I'm underway with my 02' GLE upgrade program, feels good. Will be a slow-growth project moving ahead as circumstances allow (I'm on-the-road a lot and away from the car). Hopefully I will get close to my goal of a decent "sleeper" GLE within 5-6 months. Plan: Suspension 1st, Brake system 2nd and HP 3rd with added "touches" across-the-board as I go. While I'm willing to make some trade-offs, and unlike many of you fellas, in the end I want it to look stock and maintain as much of the "GLE ride personality" as possible/acceptable.

Ordered today: Stillen RSB kit, Otto FTSB kit, Southwest Autoworks polished battery tiedown and clear corners. Will be picking-up a polished oil cap cover for another minor engine compartment touch tomorrow and still researching the tire purchase (most likely Pilot Sport A/S's 225/50-17 but I have plenty of time). The first products will be installed after I return home around 10/15/03.

Then, onto cross-drilled front/rear rotors and caliper/pad upgrades. Debating Konico struts/shocks but will hold that decision until after I test-drive the stock setup after the above is complete. WHP? I need more time to research/plan product selection. Long-term, sell and by a 6th generation for the H*** of it.

As an aside, thanks to "Steve" at Southwest today for handling all my questions and the order in a professional manner (I'm impressed so far).

 

good luck, post your pics for us.

 

Sounds like a good start!

For sure keep us posted.

 

Do the suspension. Completely. Shocks/Springs, Braces, and sway bars. I have a 2k2 GLE with above, handles like a race car. Does give up a little ride comfort though. Gets ride of the "bobble" in the stock suspension when it is under duress. Good powermods: Alum. Flywheel, Pulley, Header, Injectors, ECU re-program, Turbo or Super to finish.

 

Have fun, but trust me after all that your gonna wanna throw some rims on.

 

TarHeelMaxima - thanks for the details.

The FSTB and RSB (and clears) are installed. I'm impressed with the "flat" cornering capability and overall "tightness" at this point. Once the Pilot A/S's are on this beast will be handling nicely.

 

Just an update as the project continues...I'll post details on the A/S's on the Tires forum time permitting (short and long-term reports). Bottom-line, I have not done much compared to most of you fellas and my objectives are very different (cruiser/touring versus "ballz-to-the-wall") but I will say this..."with the addition of the FSTB, RSB and as of today the 225/50 Pilot Sports replacing the OEM EL42s this GLE is a completely different machine than when I started this post. I struggled big-time between 50's versus 55's and in the end went lower-profile.

The combination of these minor enhancements on this particular car have improved handling/rigidity dramatically versus OEM. My objective is to remain stock in appearance and maintain the GLE ride quality (but...that friggin' wheel gap...I feel a drop comin' on heh heh). I'm going to kick-back for a few months, enjoy the ride then attack the brake system (slotted rotors, pads, lines & fluid). After that...HP, HP and more HP.

Here's the new treads and what 225/50 A/S's on 02' GLE OEM 17x7's (1.5" offset) look like if you are interested:

 

Very nice....bring on the snow.....

Yeah, you gotta lower that ride!

 

just out of curiosity, why do you want a sixth gen down the line? that modded 02 is gonna blow away a tank-@$$ed 04, even if it is a GLE