Which Mercedes Performance Parts Actually Change How It Drives
- What Makes AMG Different When It Comes To Performance Upgrades?
- Genuine Performance Improvements You Can Expect For Your Mercedes
- Performance Exhaust Upgrades
- Cold Air Intakes
- ECU Tuning & Software
- High-Performance Braking Systems
- Improved Suspension Dynamics
- The Foreign Affairs Advantage
- Mercedes Performance Parts In Pompano Beach
Owning an AMG or a well-specced Mercedes-Benz opens up a world of performance upgrades. With offerings including performance chips, carbon fiber body kits, and custom titanium exhaust tips, it becomes overwhelming to choose which is right for your Mercedes. The truth is that only select performance parts offer a noteworthy performance improvement. If you’re deciding what to invest your modification budget in, we provide an honest breakdown of which Mercedes performance parts genuinely improve your performance, including exhaust, intake, ECU, suspension, and brake systems.
What Makes AMG Different When It Comes To Performance Upgrades?
Upgrading an AMG Model is vastly different from upgrading a standard Mercedes and requires more of a specialized approach.
AMG Models
AMG models are naturally higher-spec when it comes to their performance. They often come out of the box with performance brake packages and engine modifications. Adding Mercedes performance parts to an AMG requires a well-thought-out and intentional process with a vast array of knowledge and experience as to what each performance part offers.
Non-AMG Models
Standard Mercedes models are tuned to factory specifications for efficiency, refinement, and comfort. These models leave significant room for performance upgrades. ECU calibrations, performance braking and suspension kits, and carbon fiber intakes can add substantial performance gains to your well-specced Mercedes.
Genuine Performance Improvements You Can Expect For Your Mercedes
Performance Exhaust Upgrades
A performance exhaust system offers one of the most noticeable improvements to any Mercedes. They’re also heavily marketed, which can create confusion as to which performance kit to choose. The key is to invest in a comprehensive exhaust system. Options include a cat-back exhaust system which improves the tone and pitch, as well as a downpipe upgrade to improve power output. Finally, you’ll also require software tuning to manage your emissions.
AMG Models
Upgrading your AMG’s performance exhaust system amplifies those already present aggressive tones. Valvetronic control is another consideration that allows you to choose what sound profile you’re after on a particular driv.
Non-AMG Models
Standard exhaust upgrades aim to transform a quiet and refined exhaust system into a more accentuated and aggressive exhaust system, thereby moving it closer to how an AMG exhaust profile may sound.
Cold Air Intakes
Performance air intake upgrades contribute towards significant sound and engine tone enhancement; however, they don’t offer substantial performance gains.
AMG Models
The reality is that most modern AMG intakes are designed with performance in mind, which means fitting an aftermarket intake will most likely result in negligible performance gains. If it’s an improved engine sound you’re after, then a cold air intake will offer a dramatic improvement to your turbo spool and induction rumble. Performance intakes also offer a more sporty and aggressive aesthetic for your engine bay.
Non-AMG Models
Enhancements to stock intakes contribute minimal performance gains and subtle engine tone enhancements. You will notice an intake ‘whoosh’ which can be rewarding, but an intake upgrade should be carefully weighed up.
ECU Tuning & Software
ECU tuning will revolutionize how your Mercedes accelerates and drives. Turbocharged engines are regulated by factory software, leaving vast potential for performance improvements.
AMG Models
Here’s where you will notice a substantial performance boost. Engines such as the Mercedes-AMG E63 allow for significant improvements when it comes to thermal limits and shifting speed. You can expect to benefit from an additional 80 to 120 horsepower, which can particularly be felt in throttle responsiveness and in the mid-range.
You’ll be able to eliminate factory throttle lag by creating an exceptionally quick AMG. Keep in mind that experienced AMG technicians will always maintain tuning hardware limits, preventing the risk of going beyond thermal limits, thereby placing your engine in danger.
Non-AMG Models
A professional software tuning can offer considerable torque and acceleration gains to your Mercedes. You can expect to enjoy anywhere from 15% to 30% more horsepower over and above your factory preset.
