Headers as first/only mod for 55k
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 288
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From: FL
CLS55
Headers as first/only mod for 55k
Have a CLS55. After a quick tune it put down 444hp and 484ftlb on a dynojet. Best 1/4 mile is a 12.4 @ 112 in the Florida summer heat. I've got the mod bug but have been toying with the idea of keeping the pulley stock and throwing on a set of headers. Chances are I'd get something like the Kleemann. I'd rather do a shorty or something close to that.
What performance gains would these net on a stock pulley car? Any pros or cons with headers instead of the normal pulley?
What performance gains would these net on a stock pulley car? Any pros or cons with headers instead of the normal pulley?
Last edited by FinanceMike; Jul 1, 2012 at 11:43 PM.
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From: A to the Z (the state)
'06 E55
MBH has a +40hp (or torque) guarantee for the headers. The sound quality increase is worth the price alone.
To answer the question, it would be a great "only" mod, imo. More expensive than a pulley, though. But then again, you won't have to worry about a bad install wrecking your crap.
To answer the question, it would be a great "only" mod, imo. More expensive than a pulley, though. But then again, you won't have to worry about a bad install wrecking your crap.
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From: Atlanta
2006 E55 AMG
OP, go with the following:
1) 82MM throttle body
2) ARH or MBH Longtubes headers
3) Re-tune
4) LSD
That right there will put you damn close to 500rwhp/550rwtq+ and an 11 second sled. You really wont need to touch cooling except for the update bosch or meziere HE pump. Reliability will be your friend along with not having to worry about anything.
1) 82MM throttle body
2) ARH or MBH Longtubes headers
3) Re-tune
4) LSD
That right there will put you damn close to 500rwhp/550rwtq+ and an 11 second sled. You really wont need to touch cooling except for the update bosch or meziere HE pump. Reliability will be your friend along with not having to worry about anything.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 288
Likes: 2
From: FL
CLS55
OP, go with the following:
1) 82MM throttle body
2) ARH or MBH Longtubes headers
3) Re-tune
4) LSD
That right there will put you damn close to 500rwhp/550rwtq+ and an 11 second sled. You really wont need to touch cooling except for the update bosch or meziere HE pump. Reliability will be your friend along with not having to worry about anything.
1) 82MM throttle body
2) ARH or MBH Longtubes headers
3) Re-tune
4) LSD
That right there will put you damn close to 500rwhp/550rwtq+ and an 11 second sled. You really wont need to touch cooling except for the update bosch or meziere HE pump. Reliability will be your friend along with not having to worry about anything.
Thanks again.
Last edited by FinanceMike; Jul 2, 2012 at 01:59 PM.
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Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 7,659
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From: Atlanta
2006 E55 AMG
I appreciate the response. This is exactly what I am looking for. I was planning on going with the standard pulley and tune but after driving a few, the fun comes to a quick halt after a few back to back pulls. The head and humidity down here is brutal. My biggest thing is reliability and consistency.
Thanks again.
Thanks again.
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From: Wherever isn't gonna get me hit
'05 SL65, '13 FX4 Eco
OP, go with the following:
1) 82MM throttle body
2) ARH or MBH Longtubes headers
3) Re-tune
4) LSD
That right there will put you damn close to 500rwhp/550rwtq+ and an 11 second sled. You really wont need to touch cooling except for the update bosch or meziere HE pump. Reliability will be your friend along with not having to worry about anything.
1) 82MM throttle body
2) ARH or MBH Longtubes headers
3) Re-tune
4) LSD
That right there will put you damn close to 500rwhp/550rwtq+ and an 11 second sled. You really wont need to touch cooling except for the update bosch or meziere HE pump. Reliability will be your friend along with not having to worry about anything.
