Cool 50th AE

Hello, I currently drive a 2007 Corvette convertible with 400hp. I have had four new Vettes in the last 10 years. The MB dealer near me has a white SL550 that I really like. I not sure if I can adjust to the lack of performance compared to the Vette. I don’t want to spend another $30K for the AMG version.
What aftermarket performance options do I have that won’t void the warranty? Does MB sell AMG engine upgrades that can be added to the SL550?

chipps

Don't know about performance mods, but I went from a 2007 Corvette to a 2009 SL550 about two months ago. The SL has plenty of power, plus the exhaust actually has some sound coming out of it when you accelerate unlike the stock Corvette.

Keep in mind the Corvette and the SL are different animals. Despite some of the strange things people report having done to their cars here, the SL is a little pricey to be modding much unless you plan to keep it for a long time. Most mods come down to cosmetic changes. You will just have to take these off if you trade it in.

m4xm1l10n

You will be happy with the SL550!!! I wouldn't suggest you drop from the vette to SL500 (power wise only), BUT THE SL550 is right there with the 400HP C6 , I've driven them both . but the quality ( interior, Exterior Looks/finish etc ) vette vs SL wow!!!! day and night in favor of the SL

RonPaul

I have to agree with Chipps and Max... You cant compare the 2 cars, they are in different classes. If you want to buy for absolute HP and 0-60 (American market) then that's a Viper or a Vette, but a Dodge or a Chevy is not a comparable car to a Mercedes SL. Definitely different demographics and target markets.

Reminder it is still a 400 HP car, but it is a $110,000 plus automobile with look and feel of such...... You'll love it, it's my 2nd SL. I've owned new 911's, many Vettes (including a ZR1, and a 2007 C6), and the SL is the most livable and enjoyable automobile (coupe) I have ever owned.

Cool 50th AE

Well, I did it. Today I traded my Vette for a Diamond white SL550. I received a 10K discount off the MSRP. Is that about average for what other are paying? I wil post some pics this weekend.

mlandis

Congratulations, man! I couldn't say about the deal -- I got 4K back for my mint 2000 Accord, and that pretty much just paid for the taxes off my 2007. I'm a pushover when it comes to getting something I want. But if it's what you wanted, then I'd say getting it is a pretty good deal.

So, once you've got a chance to play with it, what's your sense about it compared to the Vette? Curious, as I've never owned one and everyone looks for something different in a car....

RonPaul

Congrats Cool.... Everyone that sees my SL 550, just ooh and aaah over the diamond white color. Your going to love it, it's a beautiful car and such a joy to drive. What options did you get and what was your final price? Mine was a little over $110,000, and I did a 4 yr lease. It sounds like you got a great deal.... I didn't get much off, as I was waaaaay upside down on the car I was trading in, as I had only had that MB for about 6 months!!! But the GM is my best friend, so he took the profit and back end money to get me out of my trade...

Cool 50th AE

Well I have only driven about 25 miles with it so far. It is going to take a week to just figure out how to work the radio. First things I noticed is that there is no heads up display or touch screen that my Vette had. Mercedes website says that the panorama roof will tilt and the front glass will retract over the rear part. I can't figure out how to do this. I’m sure I will spend this weekend playing with all the buttons and doo dads.

Mrgags

yeah I traded my 04' vette for my 03' SL500, wut I miss the most on the vette is the 6-speed, but I don't miss the targa, very inconvenient for short trips, plus the SL fits my image better, once u go euro there's no goin back, as long as the weather is good, my poor rrs is sleepin in da garage

bigwebb83

so 9 posts and no one even attempted to answer his question?

F Jewsome

Renn Tech has a few packages that can be installed by a Mercedes Dealer. R1 Performance Package | R230 | SL 550 | 413 HP / 422 TQ | 5.5L NA V8 | M273

R1 Performance Package for 221 - S 550. Includes ECU Upgrade and Stainless Steel Header. Up to 413HP and 422 TQ. Gains: +31HP & +31TQ.

Has anyone installed these items in their car?

Rudeney

There are no big gains to be had with just an ECU tune on a naturally aspirated engine. You can get some changes in the curves, and maybe a very minor bump in HP/TQ, but nothing significant. Of course people that get these tunes always rave about them, but try proving it with a before-and-after dyno test - the "butt dyno" is not accurate. An ECU tune combined with exhaust work can get you some increases, but honestly, the cost of that is probably less than what you'd pay to sell the car and trade up to an AMG version. Also, if you are in a jurisdiction that requires smog and/or safety checks, headers usually won;t pass as they delete the catalytic converters or use converters that don't meet regulations.