Here's How Bad Cheap Chinese Headers Fit On A Fine German Automobile. E55 AMG Long Tube Install.

Cheap Chinese Headers don't cost much but how bad do they fit? In this video, I install the cheapest long tube headers I could find on my 2003 Mercedes-Benz E55 AMG and show you the good, the bad and the ugly truth with these types of exhaust systems. You may be surprised with the end results so stay tuned for the startup and test drive at the end. Oh, I also install Maybach engine mounts and a CLK Black Series Trans Mount!!
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Get 12% off by using Coupon Code legite55.
Black Series Engine and Trans Mount kit.
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You can get the engine mounts separate and use the stock trans mount with no issues.
Factory workshop repair manuals for any car - bit.ly/2L2Ptj3
Torque on header studs is 16NM.
Miracle engine mount tool - amzn.to/2OMqraA
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That's it!! Wait no, follow me on Instagram @legitstreetcars.
Ok, now have a fantastic day!!
Alex

[@LegitStreetCars]

What should I do next to the E55?

[@andreaskoumides9599]

LegitStreetCars “straight pipe it”

[@mathewfullerton8577]

Uh, three times the cost means three times more expensive. You wanted to say they are one-third the cost.

[@LegitStreetCars]

@@mathewfullerton8577 Good catch Matt. I caught it during editing and clarified in text on the screen.

[@mathewfullerton8577]

@@LegitStreetCars Yeah, I'm a bit anal about stuff like that. Maybe I should hire myself out as an editor. Great video, though!

[@TreyDaze]

Please don’t do a Burble Tune!!!

[@MrTheHillfolk]

I’m very disappointed with the whole thing, there was a major fail in the video. You didnt start it up with open headers, that’s a right of passage to header installation.

[@LegitStreetCars]

Sorry dude, my neighbors can only take so much, lol

[@luisb4313]

Lol i too was hoping that he would start it up

[@RussellHightonJr]

Seriously how could you resist starting that beautiful engine with open headers

[@MrTheHillfolk]

LegitStreetCars Haha that’s ok, try it next time when you do an install and aren’t at home.

[@arnoldcastro1760]

Check the video of my cl55 amg with the open headers

[@ericfletcher8454]

You're gonna love the performance difference from the long tubes. They were the best mod I've done to my E55

[@SprayWayCustoms]

Alex, I'm following your blueprint for the E55 AMG. Thanks for all the great content !!!

[@unclesnotknuckle1]

How the hell are you going to install long tube headers and not do an open header startup at least? I feel like that was a missed opportunity. Do better LoL.

[@unclesnotknuckle1]

Yeah, I like my own comments. I've had too much to drink. What cha gonna do?

[@philbertlovely7724]

So glad I found your channel. Just bought an '06 CLS55 and now I have an itch to mod it. Thank you for being the M113K goldmine of KZbin.

[@HaloHamstur]

I've been looking to do the same to my E55 so glad you made a video. I'm more glad to see that these don't hang really low and they are actually tight against the car.

[@ja.935g67]

Way to start a Legit Saturday!

[@SPHINX144]

Have Kleemann on mine. They looked gorgeous and the welds were superb when new, I didn't do the install myself but my mechanic didn't appear to have much trouble installing them. It's been 8 years now and no problems with them so far, you really get what you pay for.

[@glennjames9152]

I bought the exact same headers. I had no problem at all and I LOVE them!

[@roadworkahead6368]

Chinese headers fit just fine on 1,000’s of LS cars 🤷🏽‍♂️ Speed Engineering, Texas Speed, Pace Setter, and OBX. My $1,4000 Stainless Workz headers broke welds. I would TIG in any spots that you think need it and roll. They all make the same power.

[@nowthatsfunny1]

Thank you for doing these videos. I have a 2006 sl500 and I enjoy watching you work on your Mercedes.

[@audigw]

8:39 Completely exhausted.... ;)

[@stevesmith8107]

Any exhaust leaks use the high temp permatex. I have used it on race cars for header gasket turbo flanges etc. It works great an won't blow out on 3 stage 1200 hp total shot nitrous engine.

