SL55/63/65/R230 AMG: SL55 FTP v2 Heat Exchanger install and pics...
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 264
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From: Clarksville, TN
G63
SL55 FTP v2 Heat Exchanger install and pics...
Here are a few pics of my install i have been working on this week. Everything is pretty much straight forward. However, like most cars on the forum i did have to do some cutting/modifying, etc. I am keeping my factory HE on the car, and running this new FTP inline with it.
I have yet to get the long/narrow AC condenser mounted up, i should have that done sometime this weekend (my plan is to mount it between the new HE and stock HE). I did NOT have to move/modify anything with the oil cooler.
The first 2 pictures attached below, shows the stock setup right after I removed the front bumper cover. The other 3 show the new FTP HE mounted up, and the AC condenser hanging.
Also, the top port (inlet) of the new HE shows a straight barbed brass fitting, that will NOT work. The SL55's have a section of the passenger side bumper/foglight assembly there that it will interfere with that straight fitting. So it will need a 90 degree fitting on the top port, with the barbed end pointing downward.
***** More pics added of the installation complete, scroll down 3 post. *****
I have yet to get the long/narrow AC condenser mounted up, i should have that done sometime this weekend (my plan is to mount it between the new HE and stock HE). I did NOT have to move/modify anything with the oil cooler.
The first 2 pictures attached below, shows the stock setup right after I removed the front bumper cover. The other 3 show the new FTP HE mounted up, and the AC condenser hanging.
Also, the top port (inlet) of the new HE shows a straight barbed brass fitting, that will NOT work. The SL55's have a section of the passenger side bumper/foglight assembly there that it will interfere with that straight fitting. So it will need a 90 degree fitting on the top port, with the barbed end pointing downward.
***** More pics added of the installation complete, scroll down 3 post. *****
Last edited by CHADisBAD; May 19, 2014 at 10:00 AM.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 264
Likes: 0
From: Clarksville, TN
G63
finished project... more pics
Here are a few remaining pics of the project finished up.
Got the AC condenser mounted up, between the oil cooler and new HE, pretty easy.
The only other issue I ran into, was the OEM hose coming out of the HE into the Bosch pump. The OEM tube is VERY soft/flimsy and will "crink" if you try to make a 90 degree bend. If I'd known this before I would have bought more "heavy duty" tubing (which is what is coming out of the new HE into the pump). Luckily I had some spare brass 90 degree necks/plumbing laying around, and was able to make it work, looks like ***, but who cares. It's all hidden by the bumper cover.
Got the AC condenser mounted up, between the oil cooler and new HE, pretty easy.
The only other issue I ran into, was the OEM hose coming out of the HE into the Bosch pump. The OEM tube is VERY soft/flimsy and will "crink" if you try to make a 90 degree bend. If I'd known this before I would have bought more "heavy duty" tubing (which is what is coming out of the new HE into the pump). Luckily I had some spare brass 90 degree necks/plumbing laying around, and was able to make it work, looks like ***, but who cares. It's all hidden by the bumper cover.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 264
Likes: 0
From: Clarksville, TN
G63
Update, new HE with coolant split mod...
I was able to get some time this weekend, and split the HE/IC from the engine coolant.
My intake temps are staying MUCH cooler now with this combo. The outside temp was bouncing between 75f to 77f on my drive into work this AM, and my intake temps was consistently staying between 84f to 87f.
I was caught in a construction zone, and did not move for about 5min. The intake temps climbed to about 92/95f, but never broke 95f. Once I got moving, the intake temps immediately dropped back to 84f.
This FTP v2 HE with the coolant split, is working like a champ. I am very satisfied with this combo, FWIW about the new FTP HE.
Here are a couple of pics attached...
My intake temps are staying MUCH cooler now with this combo. The outside temp was bouncing between 75f to 77f on my drive into work this AM, and my intake temps was consistently staying between 84f to 87f.
I was caught in a construction zone, and did not move for about 5min. The intake temps climbed to about 92/95f, but never broke 95f. Once I got moving, the intake temps immediately dropped back to 84f.
This FTP v2 HE with the coolant split, is working like a champ. I am very satisfied with this combo, FWIW about the new FTP HE.
Here are a couple of pics attached...
Last edited by CHADisBAD; Jun 16, 2014 at 09:47 AM.
