[Scott Blake]

Hi all,

Just wondering about this. I mean, 292 hp is ok but if you could get an extra 10-20 or somesuch by doing something relatively inexpensive, it might be interesting. Do air filters for instance boost horsepower? Heck, what about a blower?

I think I saw that for 24,000 dollars you could get something like 40 more horsepower by doing an obviously pretty major bore out of the engine. Clearly we are not talking about that then; thats about half the price of a vehicle depending on what you have!

Thoughts/ideas/suggestions?

Regards,

Scott

 

[DUTCH]

Hi all,

Just wondering about this. I mean, 292 hp is ok but if you could get an extra 10-20 or somesuch by doing something relatively inexpensive, it might be interesting. Do air filters for instance boost horsepower? Heck, what about a blower?

Thoughts/ideas/suggestions?

Regards,

Scott

Buy a G55.

 

[Scott Blake]

Too late!

 

[fernweh]

Too late!

We will offer a 20HP increase per ECU tuning very shortly and I will keep you informed.

www.ecostartuning.com is being set-up right now especial for Mercedes-Vehicles with our G-500 to receive the newest "green" ECO ECU software from Germany.

 

[Scott Blake]

A friend of mine used something similar (if I am understanding the product correctly) and mentioned that in his case it was quite hard on pistons. I was hoping 'super duper sparkplugs' for 3hp, air filter for 5hp kinda stuff. Something tells me the laws of physics are hard to break when your are not physically altering the engine (bore or stroke alterations for instance; otherwise MB would have had it spec'd out with more hp right from the get go).

I am going to ask you about some other stuff Ferweh but am trying to gather some more info to have an informed post on it.

 

[fernweh]

A friend of mine used something similar (if I am understanding the product correctly) and mentioned that in his case it was quite hard on pistons. I was hoping 'super duper sparkplugs' for 3hp, air filter for 5hp kinda stuff. Something tells me the laws of physics are hard to break when your are not physically altering the engine (bore or stroke alterations for instance; otherwise MB would have had it spec'd out with more hp right from the get go).

I am going to ask you about some other stuff Ferweh but am trying to gather some more info to have an informed post on it.

I do believe a airfilter getting you 5hp is just a myth......while the new software which controls all the engines functions is being optimized for your specific engine computer and has to do with lots of physics.....you will gain extra HP or while continue with the same driving/style/habit might get you a fuel saving from 5 - 10%

To compare it the Mercedes-Benz way of doing business - The diesel engine in the E280CDI is identical with the one in the E320CDI - both have the same 3.0 liter Diesel engine, but different software - MB sells the 320CDI for more $$$ while the 280 is the less expensive "economy model" (German Vehicles)

 

[Scott Blake]

So MB holds back its best in order to charge premiums for its 'best best'? Much like Apple could have put picture taking in the Nano that does video but didn't because that might steal sales away from an iphone (that does take pictures)?

It just surprises me that they would hold back that 20hp as it still would not have competed with a g50 back in the day. Maybe they just got better with the software in the interim? Or is this even MB but rather a secondary tuner company?

 

[4x4G]

RENNTECH // MERCEDES // MCLAREN
Lots of options - just get out your check book

 

[NoPaint]

I say hang on and actually see/drive the vehicle before planning any of what you've posted. In general, the vehicle is far more capable and prepared to perform than most owners have the guts to use it for. I would drive a vehicle for a minimum of 6 months before changing a thing. That is the only way to get to know the vehicle, its quirks, its kinks, and its ACTUAL needs.

 

[Scott Blake]

Well I do think I really really need winter tires. My first trip is going to be across the country from Toronto to Denver to Calgary to Vancouver in winter. So most things I am not too fussed about (do I get a snorkel now or later, a magic air filter or whatever). But I am definitely getting pushed down the road of new tires (if not new rims as well).

