What is the best mod to get after Pulley/ECU/Tune/Cooling?
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From: Phoenix by way of Texas
2003 E55 AMG
What is the best mod to get after Pulley/ECU/Tune/Cooling?
So I've got the VR550 (175mm pulley, ECU tune, filters), and cooling mods (larger Code 3 HE, PTE 160 tstat and -10C Star mod...will be splitting the cooling loop on Monday). What would be the next best mod to get?
Anyway, I'd appreciate y'alls suggestions! Thanks!
- Long tube headers? Not gonna even bother with just shorties.
- Bigger throttle body? The bigger I can go the better, right?
- Intake? Not sure it gets you more than about 10hp but...
- Cams? I've had one suggestion this is definitely what I should get next.
Anyway, I'd appreciate y'alls suggestions! Thanks!
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From: Salt Lake City (but not Morm)
2003 E55 & 2014 GL550
HEADERS....we've seen very nice gains with headers only and nothing else.
Your car wants to breathe. LET IT BREATHE!!
I only have experience with the Klee and Long Tubes and BOTH work very nicely.
I mean it, be nuts not to get headers at this point.
Just know that with some long tubes like the VRP's, there is going to be some O2 sensor issues. Unless they have changed something, you'll need to have your O2's turned off in tuning and if you need O2's for emissions....there will be problems. Kleemann is the only software I have heard of right now that actually fakes the O2's being "green lighted" or ready so you can pass emissions. My VRP does not and I need to swap ECU's to pass emissions.
NOTE, this all was about a year ago. Things probably have changed by now.
Go headers.....then TB.....then cams (or swap cams then TB) and then intake.
Your car wants to breathe. LET IT BREATHE!!
I only have experience with the Klee and Long Tubes and BOTH work very nicely.
I mean it, be nuts not to get headers at this point.
Just know that with some long tubes like the VRP's, there is going to be some O2 sensor issues. Unless they have changed something, you'll need to have your O2's turned off in tuning and if you need O2's for emissions....there will be problems. Kleemann is the only software I have heard of right now that actually fakes the O2's being "green lighted" or ready so you can pass emissions. My VRP does not and I need to swap ECU's to pass emissions.
NOTE, this all was about a year ago. Things probably have changed by now.
Go headers.....then TB.....then cams (or swap cams then TB) and then intake.
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Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 151
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From: S. Cal
Family Sedan w/5.5 K
Great questions, I'm at the same stage. Anyone have any thought on a Quasi unit as the next mod. For those who have gotten it, I've been told it's priceless. Also, I'm nowhere close to being able to put the current power on the ground much less another mod..
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'03 E55, Range Rover Sport Supercharged, Ducati 748R
HEADERS....we've seen very nice gains with headers only and nothing else.
Your car wants to breathe. LET IT BREATHE!!
I only have experience with the Klee and Long Tubes and BOTH work very nicely.
I mean it, be nuts not to get headers at this point.
Just know that with some long tubes like the VRP's, there is going to be some O2 sensor issues. Unless they have changed something, you'll need to have your O2's turned off in tuning and if you need O2's for emissions....there will be problems. Kleemann is the only software I have heard of right now that actually fakes the O2's being "green lighted" or ready so you can pass emissions. My VRP does not and I need to swap ECU's to pass emissions.
NOTE, this all was about a year ago. Things probably have changed by now.
Go headers.....then TB.....then cams (or swap cams then TB) and then intake.
Your car wants to breathe. LET IT BREATHE!!
I only have experience with the Klee and Long Tubes and BOTH work very nicely.
I mean it, be nuts not to get headers at this point.
Just know that with some long tubes like the VRP's, there is going to be some O2 sensor issues. Unless they have changed something, you'll need to have your O2's turned off in tuning and if you need O2's for emissions....there will be problems. Kleemann is the only software I have heard of right now that actually fakes the O2's being "green lighted" or ready so you can pass emissions. My VRP does not and I need to swap ECU's to pass emissions.
