Improving performance on the NA E550 Coupe - Actually seeing what it can do
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 47
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From: Heathrow, Florida
E550c
Improving performance on the NA E550 Coupe - Actually seeing what it can do
OK,
I don't post much on here...I am just too busy with so much in life.
I was an avid and heavy poster in a few of the Lexus Forums for many years while I built my V8 Coupe from a stock NA 4.0 Liter to a built, blown, balanced, blueprinted, twin turbo 4.1 Liter V8.
I still own that car, and do not plan to sell it. Just so you know, I entered it in the Spring Break Nationals Tuner Jams section and place 1st Place and Best in Show in the Ultimate Class. I will be conducting further tuning on the Lexus soon, and I expect I will boost it safely to between 850 and 950 HP at the rear wheels, and probably around 1,000 ft lbs of TQ.
Incidentally, I assembled my engine and balanced and blueprinted it myself, so I understand a massive undertaking of a project. I brought this up because My 2010 E550 Coupe is my daily driver...I never planned to modify it at all...But the bug has it me and I wanted to explore what was possible at a reasonable cost and keeping the great reliability of the car...Of course, Several have posted up on this forum asking what can be done...And the general consensus is sell it, get a bi-turbo, or an AMG. I get it. Of course, for us E class coupe lovers, there is no AMG.
So, I looked into a newer bi-turbo coupe, black on black, just like mine...And here is the issue...I have only ever bought (2) cars brand new in my life due to the massive hit I took each time I went to sell my used car from the new price i paid. I also financed those two cars. I stopped financing cars and I bought clean, low mileage, one-owner, never-been-smoked-in, 1-2 year old cars after that...And I pay cash, since I drive lots of miles due to my career, and I dislike car payments.
Why the prelude??? Because I looked recently at a bi-turbo 2013, low miles, one owner, black on black and they wanted to kill me on my trade, so the net, net was a whopping $21k out of pocket just to buy the car...Then I would have to take it to RennTech, Kleeman, WeisTec, or one of the other tuners in the MB World, and drop even more cash. All of this, when I own a street terror monster Lexus that is probably the nicest SC coupe on the planet...It is certainly a one-of-a-kind SC400. I built the whole car...Engine, drive train, suspension, wheels, brakes, steering, interior, body, and paint. I spent over $100k on all of the upgrades...Several I did myself, several I commissioned out as I am not a fabricator/welder. I am still tweaking it until this day...
So, I don't want another "project", but a "little more "umph" and improvements would be nice...Until I decide to drop the cash for a used 2017 C63 Coupe, or better yet, a used 2016 AMG GTS, which is probably what I will do...
So, after researching what is available, I decided to purchase a brand new set of Kleeman Headers and Cat delete from Cory at Kleeman USA, and I bought the My Genius from OE Tuning for their Stage 2 tune.
I have received both, and they will be installed within the next few weeks...The headers and the new Map from OE...I would have used Kleeman, but I had to send off my ECU, and with OE, no need with the My Genius. Plus, if I find a good deal on a 2012 Black/black E550 Coupe and what I do is not enough on my current coupe, I can always use the My Genius on the Biturbo Coupe. So that is money well spent.
For the potential gains, I spent about $2k including install...Not bad for a NA car and the expected gains.
I will dyno the car before and after and let you all know by posting up the dyno results on this thread. Then, for all of you NA E550 Coupes, or otherwise, I think they will work on the sedan as well, you can decide it it is worth it to you.
I'm posting some pics of the header kit from Kleeman, which is a nicely built stainless set, constructed out of 304 stainless, 4 tubes into a single merge collector, cat deletes have the bungs already welded in place for the primary and secondary 02 sensors, and the My Genius is top quality as well.
We'll see what we get, and of course, the all important "buttometer" is always important as well.
Ryan
I don't post much on here...I am just too busy with so much in life.
I was an avid and heavy poster in a few of the Lexus Forums for many years while I built my V8 Coupe from a stock NA 4.0 Liter to a built, blown, balanced, blueprinted, twin turbo 4.1 Liter V8.
