SL-Class (R230) 2003 -- 2012: Discussion on the SL500, SL550, SL600

SL/R230: sl550 engine modificaions

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Rate Thread
 
Old Oct 17, 2006 | 10:04 PM
  #1  
brandonbrown's Avatar
Thread Starter
Newbie
 
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
sl550 engine modificaions

what mods are possible for a sl550 to increase performance as much as possible with out just buying a 55 amg, and how much do these mods cost?
Reply
Old Oct 17, 2006 | 10:24 PM
  #2  
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
Renntech just released a chip yielding a whopping 15hp. I am awaiting an exhaust.... that should yield another 15hp..... I would imagine the limitations on this engine are not unlike the prior 55 n/a engine, i.e. Intake and exhaust, but you know for me i am really happy with the 400 or so crank horsepower the car really hooks up well (4.7 or so to sixty).
Reply
Old Oct 17, 2006 | 10:32 PM
  #3  
AdamG@NorCal's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 2,915
Likes: 0
From: Fremont, Ca
EVOTECH Mercedes AMG
We have headers and the chip ready. But then again, i would purchase a 55 instead of 550. More potential for the 55 engine.
Reply
Old Oct 18, 2006 | 02:07 PM
  #4  
Itzkirb's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 202
Likes: 2
From: SF Bay Area
Check my Sig
Good to see you back Adam
Reply
Old Oct 18, 2006 | 02:23 PM
  #5  
AdamG@NorCal's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 2,915
Likes: 0
From: Fremont, Ca
EVOTECH Mercedes AMG
Thank you Kirby. So when's our lunch date?
Reply
Old Oct 18, 2006 | 06:29 PM
  #6  
Itzkirb's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 202
Likes: 2
From: SF Bay Area
Check my Sig
Originally Posted by AdamG@EuroElites
Thank you Kirby. So when's our lunch date?
Maybe the week of the 30th, my boss is out of town,

Hey, I need some MB's to shoot. I need to add more to my site...tired of just shooting mine.

Sorry for hijacking the thread...I would also like to know what can be done to a 550 engine.
Reply
Old Oct 18, 2006 | 06:31 PM
  #7  
AdamG@NorCal's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 2,915
Likes: 0
From: Fremont, Ca
EVOTECH Mercedes AMG
Ok no problem. I might have a meet soon for the AMG crowd.

Engine 550? ECU upgrade and headers right now. Should add you another 50 hp/ 50 torque.
Reply
Old Oct 18, 2006 | 07:05 PM
  #8  
amgme's Avatar
Super Member
 
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 722
Likes: 0
From: Bay Area
07 SL550; C32 (sold)
Originally Posted by AdamG@EuroElites
Ok no problem. I might have a meet soon for the AMG crowd.

Engine 550? ECU upgrade and headers right now. Should add you another 50 hp/ 50 torque.

how much will the ecu and header + installation cost?
Reply
MB World Stories

The Best of Mercedes & AMG

story-0

New Electric Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupe Unveiled: 10 Things You Need to Know

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

 Verdad Gallardo
story-2

Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

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

 Verdad Gallardo
story-4

8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

 Verdad Gallardo
story-5

Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

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

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

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

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

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

 Verdad Gallardo
story-9

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

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Oct 18, 2006 | 07:30 PM
  #9  
AdamG@NorCal's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 2,915
Likes: 0
From: Fremont, Ca
EVOTECH Mercedes AMG
Are you in the Bay Area?
Reply
Old Oct 18, 2006 | 07:32 PM
  #10  
AdamG@NorCal's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 2,915
Likes: 0
From: Fremont, Ca
EVOTECH Mercedes AMG
Oops, sorry, SL headers not out yet. Will be in couple of weeks.
Reply
Old Oct 18, 2006 | 07:40 PM
  #11  
Itzkirb's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 202
Likes: 2
From: SF Bay Area
Check my Sig
Adam, sent you an email....tell me more....
Reply
Old Oct 18, 2006 | 07:40 PM
  #12  
Itzkirb's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 202
Likes: 2
From: SF Bay Area
Check my Sig
Adam, sent you an email....tell me more....
Reply
Old Oct 18, 2006 | 09:46 PM
  #13  
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 AdamG@EuroElites
Ok no problem. I might have a meet soon for the AMG crowd.

Engine 550? ECU upgrade and headers right now. Should add you another 50 hp/ 50 torque.
Sorry, I have to address this.......cost is going to be about $4000 for 40 hp, thats why all these tuners want you to buy the 55 because the tuning actually makes economic sense,($4000 gets you 150-200hp) but i still believe the 550 is a much better balanced car in consideration of all factors: power, steering, handling, brakes, ride etc. Just my 2
Reply
Old Oct 18, 2006 | 10:53 PM
  #14  
amgme's Avatar
Super Member
 
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 722
Likes: 0
From: Bay Area
07 SL550; C32 (sold)
Originally Posted by AdamG@EuroElites
Are you in the Bay Area?
yup, in the bay area.
Reply
Old Oct 18, 2006 | 11:03 PM
  #15  
amgme's Avatar
Super Member
 
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 722
Likes: 0
From: Bay Area
07 SL550; C32 (sold)
Originally Posted by ROMEO550
Sorry, I have to address this.......cost is going to be about $4000 for 40 hp, thats why all these tuners want you to buy the 55 because the tuning actually makes economic sense,($4000 gets you 150-200hp) but i still believe the 550 is a much better balanced car in consideration of all factors: power, steering, handling, brakes, ride etc. Just my 2
i thought about a 55 but the issues w/ the intercooler pump, heat soak, etc. got me worried about going supercharged again. i had a c32 before and didn't want to go that route again. i agree w/ you about the 550 being a more balanced car despite the lower hp/tq. heck if the upgrades gives me 432/441 hq/tq than that's great since the tq is almost the same as a 63 engine. i hope the price is lower than 4k.
Reply
Old Oct 18, 2006 | 11:05 PM
  #16  
Chucky300's Avatar
Banned
 
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 3,640
Likes: 13
From: NYC
2014 S550
Originally Posted by ROMEO550
Sorry, I have to address this.......cost is going to be about $4000 for 40 hp, thats why all these tuners want you to buy the 55 because the tuning actually makes economic sense,($4000 gets you 150-200hp) but i still believe the 550 is a much better balanced car in consideration of all factors: power, steering, handling, brakes, ride etc. Just my 2
$4000 for 40bhp ? thats $1000 per 10 horses? Isnt that kinda on the high side?
Do we have performance #s for this? That will put the S550 with a 422bhp? What is the 0-60 time? 1/4 mile time?

