Supercharged ML320 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

fema · #1 04-02-2003, 10:42 PM

I'm looking for some feedback on the feasability/sensabilty of adding a supercharger and headers to my '98 ML320. Why? Because I have a cohort who did it with his GMC Tahoe, with added hoodscoop, and it seems like a cool idea. He says he did it not for speed, but for off road power as needed.

I'm thinking of it becuase I want some added speed and performance on road, and since I never had a muscle car in my youth, why not - don't all laugh at once now! Just tell me if it's a bad idea, or the wrong vehicle to mess with, and maybe I'll listen.

regards!

ZorroAMG · #2 04-03-2003, 02:07 AM

I myself am new to FI and am still learning a bunch doing my own twin turbo setup on my E class this year...but here's my $0.02:

Superchargers are the way to go on the new gen of MB....Kleeman, Renntech, Brabus Lorinser and Carlsson should all be able to oufit your ML nicely....they will be quite expensive 6-20 thousand for the kits and installation so if you are looking for a resale value out of your mods...don't bother...

The good thing about these companies is that they are all top notch with regards to product, install and service from what I have read/heard...Kleeman and Renntech are noted for their factory like mods and keep the car drivable and well-mannered while being beasts when needed...anyone care to back me up or disagree?

Your ML is fine as a platform for FI and MB is MB after all

Hope that helps a bit...

Good luck with your project....

fema · #3 04-03-2003, 10:17 AM

Good info - BUT, I had no idea it would cost that much! I thought I would do it myself for a project and learning experience, however, I'll need to investigate further to see if there's a cheaper alternative without compromising quality. Maybe I should just start with some headers???
Thanks!

ZorroAMG · #4 04-03-2003, 10:54 AM

I think for the most part headers and such that bolt on to the more mild engines, 230, 240, 280, 300, 320...will have to be custom fabbed, i am not aware of any aftermarket stuff...if you know, please share the info...

DIY Superchargers huh? You must be pretty god with a wrench...good luck with the project

fema · #5 04-03-2003, 11:00 AM

Hey - NOT good with a wrench at all! Recently began a search for a vintage MB to BEGIN the learning process with my son, try to become closet gearheads. This is all new to me, just have a desire. I'm using the forum to check my sanity, and obviously you've helped. If this little supercharger project isn't a DIY type thing, I geuss I won't be doing it. I can't afford to copmromise my daily driver.

regards!

ZorroAMG · #6 04-03-2003, 11:28 AM

If you had an import tuner car, or a domestic car or quite frankly a POS, you could try to FI them, they are easier and more DIY friendly, our MB's are more finicky and require a bit more care and knowledge that is worth paying for....I am doing my own FI project this year too...don't get discouraged, if you want to do it, go ahead, just do your homework and have someone nearby that can help if and when (

) you get stuck...

Benzmac · #7 04-03-2003, 09:42 PM

There is a good kit on the market for your ML. The Kleemann guys build a custom intercooled supercharger set up that works seemlessly with your current engine and has 50 state legal cert.

The price is around 12,000 installed and will deliver around 330hp.

We are kleemann dealers (only Kleemann dealers can purchase and or install their products), and would be glad to work with you.

fema · #8 04-04-2003, 09:59 AM

Benzmac - thanks. Still too pricey for me, don't think I want to go that far with this vehicle. What about just headers - do you have those available for the ML? Also, what's the difference between a supercharger and turbocharger, I thought that might be a less expensive alternative. Still learning!

regards!

ZorroAMG · #9 04-04-2003, 10:19 AM

Supercharger is usually more expensive because it uses a pulley system (a separate drive mechanism) to activate it...which means all the power is always on and available, no lag. A turbo relies on the exhaust pressure to spin the turbo. The lag you get from a turbo is cause the car must have exhaust pressure to spin the turbo, so the car has to be put into motion and then the turbo will kick in...using smaller turbos, or twin turbo setups will reduce the lag..

Those are the main differences...I am just learning this stuff as well so if anyone can correcct me or add to it, feel free...

Good Luck

4NDELIT · #10 04-05-2003, 11:32 AM

although turbos do have lag, they end up producing more power than superchargers. I always thought they cost more too, but that could just be me. I don't think there's really a cheap and easy way to squeeze a lot of performance outta your ML, you could try intake/chip/exhaust, that can be relativley cheap, and depending on the car, you could gain a lot of HP.

fema · #11 04-05-2003, 09:42 PM

What do you mean - intake/chip/exhaust? I need a little further explanation - thanks.

4NDELIT · #12 04-05-2003, 09:48 PM

by intake, I mean an aftermarket intake like a K&N cone with a heat sheild or a cold air intake. Chip refers to ECU, for example, my bro bought a jim conforti racing chip. These generally advance the timing, change rev limiters, and change or remove speed governers. The exhaust refers to an aftermarket exhaust that flows better with less restrictions. I'm not sure how restrictive your car is, but on some cars it can make a big difference. I grouped these 3 mods together, because they are easy to do, can be cheap, and are commonly done all at once. Plus, it helps to do all at once because the engine works to the most restrictive part, so if you only change one thing (intake/chip/exhaust) you will still be limited by something else.

fema · #13 04-05-2003, 09:59 PM

Thanks, now that sounds like something worth exploring. I'll let you know how it goes!

ZorroAMG · #14 04-05-2003, 11:33 PM

Good advice. All three are the starting point of mods for most project cars, I did exhaust and Air filter (my car is Mechanical fuel injection so a chip does nothing for me) and obtained a nice sounding exhaust note and nicer looking muffler with my Remus and got an easier "breathing " car with the K&N, however, the EX and CAI are not going to give any noticeable performance (besides sound) upgrades to the ML as MB designs their new generation cars with quite free flowing systems from the factory. (the K& N is cheap and should be done anyway for longevity of the life of the car) I don't have personal experience with a chip (ECU upgrade), but I have heard great things about them, only thing is watch for warranty voiding issues. Here is a pic of my Remus exhaust....

J.HIDALGO · #15 04-07-2003, 01:01 PM

I read an article in an auto Magazine. He also has a web site...
Good luck!