NOTE, this all was about a year ago. Things probably have changed by now.
Go headers.....then TB.....then cams (or swap cams then TB) and then intake.
on another note, things definitely have changed! fueling is so good after my let tune that i no longer need my secondary o2 sensors turned off. a huge plus since my car now needs smog checks!
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From: Tampa, Florida
06 SL65 / 97 993tt /11 Suburban/ 2012 GTR (AMG è la mia Famiglia la Bestia è la mia protezione)
So I've got the VR550 (175mm pulley, ECU tune, filters), and cooling mods (larger Code 3 HE, PTE 160 tstat and -10C Star mod...will be splitting the cooling loop on Monday). What would be the next best mod to get?
Anyway, I'd appreciate y'alls suggestions! Thanks!
- Long tube headers? Not gonna even bother with just shorties.
- Bigger throttle body? The bigger I can go the better, right?
- Intake? Not sure it gets you more than about 10hp but...
- Cams? I've had one suggestion this is definitely what I should get next.
Anyway, I'd appreciate y'alls suggestions! Thanks!
I'd also consider decreasing weight if you haven't done it already...lighter wheels and rotors...
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From: Ann Arbor
'03 SL55
To say the same thing in other words...now that you are pushing more air through the supercharger and taken steps to avoid heat soak, the next thing to focus on is airflow in and out. You've got the right list of candidate mods for that.
I concur with the multiple suggestions to do headers next. It also seems like multiple tuners have plans to go beyond 80mm and 82mm throttle bodies. Might as well see how those projects turn out before buying one.
I concur with the multiple suggestions to do headers next. It also seems like multiple tuners have plans to go beyond 80mm and 82mm throttle bodies. Might as well see how those projects turn out before buying one.
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From: Phoenix by way of Texas
2003 E55 AMG
Thanks a lot for the input guys.
Would this change your input between the long tube headers and throttle body?
Long tube headers, installation, and tuned for around $3900 OR...a much larger throttle body than 82mm, installed, and tuned for around $2200?
I guess I'm trying to weigh the benefits with cost. At about half the cost installed and tuned the throttle body gave me reason to pause.
Thanks!
Would this change your input between the long tube headers and throttle body?
Long tube headers, installation, and tuned for around $3900 OR...a much larger throttle body than 82mm, installed, and tuned for around $2200?
I guess I'm trying to weigh the benefits with cost. At about half the cost installed and tuned the throttle body gave me reason to pause.
Thanks!
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Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 1,653
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From: Ann Arbor
'03 SL55
Thanks a lot for the input guys.
Would this change your input between the long tube headers and throttle body?
Long tube headers, installation, and tuned for around $3900 OR...a much larger throttle body than 82mm, installed, and tuned for around $2200?
I guess I'm trying to weigh the benefits with cost. At about half the cost installed and tuned the throttle body gave me reason to pause.
Thanks!
Would this change your input between the long tube headers and throttle body?
Long tube headers, installation, and tuned for around $3900 OR...a much larger throttle body than 82mm, installed, and tuned for around $2200?
I guess I'm trying to weigh the benefits with cost. At about half the cost installed and tuned the throttle body gave me reason to pause.
Thanks!
Talk to Chiromikey's guy about long tubes. He might be able to set you up for a lot less.
TB is a great mod but why get an 80mm or 82mm TB now if you might be able to get a 90mm TB for similar money in a few months?
FWIW....
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2006 E55 AMG
Just get everything Karl and be done with it 
. I've been contemplating getting LT's for a while now and I just can't make a decision. It's either a LET torque converter or replace my shorties with LT's...sooo tough!
. I've been contemplating getting LT's for a while now and I just can't make a decision. It's either a LET torque converter or replace my shorties with LT's...sooo tough!
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From: Phoenix by way of Texas
2003 E55 AMG
And as I mentioned in my second post, it will be a much larger than 82mm TB (read: over 90mm)...so, which do you pick?
