danmm7

I have 2003 SL55 with 76mm SC pulley, Race IQ ECU + TCU tune and an upgraded Bosch 010 coolant pump.

Many people suggest that adding to the stock or upgrading the heat exchanger is a good idea, given my mods.

After doing some research, it sounds like there a number of options out there but they are usually best suited for the E55/CLS55 body and the SL platform is not so easy to work with due to limited space.

Is this really the case?

What would you recommend as being the best and easiest approach to upgrade the SC cooling of my car? Vendor? Size?


I am very DIY capable with lots of tools in my garage, but i am also trying to avoid the need to modify/butcher the front of my car too much.


Thank you in advance!

mikeg526

check out "fisherfast" on youtube and watch his SL55 vids lots of good info

03sl55amgmjd

I read your thread about udpgrading your 03 SL 55 H/E and if your still interested in the mod, i have a brand new PLM (sold thru VRP] intercooler H/E for sale.
I'm only looking for $200 for it. I bought it for $285.
email me if your interested. i'm in NJ.
i'll be happy to sen you pictures if you want. It's at my Indy shop so Monday would be the earliest.
mark.deluca63@gmail.com
Regards,
Mark

H Swint

Do you have any issues with your Race IQ tuned TCU still automatically upshifting at redline in manual mode? Tony has had my TCU twice and can't fix it.

560 SEC

Separate the SC and Engine Cooling and then add a Heat Exchanger, the same one for E55 will fit with moving a few hoses around.
I used a VRP unit.

danmm7

Do i keep the stock HE and add the new one as a second unit, or do i replace the stock one with a VRP unit? Is there enough room to fit the new HE in the SL? Some people claim that unlike the E-series, the SL is very crowded up front and bumper modifications are required.

Also... since you mentioned it, this may be a naive question, but what is the exact benefit from separating the SC cooling from the Engine cooling? Does it make a significant difference?
I understand that the heat from the engine will be separated in its own circuit, but will this make the SC run any cooler, given that it also generates plenty of its own heat and it will now have less coolant to work with?

Nor Cal SL55

You keep the stock HE and add an additional HE (such as the VRP unit). You would install the output of the stock HE into the input of the additional HE. I used a couple of hoses found at a local parts store to complete the required connections. I installed a Weistec HE and there was only very minor trimming required to get it to fit - it also has good attachment flanges that allow you to mount the HE on the aluminum bumper.

The stock HE is separate from the engine radiator, but both heat exchangers are running the same coolant. If you separate the HE (and/or an additional HE) from the engine coolant circuit, this is what is meant by separating the cooling systems.

560 SEC

You use the hoses from the stock HE which eliminates it, just leave it in place. The bottom hose will need to be replaced so it won't kink.

You'll have to move and wire tie some of the oil cooler hoses, I wrapped in foam pipe insulation. There are two supports on either side that you just
move a 1/2 inch at their top mounting point.

Position the HE so it is in the middle of the opening.

Nor Cal SL55

Always thought that adding the a heat exchanger to the existing will provide better cooling. Not so?

560 SEC

No way! The thing is the size of a clipboard and located between the radiator and the a/c condenser which gets really hot.

Nor Cal SL55

Some good info here on easy HE install: https://mbworld.org/forums/sl55-amg-...ns-sl55-3.html

Creoleiii

Do you still have this heat exchanger?
Thanks
Steve