 

[NoPaint]

Sounds good. New tires on a used purchase are one of my first modifications too. I happen to really like the stock Yokohama tires not only for ride reasons but they also look really good. I don't know what kind of conditions you drive in but I do not think the Yoko's are studdable. I also do not know if they would be considered dedicated snow/ice tires and my inclination is that they are not.

 

[mb230s]

The G500 power is very good, you really don't need anything more. With the weight and wind resistance of the G the ONLY thing that will help is displacement - so buy a G55. Most of the ECU software tricks just alter the curve - the "improvement" is a "cost" somewhere else. I wouldn't waste the money. Keep your engine in tip/top shape with good maintenance, plugs, fluids, etc. Treat it right and it will last a lifetime.

On a side note - I briefly considered a G55 and after driving them I decided that as impressive as the truck is, it is just wasted as a daily driver. If I had the money and space for more frivolous cars I love one in the stable.

 

[Scott Blake]

Yea, I am going to get some more details on what those tires are that are on the vehicle this week. I suspect they are highway tires and not even all terrain but could be mistaken. I can't see the writing in the photos. I am told they are only about 25% worn so would be good for a while. Derailing my own thread here but whatver.

 

[DUTCH]

Yea, I am going to get some more details on what those tires are that are on the vehicle this week. I suspect they are highway tires and not even all terrain but could be mistaken. I can't see the writing in the photos. I am told they are only about 25% worn so would be good for a while. Derailing my own thread here but whatver.

Those are the OEM Yokohama Geolandar H/T G038G tires. All season, not all terrain. They're no good in mud or snow, but they do pretty well off road in dirt, gravel and rocks.

 

[Scott Blake]

Heh, no good in snow - yup, they need to come off then given my first trip is cross country in the winter hitting ski destinations! Thanks Dutch!

 

[NoPaint]

I just drove the G through 20-24" snow a couple weeks back and it was wonderful. I don't think the stock tires are terrible in snow. They tracked really straight and uphill traction was spectacular. Perhaps it was the G and not the tires but I wouldn't get a different tire for my style of driving. If I was driving in snow everyday perhaps I would investigate other options.

 

[Scott Blake]

Well, my concern is just that I am literally doing a two month trip in winter to Denver and up the Rockies into Canada and over to Vancouver; then back! I would hate to think 'yea, no problem' and then find out halfway to Denver 'oh oh'. I could economize and just do 4 (keep the spare as is) and we are looking at 1,000 bucks give or take which seems like money well spent. The problem is, I won't get a feel for if the current ones are acceptable until I am back which is literally the week I am leaving (assuming I don't have my cousin swap them out beforehand - its currently at his place).

 

[tuckersnocat]

We use the Blizzaks in the winter and they are very capable. If you don't mind spending the money I'd buy a set. You could also just get a set of chains/cable chains for backup and try the tires that are already on the G. Chains aren't a bad idea to have along even with good snow tires. I'm in Southwest CO (Durango) give a shout if you're in my area. Great snow here now.

 

[4x4G]

Those are the OEM Yokohama Geolandar H/T G038G tires. All season, not all terrain. They're no good in mud or snow, but they do pretty well off road in dirt, gravel and rocks.

Not to hijack, but I have a set of these in 65-75+% shape sitting in the garage.
If there is anyone in the Denver area that wants them I will make you a heck of a deal

 

[4x4G]

Well, my concern is just that I am literally doing a two month trip in winter to Denver and up the Rockies into Canada and over to Vancouver; then back! I would hate to think 'yea, no problem' and then find out halfway to Denver 'oh oh'. I could economize and just do 4 (keep the spare as is) and we are looking at 1,000 bucks give or take which seems like money well spent. The problem is, I won't get a feel for if the current ones are acceptable until I am back which is literally the week I am leaving (assuming I don't have my cousin swap them out beforehand - its currently at his place).

What time of the year will you be heading this way?
I run Blizzaks in the winter and Goodyear MTR's with Kevlar or Super Swampers in the summer - they have never stranded me and I have never needed chains.
(but I also always carry a shovel and tow straps :0 )