422
Likes: 52
From: McDade, Texas
W211 e320 CDI
I tend to keep cars forever with the exception of we keep one 3-7 year old Kia/Hyundai around the fleet as the backup for the other cars. My Jeep CRD is down right now replacing the entire engine wiring harness thanks to literally 3 days of rat nesting....sold my A8L Sunday, Genesis coupe is temp down while I replace the engine and trans oil pans AGAIN. Will be getting metal under armor for the VW and setting up with dirt roads wheel/tire package. The lowest mileage car I own is about 70k miles and the rest are all 130-226k miles. Each serves a different purpose, since the Benz has become the default rat-rod this frees up some time to do more stupid yet fun stuff on it! The wife like changing cars every few years but lately she breaks hers somehow and uses my Kia until I get hers fixed. Next one for her will be a proper off road SUV without many miles....I prefer not HAVING to work on all out cars all the time. Too good a deal to pass up, may come with salvage title, may come with clean title. Hail damage technically totaled the car but Texas may or may not have stopped issue of salvage title for hail only. Since I chase storms for fun....you can bet it will just get more dents and I’ll be learning plenty more about pointless dent repair lol
Newbie
Joined: Jan 2019
Posts: 13
Likes: 1
E320 CDI
I love the TDIs but only for swaps. I run a ALH in my quad cab Dakota 5speed. Absolute blast to drive and getting 28.5 MPG combined. I will be compound the thing in the next year or so. The CJAA you have can easily make 240hp. the clutches are the limiting factor. The OM648 is about to get a standalone when Baldur is done ironing the bugs out and thats when the real engine swap will happen. Check out the vid at the bottom of this thread http://www.superturbodiesel.com/std/...d.php?tid=8180
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2019
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
2005 E320 CDI
That is a sweet build. Maybe if I can iron out a few issues I will re-spark my love for the car. How do I fit a 3 bar boost sensor?
Are you guys using the VW sensor? Do you need a pigtail to wire? Open up the sensor hole?
Are you guys using the VW sensor? Do you need a pigtail to wire? Open up the sensor hole?
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2019
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
2005 E320 CDI
I love the TDIs but only for swaps. I run a ALH in my quad cab Dakota 5speed. Absolute blast to drive and getting 28.5 MPG combined. I will be compound the thing in the next year or so. The CJAA you have can easily make 240hp. the clutches are the limiting factor. The OM648 is about to get a standalone when Baldur is done ironing the bugs out and thats when the real engine swap will happen. Check out the vid at the bottom of this thread http://www.superturbodiesel.com/std/...d.php?tid=8180
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 422
Likes: 52
From: McDade, Texas
W211 e320 CDI
If this car gets destroyed storm chasing or in Austin traffic (2 cars total loss storm chasing, messed up BIG time ONCE, the other was a derecho 105mph straight line winds at highway speeds driving on hail trying to get in front of shelf cloud, ended very poorly) then indeed the motor, trans and a few other parts will end up in an SW20 series Toyota MR2. Mid engine, seriously boosted, water to air intercooler....game on either way! For now I just need the back up commuter and I’ve REALLY missed not having a manual since I sold my NSX. Those flappy paddle auto boxes are just not the same, Ford or Ferrari, it’s no real manual transmission though the Porsche PDK is indeed as good as you have probably heard. Next new-ish car will be around 2021 when 3 year lease returns on Kia Stinger AWD V6 twin turbos hit the market. I’m a bit too cheap t buy anything with wings, or wheels brand new. Hell, im still using a 35 year old 2 cycle LawnBoy to cut my grass...have spare longblock, have not yet needed it, but my ported, high compression cylinder should make it interesting when that day comes.
More CDI mods to follow as hopefully selling a few of my other fleet vehicles will free up some fun time. What’s this I’m hearing about a reasonable priced wicked hybrid turbo? Been more or less offline for a month or two with work commitments. MotoGP was a nice perk, especially since Suzuki won for the first time in 12 years!
More CDI mods to follow as hopefully selling a few of my other fleet vehicles will free up some fun time. What’s this I’m hearing about a reasonable priced wicked hybrid turbo? Been more or less offline for a month or two with work commitments. MotoGP was a nice perk, especially since Suzuki won for the first time in 12 years!
