coldbud3

So, I'm seriously considering adding two turbos on my base 03 SL500 with new headers and exhaust of course. The alternative is too expensive, the supercharger is too pricey.
Just like any typical non turbo vehicle, a turbo can be added w/o too many complications.
Do you know anyone that has done this ? Any advice?

FxFormat

I've seen someone do a single big turbo to an SL65, but not twin turboing a 500, everything would have to be custom, in the end not worth it i don't think. cheaper and more reliable to just sell the 500 and get a 55, or a 600.

coldbud3

I would agree with you if you'd find a SL55 or SL600 in good condition. I've been on the market for 3 mo. looking for one within 500miles of Chicago with dealership maintained records and not home repairs, also most of them have 4+ owners which says a lot. I've seen over 20 of them, most with limited records or no maintenance records at all, engine knocks, leaks, rough idle, interior damages, smells, abused etc., and sold at ****ty resellers like the corner dealer with 20 cars in stock. Anything in acceptable shape was over 25k and still have lots of blemishes, like moderate to severe rubbing marks on the steering wheel and worn/cracked seats, missing seat trims, signs of water leaks in trunk, bent wheels, body dings, poor finish, etc.
So I found a 03 SL 500 base from a Doctor (1st owner), dealer maintained, all the records, no problems, leaks, in fact it's in a new like condition with 52K miles, just got it 2 mo. ago, flawless interior and it runs like new, paid $14k. Doesn't even have swirl marks on the finish. It's been well maintained and garage kept. Probably hasn't seen rain and the most surprising part, no scratches to the under body panels the oil pan cover and transmission cover.
So I think it's worth the money, this one is a keeper and it will be properly maintained and I just want to add some power to it and should be less then 10k in my opinion.
So I'm wondering if anyone has done this yet. If not, I'll be the first one, planning to get this done in 2 months.

kislov

Fibson1

I

BlownV8

You should be able to do for under $7k. Here is a good start. https://www.ebay.com/itm/T3-T4-TWIN-...pRpBz8&vxp=mtr

viper1996

Sell it and buy a car that is already fast...Tuning would be a nightmare...It will be nothing but headaches...You need to datalog real time on a laptop over and over, deal with A/F ratios, injector pulse widths, timing, map sensor readings, ambient temps, knock retard LT and ST, short term adap, TPS sensor readings Actual spark, wastegate A and D, etc...

BlownV8

Even better advice. This is my experience as well. You are better off selling and buy an SL55/600/65. It will be quicker/faster and more reliable. Not to mention, it will probably be cheaper to do.