Last year, I purchased a 2004 E55 and am finally getting around to purchasing parts to upgrade the vehicle and make some minor repairs.

I bough a stage 1 package from VRP, upgrading to a 76MM pulley, but I'm struggling to decide what to tackle next.

If I get too deep into the intake system, I'll probably end up spending over $2,000 upgrading the throttle body as well.

At this point, I only want to spend around $1,000 or less on a smaller upgrade...perhaps some mid or long tube headers. However, when I looked at headers, I could only find a few manufacturers in the US and was having a difficult time verifying the quality and performance of the few headers that I could find.

https://www.vrpspeed.com/product-category/55k-amg-m113k/exhaust-55k-amg-m113k/

 

Leave factory intake and upgrade to 85mm throttlebody bolt on kit. You should already have air filters from the stage 1

 

I would get the mid length headers. They have a good track record. If you want HP you have to get rid of the stock exhaust manifolds and the bottle neck they are attached too. 35hp is common at the wheels and you will help with cooling also.

 

With an E55 you can get shorty headers that are direct bolt on. https://www.vrpspeed.com/product/e55...horty-headers/

 

Headers are your best bang for the buck at this point and if you want USA made headers that MBH makes a great set. More like 50 plus HP with your current mods and 20 degrees lower IATs. May be a little higher than you want to spend but USA made and quality is what you seem to be looking for.

https://www.mbhmotorsports.com/produ...g-tube-headers

 

Oh yeah, another well kept secret mod is to add a 3000 stall with custom matched pump/stator to your power range. Big time torque mulitplier and makes street driving Super fun!

 

A what?

 

While I'm in there, I decided to replace the radiator as well.

Besides the performance mods, I'm trying to locate some replacement parts for a few repairs that need to be made:

1. The motorized/automatic rear sun shade
2. The cabin air filter housing/box
3. The front windshield cowl(?)

 

Found the cowl and housing:

211-830-12-13 ($180, dealership)

211-830-00-03 ($42, dealership)

 

If it's the outermost visible portion of the cowl that you want, it's called the cowl cover.

 

 

Do you know anybody in California who can install all of this stuff for me?