I still own that car, and do not plan to sell it. Just so you know, I entered it in the Spring Break Nationals Tuner Jams section and place 1st Place and Best in Show in the Ultimate Class. I will be conducting further tuning on the Lexus soon, and I expect I will boost it safely to between 850 and 950 HP at the rear wheels, and probably around 1,000 ft lbs of TQ.
Incidentally, I assembled my engine and balanced and blueprinted it myself, so I understand a massive undertaking of a project. I brought this up because My 2010 E550 Coupe is my daily driver...I never planned to modify it at all...But the bug has it me and I wanted to explore what was possible at a reasonable cost and keeping the great reliability of the car...Of course, Several have posted up on this forum asking what can be done...And the general consensus is sell it, get a bi-turbo, or an AMG. I get it. Of course, for us E class coupe lovers, there is no AMG.
So, I looked into a newer bi-turbo coupe, black on black, just like mine...And here is the issue...I have only ever bought (2) cars brand new in my life due to the massive hit I took each time I went to sell my used car from the new price i paid. I also financed those two cars. I stopped financing cars and I bought clean, low mileage, one-owner, never-been-smoked-in, 1-2 year old cars after that...And I pay cash, since I drive lots of miles due to my career, and I dislike car payments.
Why the prelude??? Because I looked recently at a bi-turbo 2013, low miles, one owner, black on black and they wanted to kill me on my trade, so the net, net was a whopping $21k out of pocket just to buy the car...Then I would have to take it to RennTech, Kleeman, WeisTec, or one of the other tuners in the MB World, and drop even more cash. All of this, when I own a street terror monster Lexus that is probably the nicest SC coupe on the planet...It is certainly a one-of-a-kind SC400. I built the whole car...Engine, drive train, suspension, wheels, brakes, steering, interior, body, and paint. I spent over $100k on all of the upgrades...Several I did myself, several I commissioned out as I am not a fabricator/welder. I am still tweaking it until this day...
So, I don't want another "project", but a "little more "umph" and improvements would be nice...Until I decide to drop the cash for a used 2017 C63 Coupe, or better yet, a used 2016 AMG GTS, which is probably what I will do...
So, after researching what is available, I decided to purchase a brand new set of Kleeman Headers and Cat delete from Cory at Kleeman USA, and I bought the My Genius from OE Tuning for their Stage 2 tune.
I have received both, and they will be installed within the next few weeks...The headers and the new Map from OE...I would have used Kleeman, but I had to send off my ECU, and with OE, no need with the My Genius. Plus, if I find a good deal on a 2012 Black/black E550 Coupe and what I do is not enough on my current coupe, I can always use the My Genius on the Biturbo Coupe. So that is money well spent.
For the potential gains, I spent about $2k including install...Not bad for a NA car and the expected gains.
I will dyno the car before and after and let you all know by posting up the dyno results on this thread. Then, for all of you NA E550 Coupes, or otherwise, I think they will work on the sedan as well, you can decide it it is worth it to you.
I'm posting some pics of the header kit from Kleeman, which is a nicely built stainless set, constructed out of 304 stainless, 4 tubes into a single merge collector, cat deletes have the bungs already welded in place for the primary and secondary 02 sensors, and the My Genius is top quality as well.
We'll see what we get, and of course, the all important "buttometer" is always important as well.
Ryan
Last edited by DTRMND1; Apr 24, 2016 at 03:42 AM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 1,018
Likes: 59
From: Virginia
2012 E550 Coupe, 2013 Escalade ESV, 2013 Lexus GS350, 2003 Honda VFR, 2017 Yamaha Kodiak 700 EPS SE
My Genius will not work for 2012 E550 Coupe, bench flash of ECU is only option for the M278 TTV8 engine.
Nice work on the Lexus SC! Look forward to seeing your mods on the NA E550.
Nice work on the Lexus SC! Look forward to seeing your mods on the NA E550.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 47
Likes: 8
From: Heathrow, Florida
E550c
Well, we'll see what happens on the performance mods...Again, nothing like the AMG's, but maybe a decent improvement.
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Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 47
Likes: 8
From: Heathrow, Florida
E550c
Dyno! Bone Stock!
