Just spent a pretty enjoyable afternoon installing the M&K Euro Pipe (cat delete) and their 1 in - 1 out exhaust system. Pretty simple job once I went out and bought a collection of 13mm combination wrenches and a couple metric deep sockets. German engineers must have really small hands....and very thin ratchets. I had almost no luck ever applying a ratchet to any of the factory exhaust bolts. Everything was a 13mm open-end on both sides to get the clearance.

Once the new exhaust was installed, I tackled the Steve Wong chip under the seat. Not nearly as intimidating as I was expecting....and I think I even caught a glimpse of the dreaded DME relay bolted to the floor right next to the DME brain!!??

I didn't have much time to drive and enjoy it yet, but there is a substantial improvement in power delivery and urgency. So much so that now my tach needle bounces comedically under full throttle, and between quick shifts... I guess it's not used to being swung around the dial so rapidly.

The only glitch was that I got a few "extended engine cranking.....no start" episodes even before I pulled the car into the garage to do this project. To be fair, it's been sitting for at least 3 weeks and I know the battery is getting weak (Optima Yellow Top)... so I'd better ask the first question first:

1. CTEK battery charger - This is supposed to be the cat's meow for Optima batteries. Can anyone provide any direct feedback if it's worth buying... only around $60 -80 IIRC.

2. Failing that....is the long cranking a symptom of a failing DME relay? Does the failure show itself as an intermittent issue, or does it one day just conk-out completely? I've never replaced the relay (and don't even own a spare, GASP!). I'll buy one whether this ends up being the issue or not. I've been on a lucky streak for a LONG time and I'm sure my luck will eventually run out.

I took a few installation pics if anyone cares to see them. No video (yet)... but the new sound is deep, solid and cool. I'll probably try for a video clip to try to get the essence of it.


-G


ps. My brakes are still working great!

 

That is a fun project, and you'll enjoy the results.

When you say cranking, does the engine sound like it turns at the same speed, or slower?

The Ctek or Battery Tender trickle chargers are a good idea if the car sits for weeks.

 

It sounds like the normal cranking power and speed.... just no "fire".

I read some of the archives here and it mentioned that low voltage will allow cranking but the engine will act like there's no spark.

I also thought "maybe" this was the behavior of a failing DME relay, but the fact that it starts normally every 2nd or 3rd try didn't seem like the classic symptom of the relay issue.


-G

 

Where is a good place to buy the M&K pipe and the 1 and 1 muffler? Thanks.

 

we expect sound clips.....




of those brakes!

 

CTEK is an excellent buy. I have the small one from Mercedes Benz, takes couple days ( 2 - 4) to completely trickle charge the battery.

Even when battery is dead, it will recharge it in 1 day for you to be able to start the car. There is a bigger size but pricey around $600 with MB logo on it, but charge in hours.

BTW, how much is MK system? I'm thinking of getting one too. TIA.

 

Steve Wong is a dealer for M&K, so he was able to help me select the correct configuration (ie. The quitest one) and have it drop-shipped from the manufacturer directly.

Pricing from him seemed just as good as what I was seeing from other places. I forget the individual prices, but the complete order (Wong Chip, Pre-Muffler and Exhaust) came to around $1400. I am amazed at how quickly the car takes me through the first 3 gears now and I haven't even done the 2 visual checks (full throttle @ throttlebody, and microswitch activation for full-throttle). Who knows? There might even be a bit more ooooomph I haven't even gotten access to yet...



Thanks for the info on the CTEK....this Optima is about 8 years old already, so I'll try to revive it one last time, and then put a nice fresh one in there if I can't get this one perk up.


-G

 

Sweet job. What a great DIY project with tangible results - satisfying to all the sences. Get the DME relay before you go any further. Just for fun, the old relay should have a date stamped on it - see how old it is. Newer ones have a 993 part number. I was told a while back(by interstate rep) that the optima yellow top batteries are failure prone and they replace a bunch of them - red tops are great however.

 

WB,

Any reason to spend the extra coin on the Porsche-branded relay? Pelican shows:

911-618-154-00-M252 (Kaehler)

for around $25. That's what I'll get unless someone warns me away from it.


Thanks (again)


-G

 

I just looked at pelican. I may be mistaking, but I was sure the DME relay superceded to a 993 part number - of which Pelican has for $26.
Honestly, I would buy 2 of the "cheaper" relays, but wait for others here to help clarify. I'm second guessing myself and the rennlist "village" will get us straight on this.

 

"Newer ones have a 993 part number."

993 part completely different and incompatible.

 

Most all of the DME relays I have seen lately come out of Hungary.

 

Thanks Loren. My memory was in referance to the 944 - which appearantly does use the 993 part.
Anyway. Any ideas on the OEM vs. aftermarket?

 

GregB,

I have been considering the exact same install you just did - which is not uncommon I guess since it seems to be the most cost efficient package to gain some additional power and response for a 3.2.

I am going back and forth with whether to do the [SW Chip + M&K Pre-Muffler] and keep my stock muffler, or to go with the [SW Chip + M&K Pre-Muffler + a 1in 1out M&K Muffler].

You mentioned that you wanted the quietest one. I have a similar concern since I would love some extra sound, but I don't want to go overboard.

If you happen to have a chance, it would be great to hear some sound clips both at idle and underway. Also, pics would be appreciated. Glad to hear you like the results - I plan to as well in the next month or so.

Thanks,

 

SW Chips

Definitely on my to-do list at some point in the future. Right now, my car's running so well I don't want to do anything to change it. My mixture's on the money, and even my emissions figures are bang-on Factory spec. I'm all stock, with what sure looks like the original Cat...still doing its job to a tee.

I've changed the DME Relay with no problems. When I got the car last year, it was running a Relay from 1999 that still works great...I have it in the glovebox. Just to be safe I replaced it with a 2009 Relay.

I've thought about sending my DME brain box to Steve for a check-up and chip installation. His instructions seem simple and clear, but I have two left thumbs and I'm worried I'll snap or tear something.

Anyway, I enjoy hearing how everyone loves their chips. I've e-mailed Steve a couple times and come away impressed with his friendliness and knowledge.