I'm replacing the exhaust on my '92 from just before the cats all the way back.
I'm a little confused and looking for some guidance as to the best way to go. From the reading I've done, here's what I have come up with: the two single pipes into a X-pipe with the O2 sensor mounted in the middle, or in one of the pipes, then to two aftermarket 100 cell cats (if I can find them here in the US) if not two 200 cell cats, then to a dual straight through muffler.
Does anyone have any suggestions as to the best cat, X-pipe, and muffler to use? I'm seeing Magnaflow quite a bit, are they as good as any?
Any help, suggestions, or links to actual products would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Chris
I guess this is a good place to chime in.
Gents, after months of studying yours and others' thoughts on this topic (Chris, I feel your pain), I bit the bullet yesterday and replaced everthing after the O2 sensor on my '92 500E with a custom Magnaflow system. I ended up with the high flow cats Jelmer showed ("CA/CE 59956 0410" is the number that was engraved on them -- I think someone was looking for that); after the cats, into a Y-pipe; from there, to a 14" long Magnaflow muffler where the resonator used to live; from there to a 10" long Magnaflow muffler where the back box used to live, from there out to the tips (a la 2PHAST).
Sounds great -- deep, quiet V8 rumble. From inside the cabin, no audible difference from before throughout the RPM range -- even at WOT. Just as quiet as before at idle. From outside the car, you can definitely tell something's up with the car, but passers by just think it's a big V8 Mercedes, as the rest of the car's stance denotes. Nowadays, AMG has gotten the public used to these "slightly different, more powerful" Mercedes' -- even in a town like Sarasota.
A couple of notes from the experience: (a) I may re-do the tips, and simply cut the rear bumper for a more stealthy look. That may mean a re-do on the back box. So if you like an OEM look, consider doing that the first time; (b) I liked having all the components there -- resonator delete was too loud for me. My exhaust fabricator let me "sound test" different fitments, which was helpful. Also, while I could have run cat-less, in the end with the high-flows available, I figured why break the law if you don't have to; (c) the installer was very adamant about pipe quality (14 gage, no 16 or 18 gage to save money, as in the kits) and installing later components OVER the one in front of it, so as not to end up with unintended back pressure. He says "most" welders get both of these "wrong" -- meaning they do what works for them (cheaper piping and easier install) instead of what works for you (better piping and a correct weld joint).
When I get some time, I'll post pictures, although I think we have plenty on this thread already. I uploaded a Youtube of the sound (search "W124 500E Exhaust" and look for the silver one filmed from the rear driver corner). Butt-dyno results are impressive -- she's definitely accelerating quicker, 2nd gear start with ASR off burns rubber for about 3x as long (1.5 seconds vs. .5 seconds, guestimate), 1st gear start (WOT) with ASR off is now an affirmatively obnoxious waste of tires -- like almost 3 seconds worth of burn, similar to the S55 -- luckily I don't drive that way. This may just be because my stock cats were starting to clog and rattle. But I doubt it. The right exhaust on these cars is money well spent.
You guys have helped me tons, so I hope this helps someone here.
Cheers,
maw