Here is the Dyno. Nice numbers, and it was 90 degrees this afternoon!! Car is bone stock. I plan to flash ECU this afternoon and upload Stage 1 before Header and Cat Delete. I will re-Dyno on Friday with the Stage 1 Tune so you can see that. Next Tuesday, the car gets Header and Cat delete, and Stage 2 Flash from OE Tuning.
Heads Up to those of you that use OS X, My Genius not currently compatible with Apple. Need Windows computer or Windows installed on your Mac.
Dyno today:
Heads Up to those of you that use OS X, My Genius not currently compatible with Apple. Need Windows computer or Windows installed on your Mac.
Dyno today:
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 47
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From: Heathrow, Florida
E550c
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From: SWFL
2023 BMW M340i, 2025 MB CLE53 AMG
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 47
Likes: 8
From: Heathrow, Florida
E550c
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 47
Likes: 8
From: Heathrow, Florida
E550c
Yes...I got 355 at the rear wheels in 100 degree temps! That was with the Stage 1 Tune, before headers and cat delete. If the temps were lower, I would have had even more...
I did not get a copy of the dyno as there was a problem printing, but it stays in the record, so I will get it and post up soon.
The car is at the shop: FS Tuning, in Orlando is installing it. The headers are on but they needed a few extra accessories...Be ready on Thursday. I have a few pics to post up of the headers installed from the bottom of the car.
Once completed, I will add Stage 2 Tune...Can't wait as this should be a very good change.
Ryan
I did not get a copy of the dyno as there was a problem printing, but it stays in the record, so I will get it and post up soon.
The car is at the shop: FS Tuning, in Orlando is installing it. The headers are on but they needed a few extra accessories...Be ready on Thursday. I have a few pics to post up of the headers installed from the bottom of the car.
Once completed, I will add Stage 2 Tune...Can't wait as this should be a very good change.
Ryan
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 47
Likes: 8
From: Heathrow, Florida
E550c
Ryan
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 269
Likes: 4
From: New York
03 SL500(Sold), 09 C300, 11 E550
interested to hear the exhaust note after the headers go in with a cat delete.
Going to need some sticky rubber to put the extra power down
Keep those updates coming!
Going to need some sticky rubber to put the extra power down
Keep those updates coming!
Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 130
Likes: 7
From: Alameda, Ca
2010 E550 Coupe
Nice. I think you may get another 20 whp with the headers. 
Can you explain what else you needed to install the headers?
Can you explain what else you needed to install the headers?
Yes...I got 355 at the rear wheels in 100 degree temps! That was with the Stage 1 Tune, before headers and cat delete. If the temps were lower, I would have had even more...
I did not get a copy of the dyno as there was a problem printing, but it stays in the record, so I will get it and post up soon.
The car is at the shop: FS Tuning, in Orlando is installing it. The headers are on but they needed a few extra accessories...Be ready on Thursday. I have a few pics to post up of the headers installed from the bottom of the car.
Once completed, I will add Stage 2 Tune...Can't wait as this should be a very good change.
Ryan
I did not get a copy of the dyno as there was a problem printing, but it stays in the record, so I will get it and post up soon.
The car is at the shop: FS Tuning, in Orlando is installing it. The headers are on but they needed a few extra accessories...Be ready on Thursday. I have a few pics to post up of the headers installed from the bottom of the car.
Once completed, I will add Stage 2 Tune...Can't wait as this should be a very good change.
Ryan
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 47
Likes: 8
From: Heathrow, Florida
E550c
You take off the drive train loss from the BHP, not add to the WHP. So, assuming a 15% drive train loss from BHP to WHP, the BHP would be approximately 418. Example, 418 x .85= 355.3 WHP. Again, assuming a 15% loss...
Ryan
Ryan
Last edited by DTRMND1; May 6, 2016 at 08:48 AM.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 47
Likes: 8
From: Heathrow, Florida
E550c
Now, I have not yet added the Stage 2 tune...But let me tell you this...The response of the car is now night and day difference!!! In Sport mode and with traction control off, my car snaps my head back now...The response is significantly different!! I could not stop smiling!!!
