SL55 AMG, SL63 AMG, SL65 AMG (R230) 2002 - 2011 (2003 US for SL55 and 2004 for the SL65)

SL55/63/65/R230 AMG: It's starting..................

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Old Jan 10, 2011 | 07:28 AM
  #1  
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It's starting..................

Hi all,

Just thought I'd let you know that I'll be starting my first round of engine mods on my SL55. I've been coached by who I feel ranks way up on top. (He'll be doing the work too) I'm going with a 172mm pulley setup, Kleemann headers, an 82mm TB and a tune.......should make a bit of a difference, don't you think? It's all stock now.
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Old Jan 10, 2011 | 02:37 PM
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Originally Posted by Stevant
Hi all,

Just thought I'd let you know that I'll be starting my first round of engine mods on my SL55. I've been coached by who I feel ranks way up on top. (He'll be doing the work too) I'm going with a 172mm pulley setup, Kleemann headers, an 82mm TB and a tune.......should make a bit of a difference, don't you think? It's all stock now.

We have found that 172mm is the upper limit of pulley size before you start needing to seriously improve cooling.

If you think the 55 was quick before, you will be amazed by what you are doing!

Have fun and be safe!
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Old Jan 10, 2011 | 08:23 PM
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Congrats. Let us know how it goes.
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Old Jan 11, 2011 | 06:55 AM
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Will do.........................I discussed heat issues with Bruce and he said the same thing about the 180mm pulley. I know the 172 will put a big enough smile on my face with all the other mods. I can always add the cooling sytem and spacers to the car the next mod go around. Any other ideas on what I can do to help out? I've noticed a lot of little things from Air cleaners to thermostats.....small enough mods but I'm sure very helpful when you look at the big picture.
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Old Jan 21, 2011 | 11:56 PM
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More mods........

I just ordered my ISSforged Complex 5 for my SL.....19" Can't wait to put them on. All mods will be ready for the warm weather.
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Old Feb 7, 2011 | 07:42 AM
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A few changes.................

After thinking about things, I decided to go with the 180mm pulley iinstead of the 172. I'm going to take care of the cooling issues I'll need to do. All the TB parts are in and TT Motorsports is in the process of porting and polishing the 80mm housing to mate up with the 82mm TB. I've seen one he has done already and it looks factory when he is done. He is polishing the entire inside of the housing for minimal friction. Come on nice weather....................
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Old Feb 7, 2011 | 11:56 AM
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Whatever we're tuning!
Let the build begin!!!
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Old Feb 7, 2011 | 02:51 PM
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Let us know how the build goes. I plan on doing 172mm Pulleys and a tune in the summer!
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Old Mar 5, 2011 | 08:44 PM
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The wait is killing me...................

My wheels should be in next week and once they are we should be ready to start. I picked up a Programa Lowering Module (Renntech V2) and will have that put in also. Need to have the car come down a little.....like that look. I'll post pics once the mods start..................
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Old Mar 5, 2011 | 08:53 PM
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After thinking about things, I decided to go with the 180mm pulley iinstead of the 172.
100% need a heat exchanger, Johnson 30 or equivalent pump and separated pump/radiator system.

You'll be happy on your first runs at WOT, then suicidal when she goes limp and the car feels like a Maxima without cooling mods.

You are gonna be blown away by the difference (all your mods vs stock) ...VERY SMART getting headers and TB. These babies are dying to breathe.
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Old Mar 5, 2011 | 09:18 PM
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We discussed that and it is something I'll be doing for sure next year. I'm doing a lot for someone who will probably run the car on open roads once in a blue moon (If I can control my right foot). I want the power there when I want to use it. With that being said watch for my first posting after all is done.......................you'll see I ordered my cooling parts! I think I've become a mod junkie!
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Old Mar 31, 2011 | 03:14 PM
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Well Sunday I drop my car off to Bruce at TTM for the mods to begin. My ISS forged wheels are in (They are so light) along with my Nitto Invo's. Picked up a DLM also to complete the exterior..............Had my fun the other day with my "stock" SL, now I'll await my next ride as my "modded" SL. I'll keep you posted.
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Old Apr 9, 2011 | 04:54 PM
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Well the wheels and tires are on the car. The DLM has not been installed yet so it's sitting at stock height. That will be done at the end of the build. Once it is lowered it will sit just right. The engine mods start next week. I'll post pics as the mods are installed for those interested. I am psyched.......
Attached Thumbnails It's starting..................-babylon-20110408-00017.jpg  

