probably gonna get flamed...but thinking about nitrous on the 550
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 973
Likes: 376
From: Austin, TX
2013 SL550 BiTurbo
probably gonna get flamed...but thinking about nitrous on the 550
Be gentle!!! lol
So, I've decided that my tune just isn't enough and I'm thinking about building a nitrous system for my car. probably 100-150hp wet shot(comperable to what my tune adds...), using a Nitrous Express S.A.F.E. (Stand Alone Fuel Enrichment) tank running E85 through a separate fuel pump and a 2 stage progressive controller. Once I install everything, I'll have my local Eurocharged shop tune it on their dyno for the proper AFR.
Unfortunately, all I see/hear is "DON'T DO IT!!! IT'LL ASSPLODE!!!" from most people when it come to nitrous, but honestly I'm really not too worried about the motor, more so the transmission(My tuner runs 10's in his AWD E63 and has recently twisted his transmission output shaft in two...ouch!), but I digress... Does anyone know anyone who has plumbed nitrous to their M278? I'm looking for some first hand experiences from someone who has actually used it on this motor...trying to decide between a single fogger nozzle and direct port system(8 nozzles)
[Fireproof Suit On]
So, I've decided that my tune just isn't enough and I'm thinking about building a nitrous system for my car. probably 100-150hp wet shot(comperable to what my tune adds...), using a Nitrous Express S.A.F.E. (Stand Alone Fuel Enrichment) tank running E85 through a separate fuel pump and a 2 stage progressive controller. Once I install everything, I'll have my local Eurocharged shop tune it on their dyno for the proper AFR.
Unfortunately, all I see/hear is "DON'T DO IT!!! IT'LL ASSPLODE!!!" from most people when it come to nitrous, but honestly I'm really not too worried about the motor, more so the transmission(My tuner runs 10's in his AWD E63 and has recently twisted his transmission output shaft in two...ouch!), but I digress... Does anyone know anyone who has plumbed nitrous to their M278? I'm looking for some first hand experiences from someone who has actually used it on this motor...trying to decide between a single fogger nozzle and direct port system(8 nozzles)
[Fireproof Suit On]
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Joined: Apr 2006
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From: Dallas-Ft.Worth,TX
2016 E350 Sport
couldntthinkaone reason why you are not happy with what you have.
OK, here's one... If you were dreaming of an E63 AMG when you bought the E550, you probably bought the wrong car.
That's about as nice as it gets... sorry.
OK, here's one... If you were dreaming of an E63 AMG when you bought the E550, you probably bought the wrong car.
That's about as nice as it gets... sorry.
Last edited by DFWdude; Jul 29, 2019 at 01:05 PM.
Super Member
Joined: Sep 2018
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Likes: 103
10-second E550
The engine is already very torquey... You will want to spray at higher RPM or use a progressive or multi stage system to limit torque (cylinder pressure). The nitrous can deliver extra oxygen almost as a substitute to a turbo upgrade if done correctly... but unexpected things can happen, such as piston ring gaps closing up and damaging cylinder walls if too aggressive or if the tune isn't right. A lot can go wrong. If you do it, make sure your tuner really knows what he's doing. And direct port would be worth the cost to ensure even distribution on an expensive engine like this.
Good luck... subscribed for results.
Good luck... subscribed for results.
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 973
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From: Austin, TX
2013 SL550 BiTurbo
ok, just a little background on me. I was an automotive tech for almost 20 years, 5 of which I worked for Mercedes Benz. I have owned custom shops and built many many race cars and high performance street machines. If I had wanted an AMG, I would have bought one. I enjoy doing things with a car that no one else is doing, just to prove it can be done. I don't work in the automotive industry any more(I mostly work on robots, now...) and have not had a "project car" for a few years(kids...). I know there are going to be some haters on here and I'm fully prepared to deal with that(read: ignore them! lol). That said, I'm not looking for opinions, just facts. I know people are scared of nitrous and even scared of modding a Mercedes, but it is just a car. My 550 was cheap, and I couldn't care less if I blow it up, honestly. I bought this car with the intentions of modding it and making it a "sleeper", doing things to it I would not do with an AMG simply because the AMG's deserve more respect than that(in my opinion). I could have bought a Vette, Camaro or Mustang if I wanted to build a monster, but I like the unusual. So, that said, I'm open to any real information anyone has about running nitrous on these motors. Turbo upgrades are doable, but like I said, I like being different. I want to see what this little motor will do on the stock turbos before modding them or switching to the larger AMG setup. Honestly, I like the idea of being able to remove the turbos without pulling the motor, so I'd probably pull mine and have better billet wheels instead of just bolting on the larger AMG ones, but that's not what I'm interested in right now. 
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Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 443
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From: California
2013 E550 4MATIC - P1, P2, SPORT
Honestly, with all your experience I would think you'd know better than basically all of us. Having said that, these engines are pretty torquey already, so adding a tune and NOS... I can see you twisting it after just a couple of honest hard runs. But if you get some giggles out of it and that's all you're looking for, then more power to you.
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Joined: May 2019
Posts: 10
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From: Northern Virginia
E550
Turbos or bust!!!
And do share how that goes, please i doubt a single turbo conversion exists out there. I do hope a properly turbo upgraded turbo kit exists. I know money can buy anything but I dont think Ive heard of our E550s getting the proper turbo upgrade love. I have little doubt thats whats keeping the car from giving you what youre looking for. However unlike most of us, you probably already have the tools and skills to do most of this!! Your time to shine!
And do share how that goes, please i doubt a single turbo conversion exists out there. I do hope a properly turbo upgraded turbo kit exists. I know money can buy anything but I dont think Ive heard of our E550s getting the proper turbo upgrade love. I have little doubt thats whats keeping the car from giving you what youre looking for. However unlike most of us, you probably already have the tools and skills to do most of this!! Your time to shine!
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Joined: Jul 2015
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From: Fredonia, WI
2012 E550 v8-Biturbo
Really interesting project IMO
Not on the M278.
Most LSx engines that I'm familiar with use a single turbo and a single fogger for NOS. A well executed direct system would be very interesting to see.
Good luck on this.
Most LSx engines that I'm familiar with use a single turbo and a single fogger for NOS. A well executed direct system would be very interesting to see.
Good luck on this.
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 973
Likes: 376
From: Austin, TX
2013 SL550 BiTurbo
Well, based on my street racing exploits in Mexico this past weekend[
], I've decided it's fast enough for a daily and I'm going to just leave it as it is. Thanks for all the encouragement, but it is fast enough(just ask all those Camaros!!!). I'll look into building another toy instead...anybody got an early 208 CLK Coupe body sitting around somewhere??? 
], I've decided it's fast enough for a daily and I'm going to just leave it as it is. Thanks for all the encouragement, but it is fast enough(just ask all those Camaros!!!). I'll look into building another toy instead...anybody got an early 208 CLK Coupe body sitting around somewhere???
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 443
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From: California
2013 E550 4MATIC - P1, P2, SPORT
It's funny... people think they're hot **** when they're faster than my hybrid but no one seems to want to go up against my E550.
Well... I've had two so far. An older Mustang GT, and an STi. The STi I just smashed because the guy was driving like a douche, and the Mustang I let get a car length ahead of me before blowing off his doors. This car is devilishly fast and honestly I would probably end up killing myself were it any faster.
Well... I've had two so far. An older Mustang GT, and an STi. The STi I just smashed because the guy was driving like a douche, and the Mustang I let get a car length ahead of me before blowing off his doors. This car is devilishly fast and honestly I would probably end up killing myself were it any faster.