I am very happy that I did this. I will dyno next week sometime and send you the updates...I can't wait to add the Stage 2 tune!! BTW, now, when I step on it from a standing start, it rips the rear tires, and the front end literally lifts up at launch...It feels like the engine awoke so much that it is now forcefully pulling the car forward...Where before it was a smooth push, now it more like a muscle car when I step on it!! If I drive it normally, car is exactly the same. Best few thousand upgrade I have ever spent!!!! Period!! Car is really fun to drive...Gonna add a few additional personal touches to it...Little bit of CF outside in the right places, a rear CF diffuser, a front CF lip, a rear deck CF spoiler, some additional badging...Some different wheels...
See the pics...FS Tuning did an excellent install...Note I added the two stainless Flex Tubes and they were then spray painted with black ceramic paint...Also, there were some additional bolts needed to bolt every thing up. All the underside body panels fit back up. One had to be trimmed a little on the edges as the exhaust sits a little lower right where the Flex Tubes are welded in...I think anybody that has a NA Coupe or Sedan that wants more oomph, and does not want to buy a Bi-Turbo or an AMG, and they don't want to break the bank, Do this upgrade! Again, this is a different car...It is Fun to drive!!
Last edited by DTRMND1; May 6, 2016 at 01:56 AM.
Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 130
Likes: 7
From: Alameda, Ca
2010 E550 Coupe
Damn, I need this. 
The sound is superb! I picked up my car today...Not too loud at all! I was concerned that it would be too loud and drone into the car...Not at all. Just a little bit crisper, a little bit louder, and at WOT, sounds more like an AMG V8. Really nice, IMHO!! At normal throttle, it is sweet...Kleeman built a great set of headers and the cat delete.
Now, I have not yet added the Stage 2 tune...But let me tell you this...The response of the car is now night and day difference!!! In Sport mode and with traction control off, my car snaps my head back now...The response is significantly different!! I could not stop smiling!!!
I am very happy that I did this. I will dyno next week sometime and send you the updates...I can't wait to add the Stage 2 tune!! BTW, now, when I step on it from a standing start, it rips the rear tires, and the front end literally lifts up at launch...It feels like the engine awoke so much that it is now forcefully pulling the car forward...Where before it was a smooth push, now it more like a muscle car when I step on it!! If I drive it normally, car is exactly the same. Best few thousand upgrade I have ever spent!!!! Period!! Car is really fun to drive...Gonna add a few additional personal touches to it...Little bit of CF outside in the right places, a rear CF diffuser, a front CF lip, a rear deck CF spoiler, some additional badging...Some different wheels...
See the pics...FS Tuning did an excellent install...Note I added the two stainless Flex Tubes and they were then spray painted with black ceramic paint...Also, there were some additional bolts needed to bolt every thing up. All the underside body panels fit back up. One had to be trimmed a little on the edges as the exhaust sits a little lower right where the Flex Tubes are welded in...I think anybody that has a NA Coupe or Sedan that wants more oomph, and does not want to buy a Bi-Turbo or an AMG, and they don't want to break the bank, Do this upgrade! Again, this is a different car...It is Fun to drive!!
The sound is superb! I picked up my car today...Not too loud at all! I was concerned that it would be too loud and drone into the car...Not at all. Just a little bit crisper, a little bit louder, and at WOT, sounds more like an AMG V8. Really nice, IMHO!! At normal throttle, it is sweet...Kleeman built a great set of headers and the cat delete.
Now, I have not yet added the Stage 2 tune...But let me tell you this...The response of the car is now night and day difference!!! In Sport mode and with traction control off, my car snaps my head back now...The response is significantly different!! I could not stop smiling!!!
I am very happy that I did this. I will dyno next week sometime and send you the updates...I can't wait to add the Stage 2 tune!! BTW, now, when I step on it from a standing start, it rips the rear tires, and the front end literally lifts up at launch...It feels like the engine awoke so much that it is now forcefully pulling the car forward...Where before it was a smooth push, now it more like a muscle car when I step on it!! If I drive it normally, car is exactly the same. Best few thousand upgrade I have ever spent!!!! Period!! Car is really fun to drive...Gonna add a few additional personal touches to it...Little bit of CF outside in the right places, a rear CF diffuser, a front CF lip, a rear deck CF spoiler, some additional badging...Some different wheels...
