Blowing up an E55 Motor
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Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 68
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From: JHB South Africa
C32 AMG, 2007 Chev Lumina SS, 2006 ML 320cdi
Blowing up an E55 Motor
I have crossed over from the C32 forum and would be interested in some feedback on 'what not to do when modifying an E55'. I plan on getting a 2004 E55 AMG with approx 100 000km on clock and only doing the pulley, headers, complete exhaust, tune and IC pump (if it needs it). I want a daily driver that is reliable and pulls like a freight train. If you have read my threads before you will know I have had a bad track record with my previous C32, blowing 2 motors and I can't repeat the same with an E55 because it will bankrupt me and probably lead to a divorce as well. Any feedback will be greatly appreciated.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,276
Likes: 28
From: Bay Area
2015 E63S, 2018 E63S
I have crossed over from the C32 forum and would be interested in some feedback on 'what not to do when modifying an E55'. I plan on getting a 2004 E55 AMG with approx 100 000km on clock and only doing the pulley, headers, complete exhaust, tune and IC pump (if it needs it). I want a daily driver that is reliable and pulls like a freight train. If you have read my threads before you will know I have had a bad track record with my previous C32, blowing 2 motors and I can't repeat the same with an E55 because it will bankrupt me and probably lead to a divorce as well. Any feedback will be greatly appreciated.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 7,092
Likes: 13
From: Salt Lake City (but not Morm)
2003 E55 & 2014 GL550
I have crossed over from the C32 forum and would be interested in some feedback on 'what not to do when modifying an E55'. I plan on getting a 2004 E55 AMG with approx 100 000km on clock and only doing the pulley, headers, complete exhaust, tune and IC pump (if it needs it). I want a daily driver that is reliable and pulls like a freight train. If you have read my threads before you will know I have had a bad track record with my previous C32, blowing 2 motors and I can't repeat the same with an E55 because it will bankrupt me and probably lead to a divorce as well. Any feedback will be greatly appreciated.
After that.....what Hammer said above. If you have to go pulley...168mm should be MAX you should run. Super safe and adds a bit of boost over stock. Otherwise, headers add 30-40wheel, tune adds more.....larger TB adds even more. That's upper 500s crank without even adding massive heat from the pulley.
Last thing and VERY IMPORTANT. Was taught this by an E55 old timer years and years ago. If you EVER put this car on the dyno, please please invest in just a few gallons of race gas to mix in. The dyno is such a violent environment. Tiny air flow with massive heat buildup with little cooling. You are just asking for trouble with enough runs. Couple gals race gas mixed in at least throws you some insurance against detonation.
