Scorcher

I finally received the instructions and missing washers etc from the bloke on eBay who was selling the E55 VRP airbox, and went to fit it today but came across a problem.

Hoping it's something simple I've done, but after following the instructions closely I am left with an approx 1/4" gap between the throttle body and the airbox...





Have I got the correct thickness foam ring for my car?



If not, can I get a thicker one?

Or more worryingly, is my UK throttle body different from a US one? Step 3 in the instructions says to remove the throttle body from the supercharger inlet with an 11mm socket - I needed a T27 Torx driver to remove mine

I really want to fit this airbox, plus I've got a set of Python tubes on order too - please help me out guys!

jangy

Not sure what the problem would be but I think it looks like simple fittment. If everything on the TB clears, it is likely an alignment issue. DO NOT FORCE it or you may crack it. Consider removing the knobs that were there to hold the OEM airbox in place. For me, removing the two front ones helped the box settle in and fit flush. As a test, spray some carb cleaner to see if you have it sealed.

Rock

What is preventing you from pulling the unit forward to meet the TB?
Are the brackets for the air-box assembly fully seated in these pictures?

You do have to shave some of the black rubberized material on the TB to properly position the unit but it was not a simple install (at least in my case).

Scorcher

Jangy - what knobs do you mean?

Rock - Yep, I've shaved the rubber, as you can see on the top left of photo 1, so it's not keeping the airbox away.

The gap is there when the bolts have been inserted into the original airbox holes, so I can't adjust the fitment of the box much at all

jangy

I am talking about the black knobs that the OEM airbox clips onto. There should be 4 of them. The problem is alignment. You now have a one piece NON-flex part and the mouth is at an angle so you have to work it in. Hope that helps...

Scorcher

Sorry, I'm being thick - are the black knob visible in either if these pics?

Rock

Jangy is talking about the lower part of the airbox that houses the filters, not the CF box you got from VRP. The upper and lower sections can be pulled out in one piece. You will see the mounts once you do this.

Scorcher

Ah - the rigid black plastic oblong shaped doohickeys that the air filters drop into?

jangy

Rock is right. My bad for not being clear. Yes, if you remove the two rear ones, then the box can slightly tilt back and the mouth slips right in. If you really want, you can replace the knobs once the mouth is in place, but it really is no need.

From the pic it looks like that is the issue. idon't see where the TB plastic is hitting it and that is the only thing that should even be in contact with it.

Scorcher

Excellent - many thanks! I'll give it a shot today

DFW01E55

Scorcher, I had a similar problem fitting my CL, finally gave up on it because I figured I'd damage the box cosmetics before getting it right. The gap on mine was even smaller than yours.

Scorcher

Crap - just removed all four rubber knobs, plus the rubber surrounds to the airbox lugs....



...so engine bay looked like this....



...and when VRP box was fitted, I still have the gap. - ok, so I can now wiggle the whole airbox around, but unless I snap off all the locating lugs on the lower AMG airbox part, there's no way I'm getting a snug fit.

This is making me think that my throttle body is slightly slimmer than it's US counterpart

Here's my original airbox with no gap



All I need for it to work is a rubber shroud of some sort to give an airtight join between the VRP part and the AMG throttle body, or maybe 2-3 more of the VRP neoprene foam rings?

I've PMed VRUS, but I guess like sensible people he's not at work on a Sunday

Jakpro1

WOW, you driving around with the hood open or something. What's all over your engine????

MACHC5

There was a couple of different version Air-boxes for the larger throttle Body upgrade as it was being finalized. One used a fabricated and added flange to mount the larger T/Body and the later used a AMG part that needed no flange. You may have one of those that allowed for the flange's added thickness.

Scorcher

Just 60k miles in English weather

Scorcher

Aaah - that would make sense. Fingers crossed Vrus can sort me out

jangy

Hmmm, I'm confused now. Can you take the bottom off and just see if the top piece fits around the TB? I really don't think the TB thickness is different, so there may be something else holding it up.

psk145

mine has some gap as well. Even taking off the little black knobs helps just marginally. On the other hand, there doesnt appear to be any leaks, so I suppose its safe to say the box fits just enough so that the gasket does its job.

Scorcher

Nope, it still won't fit snugly against the TB, even without the bottom on.

The rocker cover (I think! - big silver AMG branded lump of metal ) prevents the VRP getting any closer to the TB

jangy

Damn, sorry about that. Hmm, I dunno why that would be touching it. I'd get it on without the bottom first, just to make sure everything lines up and you don't stress the CF mouth. I suppose it is a bit like a toilet where you can get a larger seal and close it up.

Good luck...

ChicagoX

I have a US-spec stocker, if you need to try it for fitment.

vrus

The problem is the BOLTS on the throttle body.

That airbox you have is for an 80mm Throttle body. Do you have the 80mm on your car or 74mm ??

With my 80mm Throttle body kit I supply 8x35mm stainless bolts with socket caps and 1 stainless washer. When you use those bolts, the top of the bolt sits much higher than those stockers you have.

The metal backing on that foam ring seats up against the heads on the stainless bolts and is what holds the plate in its position.

I've never tried to use the foam ring on a stock 74mm TB but it SHOULD WORK.

Just go to the hardware store and pickup 4 stainless bolts and washers like I described.. it will raise the backplate far enough to mate up to the airbox.

Scorcher

Aha - that sounds like a plan

I do only have the stock 74mm TB - either the eBay seller didn't know or did know and didn't say in his listing that it was for an 80mm TB -

Could you be a gent a take a photo of the bolts you supply with your 80mm TB please?

I was thinking about upgrading to your larger TB - is it a straight bolt on swap for the 74mm one, or is other work needed too? Could you perhaps PM me the fitting instructions so I can see if it's a DIY job?

cheers

stevebez

Scorcher - just get the 80mm TB... much better fit and adds to the performance.