[@CaseTheCorvetteMan]

Really good to see you showing those East Coast Euro poly engine mounts, theyre AWESOME in every sense of the word. There is VERY MINIMAL vibration transferred, the car handles a shade better because the engine stays still, and theyre rebuildable. Best option around.

[@TexasGTO]

Installed many China headers np no issues long lasting...

[@FordyHunt]

Another fascinating video, keep it up bro!

[@LordPrometheous]

"Got the headers in. Completed exhausted." I see what you did there.

[@dougzmgmailcom]

did you have to cut that pipe?

[@05glisedan]

Just began to develop a small exhaust leak. May have to consider your setup. Thanks for posting.

[@dangerousfreedom4965]

Another great vid!👍

[@mak62183]

Damn Alex, you’re a freakin BEAST! Nice work!

[@AKars]

Finally, i‘m excited 😍❤️

[@Albanianguy9]

Haha damm. So glad you did a video on these. Was honestly so curious what the quality would be and longevity!

[@thundrstruck87]

Lol nice pun 8:39 ..Sounds good man, can't wait to hear it straight piped!

[@jmhellison]

Alex, after watching your videos for some time, I think the E55 will be my next car. I bought a 2001 GS430 and love it, but now I want more power LoL. I see a lot of E55s for around $16k and 80k miles. You can't beat that dollar performance

[@Robsav-yx6vi]

Driver side header work out is harder than any Gym work Out . Alex using Braun and Brains together. Oh that shoulder pain . Beautiful job Alex . Thank you For the excellent video.

[@martinjenssen2092]

Rob Canadianguy you dont go to the gym much, do you?

[@redbug3485]

Great Stuff! Your vids are Awesome.

[@joannaatkins822]

Pun alert @ 08:38 😅

[@glennashby6532]

Exhausted?

[@HustlePaul]

Such a great car I really can't wait to get mine 😁

[@BeesonsCars]

Your E55 is actually perfect 😍

[@AKars]

Dat Powerslide, Monsterr 😍😍😍

[@myc36amg]

Love watching your videos from 🇦🇺

[@24MartinONDS]

Ewww snow :-/ Great video like always. Wish I could install headers legally here too. I'd love to see some WS6 Video again, I could just watch that car all day lol

[@glennjames9152]

The flex sections are actually a left and right. Even though they look identical, they are not so you flip them and it would have fit better. I also used bolts and removed the threaded studs.

[@LegitStreetCars]

I tried them both ways. The other way was impossible to line up so im assuming I have it right this way

[@BIGMIKEC63]

I have the Kleemann long tube headers and x-pipe with resonator and all four catalysts deleted on my C63PP, very happy with the result and wouldnt change it, no matter the costs. Stock mufflers.

[@Qgal5kap123]

Every time I see people use Makita tools, it makes me happy. I think I'm becoming a fanboy...

[@molskimauler]

On the Engine Masters show on Motor Trend Freiburger bashed a header with a hammer on a dyno motor and it had no effect on horsepower numbers. So anyone out there who needs to "massage" a header it's ok to dent it a little.

[@Noobie250r]

Definitely as long as it's not pinched lol

[@carlos64030]

Yeah, I saw that episode, too.

[@martinhuusfelt1783]

Just bend the heat shields: no dents on headers looks much better to :)

[@jonathankenna5996]

Whenever I come across a stud like that, I usually take two other nuts and tighten them together on the opposite side. Then you can use two wrenches, one on the nuts that are tightened together and one on the stuck nut, to remove the one that is stuck. Just ensures that the threads on the stud are preserved. Great video!

[@Johnthechill]

Deez nuts

[@rafaelbritojr2854]

Hahaha the bleep 😭 great video man 🙏🏼

[@E.T.GARAGE]

I used a cheap china 304 duel exhaust OBX from headers back on my 90 C4 Corvette and there was al sorts of cutting and welding involved to get them to fit, later on one of the welds on the exhaust brackets on the muffler broke china welds and I ended up welding it and reinforcing it, since then I have had no problems one thing I can say is it is a good looking exhaust and the 304 stainless is holding up well.