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Posts: 2,841
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From: miami / delray beach
2014 E63s amg 4matic, 2009 C63, 2006 E55 AMG , 2001.5 AUDI S4 stg 3+ w/meth
Have a CLS55. After a quick tune it put down 444hp and 484ftlb on a dynojet. Best 1/4 mile is a 12.4 @ 112 in the Florida summer heat. I've got the mod bug but have been toying with the idea of keeping the pulley stock and throwing on a set of headers. Chances are I'd get something like the Kleemann. I'd rather do a shorty or something close to that.
What performance gains would these net on a stock pulley car? Any pros or cons with headers instead of the normal pulley?
What performance gains would these net on a stock pulley car? Any pros or cons with headers instead of the normal pulley?
I have longtube headers and 172mm pulley and only upgrades bosch i/c pump and never have s/c shutdown and i run my car pretty hard.... you could go the 168mm pulley/headers route and be even less affected by the heat
Last edited by gaspam; Jul 2, 2012 at 01:54 PM.
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2011
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2003 E55
I too am really put off by the idea of a crank pulley now. I am seriously considering the S/C pulley or headers but being in Ca the headers will be a hassle come smog time. Have you thought about the S/C pulley?
I think Craig hit the nail on the head for a stout and conservative setup that should be worry free.
I think Craig hit the nail on the head for a stout and conservative setup that should be worry free.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 288
Likes: 2
From: FL
CLS55
Nice catch. Spell check couldn't catch that slip up.
LM7,
I strongly considered the S/C pulley but after hearing how many guys have to keep re-shimming the pulley because it comes out of spec, I passed.
This is exactly why I am doing headers first. Too many pulley issues lately.
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 789
Likes: 14
2003 E55
Nice catch. Spell check couldn't catch that slip up.
LM7,
I strongly considered the S/C pulley but after hearing how many guys have to keep re-shimming the pulley because it comes out of spec, I passed.
This is exactly why I am doing headers first. Too many pulley issues lately.
LM7,
I strongly considered the S/C pulley but after hearing how many guys have to keep re-shimming the pulley because it comes out of spec, I passed.
This is exactly why I am doing headers first. Too many pulley issues lately.
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Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 1,230
Likes: 32
From: Vancouver, BC
CLS55 AMG
do the headers for sure. i have a cls as well, i put in Kleemann headers, cut out both sets of cats and left the rest of the exhaust stock. car sounds almost stock at idle and cruising, but when you step on it, all hell breaks loose. gotta love the CLS mufflers....
here's a shot of the exhaust setup from underneath...
and the video for a sound sample
here's a shot of the exhaust setup from underneath...
and the video for a sound sample
Last edited by xpl0sive; Jul 4, 2012 at 01:38 AM.
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 560
Likes: 65
From: LHC, Arizona
2024 GLE 63 S Coupe 2020 E 63 S
I too am really put off by the idea of a crank pulley now. I am seriously considering the S/C pulley or headers but being in Ca the headers will be a hassle come smog time. Have you thought about the S/C pulley?
I think Craig hit the nail on the head for a stout and conservative setup that should be worry free.
I think Craig hit the nail on the head for a stout and conservative setup that should be worry free.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2007
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From: Phoenix by way of Texas
2003 E55 AMG
Head always affects my dyno and Mexico runs...
But seriously, I think if you are going to do one mod, the exhaust is a good way to go (besides installing some more aggressive cooling options). If I were in the market again, I'd work with Mike and the MBH headers. As for pulleys, I don't think you can go wrong with an ASP pulley. I had a VRP 175mm pulley for a couple of years and then bought chiromikey's 180mm ASP pulley when he went with a bigger pulley a year and a half ago. I feel pretty safe, but understand the caution on the pulley front.
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Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 888
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From: Atlanta
'12 E63, E55(sold), C32 (sold), '65 Skylark GS 445 convertible, '12 ML350
Long tubes, a mild pulley (i.e. 168), tune, and bigger heat exchange is a happy safe fun route.
(Add some electronic cutouts after the LT's for more fun!)
Me with my lt's and cutouts open: FUN
(Add some electronic cutouts after the LT's for more fun!)
Me with my lt's and cutouts open: FUN