Last edited by Stevant; Apr 9, 2011 at 05:05 PM.
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Old Apr 21, 2011 | 08:43 AM
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In the process.................

Just an FYI on the progress. The new file is in, the headers are on, the 82mm TB is in place and the pulley is complete. New (cooler) plugs and thermal gaskets too. Ready to start the LSD and get the exhaust back together. The last thing to be done is the DLM so she sits just right.

Can't wait for the test drive....................more to come soon!

Oh yeah, finally found a guy more OCD than me.....go TTM!

Last edited by Stevant; Apr 21, 2011 at 09:26 PM.
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Old Apr 21, 2011 | 12:25 PM
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You are going to LOVE your car all over again!

Definitely in good hands with TTM!
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Old Apr 23, 2011 | 02:46 PM
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So far................

Just another update....................I decided to go with the secondary cat delete. Bruce at TTM is going to run 3"pipe from the headers back to the resonators, with a nice "x"-pipe in between. I heard it on another guys SL and it is amazing. Best of both worlds to me. Sounds smooth under normal driving but has the respectable bark once you get on it. Sounds tight! These bad boys need to breath....................

All the mods should be completed this up coming week. The LSD, DLM and exhaust are the major things left to do.
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Old Apr 26, 2011 | 07:57 AM
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LSD from Wavetrac

The Wavetrac LSD (HAG215) went in last night without any hitches.........the exhaust should be ready to go tomorrow. The wavetrac went in fine, great fit. Work is chugging along, great job Bruce at TTM!!
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Old Apr 26, 2011 | 08:11 PM
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Originally Posted by Stevant
The Wavetrac LSD (HAG215) went in last night without any hitches.........the exhaust should be ready to go tomorrow. The wavetrac went in fine, great fit. Work is chugging along, great job Bruce at TTM!!

Hey Steve saw a sneak peak of yor exhaust and mine looks really nice. Should be able to fire that baby up tomorrow. The mad doctor was hard at work.
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Old Apr 30, 2011 | 07:05 PM
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My first drive with the mods......................

I'm not sure where to start but I drove my car the other night after Bruce at TTM completed all my mods except the DLM. (We'll get that done this week) Let me first say that not only is Bruce a great guy, he really understands what he is doing and tells it like it is. Hard to find a person who is not only good with the actual hands on work, but also great at explaining and setting expectations. I can see why he prospers, he fulfills all the parts needed to be successful at what he does.

Now lets get to the experience..............in my words, Holy Sh*t! I think my spleen was somewhere in the front of my chest, but that all changed after I accelerated and felt the power I was not prepared for. The car, for a 4400lb machine, is absolutely an animal. The exhaust sound is amazing! I can't express it in words but it's like having the Rock n'Roll Rollercoaster in Disney strapped to your a** at all times! I'm sure many of you out there can relate to what I'm saying but this is such a great car to begin with and to exploit it's hidden power is just awesome.

Thank you Bruce for an amazing job and steering me in the right direction with the many decisions I needed to make, and to get me where I wanted to be. For those who are contimpating doing certain mods, all I can say is that I'm happy with every decision made. Just do it.................and more importantly have it done by Bruce at TTM.

I'll get some pics of the car once I get her all cleaned up and will post.

Thanks again Bruce for a job well done!
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