Performance mods for 02' CLK55

[juliusjj]

Hi ladies and gents, I am in the process of buying a 02 CLK55. I am aware that they have less power than a E55, which is also a consideration. So, I was wondering, what performance parts are available for the CLK55? Like exhausts, things like that. My buddy just purchased a 06 Magnum r/t, and since I have been singing the praises of amg benzes, he tells me he'll blow me off the road if the get the CLK or E55. Any help will be appreciated.

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[Chappy]

You won't see any meaningful gains with just an exhaust, unless you start removing cats, etc. Even adding headers ($2-3K), race cats and reflash of the ECU net rwhp gains are usually less than 20-25hp at a total cost of $4-5K if you're using name brand stuff (Kleemann, RENNtech, Brabus). Brabus does a 6.1 engine displacement increase, but I don't know the cost ($20K, $25K?). IIRC, it's good for amout 60-70hp

Just remember this about modding MB/AMG....it's gonna cost you. Next real performance step will be a blower. $12-$13K installed. Most do not put nitrous on.....you're playing with a $25,000 motor (replacement cost from AMG).

From a dig, traction is usually the limiting issue with our cars. While it won't make you any faster from a roll or in a straight line, an LSD would be a good performance enhancement. Limited suspension work can be done.....springs and dampers unless you go full custom. Some have their brakes upgraded too, depending on goals (looks, fade resistance, etc.) For the street, the stock setup outperforms most street cars with a 112ft. stopping distance from 60-0, matching the Boxster.

Bottom line, AMG did a hell of a job and didn't leave that much on the table with the stock CLK55. There is a modded CLK55 running around here with some intake, LSD and manifold work done but the owner did all the custom work himself. There may even be a Kleemann 55 or two still in town.

Stock vs. Stock, you will smoke your friends 340hp Magnum, but will have trouble with the 6.1 Hemi in pure acceleration.

Good luck in your decision.

[Holson]

or you can cough up a little more cash (they're in the $40+k range now) and get a W211 E55 - with 469hp (or more) on tap + mod potential, the 340hp Magnum isn't even a worthy opponent anymore

[MarcusF]

You said a "Magnum R/T", which has a 5.7 Hemi, so I'm going to assume you don't mean a "Magnum SRT-8".

With traction control off, the rear tires at 26 PSI, the spare and jack removed from the trunk, and the engine in a good state of tune, my 430 will be left for dead by a CLK55. A 5.7 liter Magnum R/T can't break 15 seconds in the quarter. Basically, your friend has a 4700 pound station wagon that can't keep up with a CLK430. Exactly why does he think he can outrun a CLK55? Either he's ordered a lot of parts from Mopar catalog, or he's delusional.

Take him to your local track and tell him loser pays the track fees AND dinner afterwards.

[ProjectC55]

Originally Posted by Chappy

You won't see any meaningful gains with just an exhaust, unless you start removing cats, etc. Even adding headers ($2-3K), race cats and reflash of the ECU net rwhp gains are usually less than 20-25hp at a total cost of $4-5K if you're using name brand stuff (Kleemann, RENNtech, Brabus). y

I'll take her to the dyno and let you know.

[blackbenzz]

Originally Posted by MarcusF

You said a "Magnum R/T", which has a 5.7 Hemi, so I'm going to assume you don't mean a "Magnum SRT-8".

With traction control off, the rear tires at 26 PSI, the spare and jack removed from the trunk, and the engine in a good state of tune, my 430 will be left for dead by a CLK55. A 5.7 liter Magnum R/T can't break 15 seconds in the quarter. Basically, your friend has a 4700 pound station wagon that can't keep up with a CLK430. Exactly why does he think he can outrun a CLK55? Either he's ordered a lot of parts from Mopar catalog, or he's delusional.

Take him to your local track and tell him loser pays the track fees AND dinner afterwards.

You ran a 13.8 in a CLK430? Mod list please...

And I agree that if you wanna be fast in a straight line upgrade to a W211 E55.