A Note About Tuning
Modern AMG’s and Mercedes models are equipped with central powertrain controllers, which may need to be replaced to benefit from a performance improvement. The reality is that software flashing alone doesn’t always result in a substantial gain in performance. It’s imperative to choose a performance facility that is experienced in Mercedes CAN-bus architecture to deliver smooth and predictable power delivery.
High-Performance Braking Systems
Horsepower gains are by far the most focused on modifications; however, investing in your stopping power will boost your driving confidence more than you may realize.
AMG Models
True AMG models already boast high-performance braking systems such as Brembo setups. Further upgrades may involve upgrading to Brembo GT (Grand Turismo) or PFC Brakes for high structural rigidity and weight shedding. These high-performance setups reduce brake fade to allow for ensure long-term aggressive braking performance. You may also want to consider a rotor size upgrade or ceramic pad compounds for additional AMG braking performance.
Non-AMG Models
Standard Mercedes model upgrades can include caliper swaps for larger multi-piston calipers, wheel spindle modifications to make way for modern brake upgrades, as well as larger calipers and rotors. Keep in mind that many of these upgrades may require an increase in overall wheel size to accommodate the larger components.
Use An Authorized PFC Dealer
PFC (Performance Friction Carbon) is a manufacturer of high-performance braking systems used in professional motorsports and several aftermarket applications. Choosing an authorized PFC dealer will ensure that your Mercedes takes full advantage of less weight and decreased temperature transfer. The result of choosing PFC brakes eliminates that warped rotor feel while ensuring a firm, predictable braking action on the track.
Even Brakes Have A Limit
Remember that your brakes are only as effective as your tire traction limit and compound. Fitting a performance brake kit guarantees that every hard stop feels the same.
Improved Suspension Dynamics
Mercedes are known for their balance between high-speed stability whilst maintaining incredible ride comfort. Upgrading your suspension system will improve body roll, steering feedback, and turn-in accuracy.
AMG Models
Height-adjustable spring kits (HAS) are a great option to lower that center of gravity while maintaining electronic damping control. The result is decreased body roll in the corners and all round firmer feel. A HAS kit will be noticed and appreciated while cornering on track days.
Non-AMG Models
A great move to improve your Mercedes’ suspension dynamics is to upgrade the bushings and coilovers. A sportier coilover setup will reduce that soft ride into a more responsive one. Remember that a stiffer suspension setup doesn’t automatically translate into improved handling. A firmer ride can actually accentuate bumps in the road. If you’re aiming to maximize track day performance and weekend drives, however, a firmer suspension setup is the way to go.
The Foreign Affairs Advantage
At Foreign Affairs Motorsports, we offer some unique benefits when upgrading your Mercedes.
Warranty Peace Of Mind
Our team of highly experienced technicians is aware of all the associated warranty implications when it comes to upgrades on all Mercedes. Just because you’re going ahead with a performance modification doesn’t mean that you’ll necessarily void your warranty.
When it comes to a claim, the manufacturer must prove that it was the performance modification that directly caused the failure. As authorized dealers of several aftermarket performance brands, we ensure that any part or modification we fit is of the highest quality and comes with a backed-up warranty. We do our utmost to ensure the manufacturer warranty stays intact.
Performance Upgrades Are Considered In Your Factory Service
Our factory services take your Mercedes performance upgrades into consideration. Our knowledgeable technicians understand how particular parts interact with each other, and the implications of how they should be serviced. You can rest assured that your interval service plan will remain intact.
Software Calibration Is Prioritized
Software systems on modern AMGs are vitally important when it comes to ensuring hardware runs flawlessly, with most hardware installations requiring software calibration. At Foreign Affairs Motorsport, we align software upgrades to hardware installations.
Mercedes Performance Parts In Pompano Beach
Your AMG or Mercedes has a trusted home in Pompano Beach. As a full Mercedes-Benz vehicle line-up service facility, at Foreign Affairs Motorsports, we specialize in all performance upgrades. We approach every Mercedes uniquely and offer expert advice on the best-suited performance package for your driving style and needs. As a PFC Brakes authorized dealer, we offer a wide range of trusted performance solutions.
Expert Mercedes-Benz service starts here! Call Foreign Affairs Motorsports at 954-746-0488 to book your AMG or Mercedes-Benz today.