manual_tranny

Hi guys,

Add me to the list of S/C failures resulting from an aftermarket provider that apparently did not know the difference between spring steel and mild steel. Unfortunately, this 'minor' miscalculation looks like it is going to cost me nearly $1000 to sort out.

Not only did the failing springs destroy the air hose near the pulley, but the flying debris damaged the tensioner pulley, belt, and completely annihilated the plastic MB front cover.

... and that is not the worst of it.

Look at these two bent pins on the S/C pulley shaft:



Any ideas on what I will need to do to fix these pins?





My solution to the pulley 'problem' is to replace it with a perfectly good factory Mercedes pulley. I DO want more power, but my car needs to be reliable.

How do you guys feel about turbos? I would like to put a big turbo after catalytic converters, maybe even near the back of the car. The E55 does NOT need more instant-on power... the tires already break loose easy enough at practically any speed. What it does need is more power at higher rpm, which a big turbo would provide. Running at only 3-5psi with the supercharger remaining installed would provide a compound boost setup that would be good for a silly amount of horsepower.... and without all the pulley nightmares.

About me: I work at Smyth Performance where we turn VW Jettas into mid-engine sports cars and trucks. I helped design and produce this kit:



And this kit:





We are actively discussing the conversion of the E-class W211 into a UTE. I'm ready for a 600hp super-Mercedesamino... are you? =D

Hulk

The dowel pins are not a big deal, haven't had mine for a while and some others too. Contact the seller to see what he can do. As far TT on these cars simpe answer..... don't, not worth the headaches, a few threads on it here that you can search.

manual_tranny

Thanks very much for the advice on the dowels. I will search about how to remove them. It's a big relief to hear that they are not necessary!!!!!

Thanks for the advice on the turbo; I am not thinking of two turbos actually but just one big single running relatively low boost. I'm genuinely confused why I haven't seen this done before (on a S/C Mercedes). Trunk turbos work well for big engines that make more power than necessary at low rpm but could use a boost around 160mph... =D

I presume the E55 has a MAF and a MAP?

Hulk

Map sensor only, like was said on turbo, not worth it, maybe with a stand alone and losing all your convenience features but what good is that on this car.

G_Money

There have been compound boosted 55Ks. Last one I read about here used a big 88mm in a turboback configuration. I'd try to find the thread but I'm on my phone. IIRC he was at about 580whp on pump gas.

Hulk

Not much is known about the compound E, was built by the same shop who built the CLSTT

HeissRod

I'm just here for the pics of Utes.

shardul

iTrader: (1)

as being a vendor on this forum if you purchased the pulley from me please PM me

blackbenzz

Sorry to hear about your issues. Unfortunately it happens way too often with these sc pulleys. Hope you get reimbursed for damages and down time

3BNick

First, sorry about the pulley.

Second, welcome. You should throw more pics of the 55 up here. What all else do you have done?

I have actually seen your conversions and have followed your FB page for a while. I have built a couple of the FFR cars too. two roadsters and a MK4 challenge. I'm really digging the ute. A TDi sounds very tempting...

sircl55amg

i think i will remove mine and put the stock mb backplate on too

hayseed

iTrader: (2)

are all these pulleys made by the same manufacturer ? good reason to consider the smaller non-clutched version ....

berti_00

Well the first batch Is the ones that kept breaking the springs I guess and than they were improved stronger and better to my understanding. Happened to me but was always taken care of.

viren.89

I had a thread up and this happened with me too.

But I stopped driving after I saw the first spring cracked. The speed the S/C spins at , the damage could've been worse.

I received the new pulley with better springs (under warranty), they look somewhat identical and I have my fingers crossed now lol

I have not heard or read any complaints regarding the "improved pulley" and some people just didn't bother to put a clutched

pulley on back and went OEM.

Hulk

The upgraded version will have thicker springs, you will notice easily

berti_00

^+1

cwmateiuc

I have the exact sized dowel pins if you need. You can just pull them out with pliers.

cwmateiuc

But as far as them covering anything... maybe if the stars align.

The TT CLS and the compound boost E55 is from PowerHaus Performance in Jersey.

blackbenzz

As far as I know they are all made by UDP aka Shardul/Brooke including the non clutched version.

I feel sorry for the people that were guinea pigs for this product.

Alps

wasn't there a third revision (recently) with larger spring rivets also?

Crissus

So the people with "revision 1" did not got automatically a "revision 2" or "revision 3" device in exchange of the old one by the vendor?
If the Vendor knows that the revision 1 parts are ticking timebombs for those exotic engines, he should have chnegd them all out, one by one free of charge in exchange of the old units.
At least that is a practice i know that is very common here in germany - vendors/dealers/manufacturers generally fear bad press and would for certain have to cover any additional damage done by the product.

ALEN35

So, you guys are saying I should be fine with a new and improved s/c pulley from EC?!
Does anyone has pics off an old and a new version?
What is the gap size I should have. EC instruction says 20-30 mm. Seems like most common is 35-45mm!?
Do i need this belt? Gates K080505HD V-Belt. Please chime in. I am installing it next week!

Afr00t

anybody got an answer for his questions? I'm wondering the same thing.

sircl55amg

the new version 1 and 2 are ok ... a use only one shim ... and oem belt