SL/R107: 560SL exhaust mods
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 270
Likes: 3
From: Overland Park, Kansas
SOLD both: 1987 560SL 2003 ML320
560SL exhaust mods
I’ve been thinking about opening up the exhaust on the 560SL to let the old motor breathe a little better and get a more definitive sound. With the help of a local shop that does mandrel-bent exhaust work, my plan is to start right behind the O2 sensor and replace the stock cat with a Magnaflow cat, delete the resonator and replace the rusty stock muffler with a Magnaflow #12568 muffler. With only one 02 sensor, I should be able to get away with this setup and not trigger a check engine light. Has anyone on MB World with a 107 done something similar?
What I’m looking for is feedback as to whether these mods are:
A. Just what this car needs
B. Not worth the time or trouble
C. Pure heresy to change from OEM parts
Thanks for your time.
What I’m looking for is feedback as to whether these mods are:
A. Just what this car needs
B. Not worth the time or trouble
C. Pure heresy to change from OEM parts
Thanks for your time.
Member
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 137
Likes: 0
From: Southern Illinois
82 380SL 96 SL500
I’ve been thinking about opening up the exhaust on the 560SL to let the old motor breathe a little better and get a more definitive sound. With the help of a local shop that does mandrel-bent exhaust work, my plan is to start right behind the O2 sensor and replace the stock cat with a Magnaflow cat, delete the resonator and replace the rusty stock muffler with a Magnaflow #12568 muffler. With only one 02 sensor, I should be able to get away with this setup and not trigger a check engine light. Has anyone on MB World with a 107 done something similar?
What I’m looking for is feedback as to whether these mods are:
A. Just what this car needs
B. Not worth the time or trouble
C. Pure heresy to change from OEM parts
Thanks for your time.
What I’m looking for is feedback as to whether these mods are:
A. Just what this car needs
B. Not worth the time or trouble
C. Pure heresy to change from OEM parts
Thanks for your time.
I'm certainly not a purist and would consider doing something similar myself, especially as it sounds like you need to work on the rusted muffler.
Only thing I'd be concerned with would be trying different options until I got the right sound. I would imagine the chances are only fair that you'll get it right the first time. As you're having it done in a local shop, that shouldn't be much of a problem as it would be simple to have them modify the configuration later or even put back the resonator.
Be sure to post an after video with sound when you're done.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 270
Likes: 3
From: Overland Park, Kansas
SOLD both: 1987 560SL 2003 ML320
Alan, you zeroed in on one of my main concerns, even thought I did not spell it out. I want to open up the system, but I really don't want it to end up sounding like every other garden-variety Mustang on the street. This particular shop that I plan to use is a high-performance tuning place that also does exhaust work as part of their total approach to performance. Since there is not much you can do to a 560SL motor, they are willing to help me with the exhaust.
When I get this underway I plan to document it with photos and before & after video to see what difference it makes. Cross your fingers for me.
When I get this underway I plan to document it with photos and before & after video to see what difference it makes. Cross your fingers for me.
Member
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 137
Likes: 0
From: Southern Illinois
82 380SL 96 SL500
I won't delude myself into thinking my 380SL will ever have any real power, but the PO of my car replaced the center resonator with some straight through "glas packs" which while not giving a muscle car rumble does add a more throaty sound.
Good luck with it, but if you really want to open up the exhaust you might look at options with the manifolds... Of course I'm not sure which manifolds the 560 has.
Good luck with it, but if you really want to open up the exhaust you might look at options with the manifolds... Of course I'm not sure which manifolds the 560 has.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 270
Likes: 3
From: Overland Park, Kansas
SOLD both: 1987 560SL 2003 ML320
I've looked into aftermarket manifolds, but they are as elusive as the proverbial Unicorn. Never did find a legitimate source. I may be stuck with the stock cast-iron units. The shop I mentioned could probably fabricate a nice set for me, but the cost would probably be staggering. With this economy though, it might pay to ask.
The 560 motor will never be a high output unit, so for pure performance I'd be better off buying an SL55 or other AMG. BUT...this is the car I've wanted for a long time, so I'll keep the modifications within reason and hopefully come out with a little more power and a better sound.
Thanks for the feedback!
The 560 motor will never be a high output unit, so for pure performance I'd be better off buying an SL55 or other AMG. BUT...this is the car I've wanted for a long time, so I'll keep the modifications within reason and hopefully come out with a little more power and a better sound.
Thanks for the feedback!
Newbie
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
you want to turn heads you should hear my 450sl with the 396 chev 375 hp when it goes by. i also have the 560 sl with the reference sensor broken off. good luck. as for american cars you wouldn't have a problem if you stayed behind the 02 sensor
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 270
Likes: 3
From: Overland Park, Kansas
SOLD both: 1987 560SL 2003 ML320
Good advice. Reading the other forums (W208, etc.) it makes me glad that the 560 has only one sensor to deal with. Even so, I should probably replace it when I get the exhaust project underway.
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