[@jacksmith3189]

Good information Thanks

[@Leatherkid01]

Nice job :) looking good

[@05glisedan]

Working on this right now. Following along with you. Just got started and 5 studs came out. Break time now. Gonna figure out how to take out steering shaft next. Gracias.

[@coledogger2227]

Thanks for all your work posting these videos. Any thoughts on a 2009 C63 overall? I have read mixed reviews. Thanks again

[@patriciomartinez5181]

Great video. Did you keep the original mufflers or were they deleted?

[@rogermoore2365]

Nice I'm thinking of getting a e55

[@123TimmyMr]

Great job Alex! But I have a question for you. What do you recommend for the C55? I recently had the starter replaced and found hole in exhaust, I want long tube headers like you are using on your E55 but not sure what to go for.

[@kittypigeonclueless5566]

ok just finished the video and it looks beautiful, as always great job!! Going to change my engine mounts through the front by moving the alternator and ac pump instead. LOL they are completely shot.

[@LegitStreetCars]

Thanks Bob!

[@Droopy578]

I was really never into Mercedes, just BMW. Between watch this channel and and Tavarish's, I am a changed man. Popped my cherry a few months back and bought a '92 300E w124 coupe. What a joy to drive !! 170k miles but ran like a clock. Very minimal repairs needed and never leaked any fluids. Sadly had to sell it for financial reasons. I will be in the market in the future for a '95 or so C36 AMG 6 cylinder, your thoughts?

[@hellandryan99]

Hey Alex, just started following you, enjoy watching what you’ve been posting and learning the ins and outs of these cars, Did you end up selling those mid lengths yet? I’m not to far away from you

[@gusrockes]

Exhaust is like top 3 most important mod.

[@Velkanis]

4 years later after this video went live im still wondering for the song at 7:40 and every so often it still pops in my mind how i should never buy chinese headers 🤣

[@douglasrivera5293]

Great Video Alex! I'm going to install mine this week. Do you have the p/n for the Maybach mounts?

[@maldo72]

Great video... yea I was also bumped you did not do a open header start up ...

[@ride8ty3]

I installed a set of China Long tubes on my E55 and did it without a lift. I didnt need to fanangle the engine to the side either.. maybe I was just lucky but I was able to get it in.. it was super close though I bet the manufacturing tolerances vary enough to where you got a set that were a PITA to install. I also had new motor mounts in when I did the headers so maybe that helped a little.

[@kittypigeonclueless5566]

just starting the video here so I don't know how it went yet, but I gotta say they headers look pretty damn ncie.

[@Mikebike68]

Epic content!

[@DawgYa1]

Looks like it fits fine

[@jae9843]

I have the same China headers, just stamped with a different brand. Like you alluded to, they're all knock-offs of ones made by American Racing Headers. I can't remember exactly why ARH even made them originally for the W211 E55 since it's such a relatively tiny market, but I think there was some serendipity involved. Anyway I think these long tubes and x-pipe on the E55 sound amazing. And I don't know the gains over shorties and mid-length headers, but I gained a consistent 5+ mph in my traps after swapping out the stock manifolds for these and getting an off-the-shelf retune. My only problem with them is the same problem I have with almost all long tube headers on any car, which is that they mess with ground clearance a good bit. The consensus best headers for the E55 are made by MBH, which incidentally don't reduce ground clearance, but the price of their x-pipe alone is almost what these China headers cost in their entirety.

[@AaAsCd]

8:32 🤣🤣🤣🤣 I feel your pain!

[@AndreS_-df2nw]

That's easy fitment. Really. I've seen header install that took much longer, and had to bash floors, header tubes etc... Then after multiple times in & out of the car they finally kind-of fit.