See the pics...FS Tuning did an excellent install...Note I added the two stainless Flex Tubes and they were then spray painted with black ceramic paint...Also, there were some additional bolts needed to bolt every thing up. All the underside body panels fit back up. One had to be trimmed a little on the edges as the exhaust sits a little lower right where the Flex Tubes are welded in...I think anybody that has a NA Coupe or Sedan that wants more oomph, and does not want to buy a Bi-Turbo or an AMG, and they don't want to break the bank, Do this upgrade! Again, this is a different car...It is Fun to drive!!
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 1,018
Likes: 59
From: Virginia
2012 E550 Coupe, 2013 Escalade ESV, 2013 Lexus GS350, 2003 Honda VFR, 2017 Yamaha Kodiak 700 EPS SE
Nice work! I look forward to seeing your dyno results.
The sound is superb! I picked up my car today...Not too loud at all! I was concerned that it would be too loud and drone into the car...Not at all. Just a little bit crisper, a little bit louder, and at WOT, sounds more like an AMG V8. Really nice, IMHO!! At normal throttle, it is sweet...Kleeman built a great set of headers and the cat delete.
Now, I have not yet added the Stage 2 tune...But let me tell you this...The response of the car is now night and day difference!!! In Sport mode and with traction control off, my car snaps my head back now...The response is significantly different!! I could not stop smiling!!!
I am very happy that I did this. I will dyno next week sometime and send you the updates...I can't wait to add the Stage 2 tune!! BTW, now, when I step on it from a standing start, it rips the rear tires, and the front end literally lifts up at launch...It feels like the engine awoke so much that it is now forcefully pulling the car forward...Where before it was a smooth push, now it more like a muscle car when I step on it!! If I drive it normally, car is exactly the same. Best few thousand upgrade I have ever spent!!!! Period!! Car is really fun to drive...Gonna add a few additional personal touches to it...Little bit of CF outside in the right places, a rear CF diffuser, a front CF lip, a rear deck CF spoiler, some additional badging...Some different wheels...
See the pics...FS Tuning did an excellent install...Note I added the two stainless Flex Tubes and they were then spray painted with black ceramic paint...Also, there were some additional bolts needed to bolt every thing up. All the underside body panels fit back up. One had to be trimmed a little on the edges as the exhaust sits a little lower right where the Flex Tubes are welded in...I think anybody that has a NA Coupe or Sedan that wants more oomph, and does not want to buy a Bi-Turbo or an AMG, and they don't want to break the bank, Do this upgrade! Again, this is a different car...It is Fun to drive!!
The sound is superb! I picked up my car today...Not too loud at all! I was concerned that it would be too loud and drone into the car...Not at all. Just a little bit crisper, a little bit louder, and at WOT, sounds more like an AMG V8. Really nice, IMHO!! At normal throttle, it is sweet...Kleeman built a great set of headers and the cat delete. Now, I have not yet added the Stage 2 tune...But let me tell you this...The response of the car is now night and day difference!!! In Sport mode and with traction control off, my car snaps my head back now...The response is significantly different!! I could not stop smiling!!!
I am very happy that I did this. I will dyno next week sometime and send you the updates...I can't wait to add the Stage 2 tune!! BTW, now, when I step on it from a standing start, it rips the rear tires, and the front end literally lifts up at launch...It feels like the engine awoke so much that it is now forcefully pulling the car forward...Where before it was a smooth push, now it more like a muscle car when I step on it!! If I drive it normally, car is exactly the same. Best few thousand upgrade I have ever spent!!!! Period!! Car is really fun to drive...Gonna add a few additional personal touches to it...Little bit of CF outside in the right places, a rear CF diffuser, a front CF lip, a rear deck CF spoiler, some additional badging...Some different wheels...
See the pics...FS Tuning did an excellent install...Note I added the two stainless Flex Tubes and they were then spray painted with black ceramic paint...Also, there were some additional bolts needed to bolt every thing up. All the underside body panels fit back up. One had to be trimmed a little on the edges as the exhaust sits a little lower right where the Flex Tubes are welded in...I think anybody that has a NA Coupe or Sedan that wants more oomph, and does not want to buy a Bi-Turbo or an AMG, and they don't want to break the bank, Do this upgrade! Again, this is a different car...It is Fun to drive!!
