JDScott

So I've been looking for used C63 mufflers for too long, almost impossible to find, well I was wondering about gutting the e550 oem mufflers. How different could the anatomy possibly be if gutted? I saw axnkicker gutting his and the sound was very aggressive. If the c63 mufflers bolt right up I can't see them being too different if gutted and giving off close to the same sound, though the 63s have dual outlets compared to a single, but that can be added by a skilled welder. Any thoughts?

SnakeDoctor

No idea, but removing one set (the rear most) resonators makes the car sound great. I imagine if you wanted an even more aggressive sound, you could remove both sets.

JDScott

Thanks SnakeDr., I was actually going to delete both resonators on my coupe later this week just to see how it sounds, but I was also curious if the mufflers anatomy were similar of both gutted just in case. ALSO do you think installing a high flow cat 200 cell metallic magnaflow (probably more like 250 cell in reality) would throw a CEL? I don't want to throw a code as I'm not going to tune it just yet since I just bought rims and springs, and just did some maintenance so want to hold off dropping anymore cash for a few weeks at least.

SnakeDoctor

Not sure on the CEL. I only have limited knowledge of what can throw a CEL, but my understanding is the only thing that throws one on that part of the exhaust would be the O2 sensor which would be before the mufflers. So...you might be ok, but again, I am just guessing.

JDScott

Yeah I think there are x2 o2 sensors, one before and after the cats on the down pipe. I'm just concerned the high flow cats might trigger the CEL for the second O2 without a tune. Didn't know if anyone has done this and not thrown a code. I think even with stock mufflers the high flow cats would give it a nice sound

JDScott

I may not have gotten my exhaust done this week, but I just got my rims put on and lowered on Eibach pro kit finally.

hotwheels_

The wheels looks awesome
What size, width and offsets did you go with?

Juice1979

My suggestion is just to install a set of magnaflow mufflers. Mufflers can be bought for $100 each. I Have both resonators deleted (replaced with straight pipe) and magnaflows installed in this video. No drone at all while cruising

JDScott

Thanks Juice I've seen your video at least 10 times haha. I have probably seen "Almost" every video for e550 exhaust. I do like the sound of yours, but it seems difficult for me to truly hear the exhaust note. Maybe my device or quality or distance/angle from which it was taken I'm not sure. I do like axnkicker's exhaust a lot due to the raspiness, yet more subtle at idle or lighter throttle.

Thanks Hot, My my rims are Stance SF01 staggered 19x8.5 245/35et40 and 19x9.5 275/30et45
still need an alignment, it doesn't pull, but it looks like my rears have more contact on the outer edge so I'm guessing that's toe that needs correction. Definitely feels more grounded and the ride quality has not changed much at all with the eibach, but big difference when in sport mode.

SnakeDoctor

Nice on the stance wheels. I just ordered 19" SF03s myself. The 20" are proving to be very harsh and I'm burning through tires FAST. My rears have a different offset (+39), so hope that's not an issue.

JDScott

Thanks Snake the stance are pretty nice and best part they're only 22lbs each so still very light. The rear tires fit pretty flush with my fenders, but slightly in on the fronts, not enough to really notice, but once I get AMG calipers I'll probably space the wheels. I'm actually going to start seeking out muffler shops as we speak to see who will install magnaflow 200 cell cats for me and go straight pipe back. Possibility for gutting the mufflers too. I'm in L.A right now for work so who knows since it's Cali with their strict emissions. Maybe they'll do it since I'm Florida resident and vehicle is registered for Florida as well

JDScott

Picture of first set of resonators for those who are afraid they're cats

JDScott

https://youtu.be/D4i_gsA69nQ


So I only did primary and secondary delete today just to get an idea. The e550 muffler is a straight through baffled design so removing the guts should in theory eliminate the tractor. That'll be next if I can find a shop who will gut them. Then will possibly do my cats, then x-pipe last.

JDScott

So I got quoted $300 for getting both mufflers gutted which isn't bad considering all the rest I have called thus far wouldn't touch them or wanted like $500 plus. So I'm here at the shop getting them done, so I'll post clips sometime of what it sounds like to gut an e550 muffler.

JDScott

JDScott

It's either going to improve or sound like complete 💩

bbirdwell

Unless you have a grasp of Helmholtz resonators and acoustic theory, you're flying by the seat of your pants. Assuming you cut out the guts of the muffler, all you are doing is removing the resonator (and the lower frequencies) and increasing the high-frequency content.

I'd recommend you install some sort of coupling before and after the muffler that would allow you to swap out different mufflers until you find the sound for which you are looking.

JDScott

Can definitely feel the engine breath better, low and high end. The sound isn't too bad very little drone inside. I'll add a X-pipe to fix that though. Definitely deeper at idle and lower rpm, but more of a rasp now. Hopefully once I finish it may give other people options as well if it sounds great for the final product.

https://youtu.be/pbNPxwyeBQ4

JDScott

So just had my 200 Cell high flow cats installed and they cut the old down pipes down to almost the flange and rewelded pipe on for $120 per bank. Not bad. Might eventually clean it up with stainless once I decide on what I want. Definitely more drone, but not bad with the windows up. Loss of low end, but may put an x-pipe in later this week to balance out the exhaust gases.

JDScott

https://youtu.be/jkCNGoCHYlQ

So here's what it sounds like, will be doing a X-pipe for sure to clean it up some. Hopefully the step-by-step videos give some insight for others. One more to go though once the x-pipe is in place

SnakeDoctor

Sounds great man. Are you happy with it so far?

JDScott

So far I love it, xpipe will do the trick I think though. I've been using GoPro hero 5 black which audio quality on it sucks. But it only has drone with windows down, windows up it's pretty quiet. I've noticed people in sports cars keep looking over trying to figure out what kind of car I'm driving though since the nex exhaust note 😂

JDScott

https://youtu.be/opmU-MNvQaA

Last of my exhaust modifications, the X-pipe was installed today. Lowered the tone and smoothed out the note while decreasing drone. Low-end has picked back up drastically, while maintaining top-end gains or more. I just threw a CEL from the cats so the sensors are pretty sensitive on this vehicle. So now I'm "Forced" to get a tune 😁. Eurocharged or renntech is who I'm leaning to so far. Once I correct my slight misfires I'll tune it asap. Plug wires should be shipped in today though.

Vernon Vassallo

Hey,
I hope you guys are still out there, JDScott thank you for posting videos and walking us through this, so helpful.
I have a 2014 e550 coupe (M278) and want to remove the resonators, mufflers and possibly add high-flow cats.
What is gutting the muffler and why do that instead of removing the muffler and just have pipe from cat to exhaust tip?

JDScott

Hey Vernon,
I hope y’all are staying safe as well! I was just trying different combinations to see any variance in sound was all. Ultimately I knew I’d most likely just go straight pipe X pipe and remove mufflers with high flow cats.