[@rileys8741]

Just bought a W211 keychain tag. Keep up the good content dude! More C55 content 😛

[@LegitStreetCars]

Packaging it up right now!! Thanks

[@jsalinas118]

looking at a 06 cls55 amg. anything i should keep an eye out for? thanks. great vid like always

[@staticmercedes809]

so on my w210, E430, i have a muffler delete, secondary car delete, and resonator delete, let me tell you, it sounds sooooooooooooo good.

[@realestateeric]

@legitstreetcars or anyone else - How can you reduce the risk of breaking the studs off in the engine or having the studs come out as happened in this video? Would it be a good idea to get some heat in the engine earlier in the day (drive it earlier) and still work on the car when it is somewhat warm (not too warm obviously as you don't want to burn yourself). What about using a blow torch to heat up the nuts?

[@The_Equalizer23]

Love the vids... Great content! Love the car but I prefer coupes. Any thoughts about the C207 w/M278 engine? I would appreciate your opinion!

[@michobebemckawi]

Hey Alex, You should've removed the other side of the pipe in order to make it fit better not only the passenger side, since both sides are welded at the X--pipe so it kept on pushing.

[@cali2468]

It looks great

[@martinhuusfelt1783]

Been there done it easy :) 1 tip heat shields before bolting down everything mount it loose mark the heat shield areas where it touch, remove everything and use and nice big clean rubber hammer. Problem solve plenty of clearance nothing is touching: Clearance afterwards :) Approx my F finger between 😁😁😁 Also did my Midt Length Headers myself in my garage in the floor having good jacks and MB jack pads helps alot. Did in December last year. Installed everything lined up. Had car picked up with transporter - exhaust shop adjusted those really bad fitting Downpipes is so off I don't understand what the point was lol but u difently need a skilled exhaust to finish up. (Mine starte d leaking) had it fixed but yes the grafit gaskets are crap:) And today long headers. Awesome video

[@txturbo930]

very interested in seeing what you picked up on the dyno

[@jasonpage7852]

i did those on right hand drive e55, which required they be modified to fit around steering, oem mufflers remain, and despite looking and looking, still cannot find why they rattle for half second on cold start. very impressed with low down torque they produce so after stressing about the rattle, i gave up on that and just enjoy them now. interesting that neither alex or nobody else seemed notice one side hangs lower at flex joint

[@ALifeWithCars]

Hey man fan of the channel for a while now, also in Illinois lol, but quick question for you. I have had several subscribers and followers of my small channel along with people I meet at shows ask me why my 2005 c55 makes that wining sound on cold startup then quiets down after it warms up, almost every m113\113k does this same thing! There are so many different things people say it could be on the forms. Thus I have no good answer for them or myself. As my car has only 59k miles on it bought with 19k on it and has made this noise since day one, there has to be an explanation lol I was wondering with your vast AMG experience if you may be able to shed some light! Thanks for the content as always man! Cheers Alex , ALifeWithCars

[@joedirt8625]

Man, I wish I knew about Maybach engine Mounts before I replaced mine. Driver side sucked to get in, Not doing it over again.

[@turbointegra82]

Hey Alex there is a C55 with 235k on the clock for only 5k on Craigslist in Federal way Washington. It looked to be in good shape with few problems. I think this car would fit your channel Well! I'd watch 🤘

[@garagenextdoor807]

Alex, make sure you address that front driveshaft knuckle, those parts arent fun sounding when they break, nice video keep It up btw!

[@CORZER0]

Damn, weren't we just celebrating 100k subscribers like, 3 days ago? And you're sporting 113k already? Nice work!

[@LegitStreetCars]

Thanks brother. Yea the channel is growing great. Very thankful

[@popuptoaster]

Do you happen to know if it's worth fitting long tube headers to the W210 E55? if so do the w211 ones look like they may fit, having trouble finding cheapo ones for my older benz.

[@kaksken1999]

Is it just me or does that front drivers lift pad look like it's on the floor pan at 15:23? Great vid btw

[@mrmuhtish]

I know it's been 5 years since you've done this video. But I think you are the best guy to ask. I am trying to install long tube headers on a driver's side. It is a pain! Do you recall if you've had studs in when aligning headers on a driver's side or you've threaded studs in after alignment? Thanks!