Thanks
Bradley
PS - I am interested - but if my 0-60 time now is 5.3 and after the mod it is 5.1.................. i just cant justify....
Reply
Old Oct 19, 2006 | 12:37 AM
  #17  
amgme's Avatar
Super Member
 
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 722
Likes: 0
From: Bay Area
07 SL550; C32 (sold)
Originally Posted by Chucky300
$4000 for 40bhp ? thats $1000 per 10 horses? Isnt that kinda on the high side?
Do we have performance #s for this? That will put the S550 with a 422bhp? What is the 0-60 time? 1/4 mile time?

Thanks
Bradley
PS - I am interested - but if my 0-60 time now is 5.3 and after the mod it is 5.1.................. i just cant justify....
yeah 1k for 10hp or 100 for 1hp. that's loco! if the 0-60 time goes sub 5s that would be great.

so adamg, how much will all this cost?
Reply
Old Oct 19, 2006 | 01:36 AM
  #18  
AdamG@NorCal's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 2,915
Likes: 0
From: Fremont, Ca
EVOTECH Mercedes AMG
The ECU upgrade is $1995 for 15 hp gain. The headers are coming out pretty soon. I will post the dyno chart tomorrow.

PS: When you purchase the headers/TB or other mods, even a highflow cats we will reflash your car for free. Remember you get free updates.
Reply
Old Oct 19, 2006 | 01:41 AM
  #19  
amgme's Avatar
Super Member
 
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 722
Likes: 0
From: Bay Area
07 SL550; C32 (sold)
Originally Posted by AdamG@EuroElites
The ECU upgrade is $1995 for 15 hp gain. The headers are coming out pretty soon. I will post the dyno chart tomorrow.

PS: When you purchase the headers/TB or other mods, even a highflow cats we will reflash your car for free. Remember you get free updates.
are you saying that if you buy the headers, you get the renntech ecu upgrade for free?
Reply
Old Oct 19, 2006 | 01:43 AM
  #20  
AdamG@NorCal's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 2,915
Likes: 0
From: Fremont, Ca
EVOTECH Mercedes AMG
No, sorry, what i meant is, if you purchase the ECU upgrade first, and then add headers later on, you get a brand new software that accounts for the headers.
Reply
Old Oct 19, 2006 | 01:47 AM
  #21  
AdamG@NorCal's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 2,915
Likes: 0
From: Fremont, Ca
EVOTECH Mercedes AMG
EuroElites is offering a good discount on the software upgrades for the SL 550right now.

$1700 with free pre and post dynos. (Bay Area only)
Reply
Old Oct 19, 2006 | 02:04 AM
  #22  
amgme's Avatar
Super Member
 
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 722
Likes: 0
From: Bay Area
07 SL550; C32 (sold)
Originally Posted by AdamG@EuroElites
No, sorry, what i meant is, if you purchase the ECU upgrade first, and then add headers later on, you get a brand new software that accounts for the headers.
i knew it was too good to be true!
Reply
Old Oct 19, 2006 | 02:07 AM
  #23  
amgme's Avatar
Super Member
 
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 722
Likes: 0
From: Bay Area
07 SL550; C32 (sold)
Originally Posted by AdamG@EuroElites
EuroElites is offering a good discount on the software upgrades for the SL 550right now.

$1700 with free pre and post dynos. (Bay Area only)
hard to justify 1700 for only a 15hp gain. that's more than 100 per 1hp. is this 15hp gain rwhp or at the crank?
Reply
Old Oct 19, 2006 | 02:11 AM
  #24  
AdamG@NorCal's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 2,915
Likes: 0
From: Fremont, Ca
EVOTECH Mercedes AMG
15 rwhp. Yes, thats true but then again its a NA motor.
Reply
Old Oct 19, 2006 | 02:13 AM
  #25  
amgme's Avatar
Super Member
 
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 722
Likes: 0
From: Bay Area
07 SL550; C32 (sold)
Originally Posted by AdamG@EuroElites
15 rwhp. Yes, thats true but then again its a NA motor.

is there a reason why the s550 picked up 23rwhp and 19tq with the renntech ecu while the sl550 only can get 15rwhp?

There's a posting in the s-class forum about the ecu upgrade that was done for the s550.
Reply


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


All times are GMT -4. The time now is 05:03 PM.

story-0
New Electric Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupe Unveiled: 10 Things You Need to Know

Slideshow: Mercedes-AMG's new electric GT 4-Door Coupe trades combustion for software, synthetic noise, and more than 1,100 horsepower.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-20 20:08:15


VIEW MORE
story-1
6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

Slideshow: Not every Mercedes design becomes timeless, some feel stuck in the era they came from.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:09:07


VIEW MORE
story-2
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

Slideshow: Yes, Mercedes built manual cars, and some of them are far more interesting than you'd expect.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-02 12:36:58


VIEW MORE
story-3
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-4
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-5
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-6
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-7
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-8
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-9
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