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From: San Diego, CA
07 RS4 sold, R53 Cooper S, 2008 Cayman S, 2012 GTR
I would say do the long tubes since Chris is in your backyard...
I would even venture to think that going with such a larger TB without headers will create a bottleneck at the factory headers.
Also you will want a tune for either the headers or TB, might be easier to save to do them both at the same time.
If you are having traction issues as it is right now, then I would also suggest a set of toe links then the LSD.
I would even venture to think that going with such a larger TB without headers will create a bottleneck at the factory headers.
Also you will want a tune for either the headers or TB, might be easier to save to do them both at the same time.
If you are having traction issues as it is right now, then I would also suggest a set of toe links then the LSD.
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From: Salt Lake City (but not Morm)
2003 E55 & 2014 GL550
Ohhhh mannnn, you are in the same city as Chris at CNC!!!!???
That's it.....you get
and 
!!!!!
Get your A$$ in there and get those headers now mister!!!
I just put Chris's full 3" back from my headers all the way to mufflers. It was a beautiful piece of work with welds that were stunning. (don't go 3" though, we've had some guys not like the power loss down low). He has the jig all setup for 2.5 and can hammer them out in his sleep.
Take advantage of that guy while he is still around.
That's it.....you get
and !!!!!Get your A$$ in there and get those headers now mister!!!
I just put Chris's full 3" back from my headers all the way to mufflers. It was a beautiful piece of work with welds that were stunning. (don't go 3" though, we've had some guys not like the power loss down low). He has the jig all setup for 2.5 and can hammer them out in his sleep.
Take advantage of that guy while he is still around.
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Joined: May 2008
Posts: 3,077
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2006 E55 AMG
Ohhhh mannnn, you are in the same city as Chris at CNC!!!!???
That's it.....you get and !!!!!
Get your A$$ in there and get those headers now mister!!!
I just put Chris's full 3" back from my headers all the way to mufflers. It was a beautiful piece of work with welds that were stunning. (don't go 3" though, we've had some guys not like the power loss down low). He has the jig all setup for 2.5 and can hammer them out in his sleep.
Take advantage of that guy while he is still around.
That's it.....you get
and !!!!!Get your A$$ in there and get those headers now mister!!!
I just put Chris's full 3" back from my headers all the way to mufflers. It was a beautiful piece of work with welds that were stunning. (don't go 3" though, we've had some guys not like the power loss down low). He has the jig all setup for 2.5 and can hammer them out in his sleep.
Take advantage of that guy while he is still around.
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From: Ann Arbor
'03 SL55
Yep, Mikey's guy here in town is the guy I'll go with for long tube headers. $2500 for the long tubes fabrication, about $600 for the install and then the subsequent tune...about $3900 in total.
And as I mentioned in my second post, it will be a much larger than 82mm TB (read: over 90mm)...so, which do you pick?
And as I mentioned in my second post, it will be a much larger than 82mm TB (read: over 90mm)...so, which do you pick?
There are risks with being the first in line for a new mod, e.g. VRP scavaging the AMG parts bin for an 80mm TB, Jakpro with SLR cams, Havoc with the 5.7l engine build, etc.
If you're okay with taking those kinds risks then absolutely by all means go for the 90mm+ TB. Push the envelope! That's how progress happens!
On the other hand, if you're not up for taking a call from the tuner along the lines of, "it didn't work but we've got an idea on how to fix it" then you probably want the headers rather than the TB.
Here's hoping you choose the TB (but understanding if you choose the headers).
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From: Salt Lake City (but not Morm)
2003 E55 & 2014 GL550
Where is he going?
Just with everything being so volatile in today's economy, lots of changes going on all over the place.
Plus trying to give Soup a kick in the pants to get in there and get headers.
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From: Phoenix by way of Texas
2003 E55 AMG
Don't worry, I know where Chris lives!
Well, maybe headers will be next on my agenda...