[@pitster]

Alex, what did you do for the post cat sensors? Did you just extend the oil level sensor wires, or did you find some extensions that match up to the factory plugs?

[@xxxCanYouCYxxx]

The toe out on that trans am is like 5 degrees you should adjust the tie rods.

[@mathislane178]

ALEX, I bought these same headers from XS-Power and had no fit issues Other than the heat shield which was not a big deal at all it crumps very easily.. I put a thread on AMG FORUM. I bought the VRP pulley also and I noticed a great power increase with the headers . It sounds great too!

[@mmttpp4477]

Nice.6_-29-20 e55amg. Need license..Keep it original. I say mods. Maybach mounts. China headers. Pully.169kmi.2005.Thanks for your service. CHICAGO Tommy.

[@riceball4u172]

For people reading this, You can always put some plastic Shim or liquid nail onto the heat shield to reduce the metal to metal noise.

[@torygyberg8837]

Man that car sound good!

[@csebastian71]

Speed bumps and potholes😂 No shortage of thoses😂 I can’t even look at my headers now.

[@miguelortega7799]

Cool vid, have s question have R320. What is it with these Benz radios? Can't change station or adjust volume. I scanned the car got a code said cd eject button stuck. Any pointer you can give? Once again cool vid.

[@GnadFlea]

Hey Alex, do the aero, panels that bolt on underneath the body no longer fit with the header installation?

[@peterdaniel66]

Gives you a real appreciation as to why OEM and factory parts cost what they do

[@waynealan2226]

For breaking up the rust on studs the very best product I've found has been "Break Free". You can get it at almost any Cabela's Sporting Goods store since it is used for cleaning guns and was developed to clean military M16 in Vietnam.

[@LegitStreetCars]

Awesome I'll check it out.

[@waynealan2226]

@@LegitStreetCars We used it to break loose bolts on 100 year old Historical Trollies when we were refurbishing them. Just a few drops would penetrate so fast that 1-1/2" diameter bolts could be loosened in just hours. Bolts and studs like the ones shown would come loose within minutes. I used it on the exhaust bolts of my old 1967 200D (110.110.10.32765) when it finally needed replacement. Two drops on each an hour later then nuts came off easily. I've had several MB's and am looking at a 2005 E320 wagon and have looked for a long time like you suggest to get the best for the least looking them over thoroughly before buying. VERY GOOD ADVICE.

[@StarWarNerd]

How do you put the stud back in ? Do you put thread it into engine first or can you do it with manifold ?

[@Velkanis]

5 years and still counting how ive yet to find that one song @ 7:40 to jam...

[@MrCamus83]

Nice video , im getting my long tube headers pretty soon for my 04 e55 amg, by the way we are neighbors i live in aurora Illinois 👍

[@mrldr1595]

Zip tie the after cat o2s off heat shield. Just need to any electronic signals to eliminate chk engine light

[@stevesmith8107]

Do the adapter plate an put a big Whipple charger on it.

[@mxdorazio]

I have a 2013 e550w4 and want to put a weistec exhaust on it. Any chance you want to do it and share the experience? Love your videos

[@tischlerbmw21]

I’ve got an 03 E500, with some magnaflow straight through mufflers, x pipe secondary cat delete, thinking about installing this kit. What do u think? Only thing I’m worried about no back pressure, and going from 3” to 2 1/4”.

[@robertbrown4262]

Alex do you think that you can use the Black series motor mount's in a 2009 c63 AMG.Thank you. Love watching the video's. R. Brown.

[@jpbogard11]

Do you see any future issues with accessing components (starter motor, transmission removal, etc) with those long tubes installed?

[@mrmuhtish]

Alex, how did you separate the y-pipe from the resonator end? Mine seems to be in there good!

[@Uniquetransition]

Hey Alex. Quick question. Have you ever worked on an SLS AMG as a tech? Interested to hear your opinion on them. How do you think ownership would be like?