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My SLK55 is currently sitting on 265/35/18s on the back. My tires are almost gone now. Im trying to decide whether or not I should downsize to 255/35/18 or not.
The reason is this, Ive owned several sports cars. Ive had a 2006 350z roaster, could say it handled much better than my SLK. The 350z was very responsive and stiff on curves. My SLK feels like it rocks on sharp curves or slalom. Is this normal?
Can it be that my tires are too wide? Should I stick to 265/35/18s?
Btw, I love the way it looks with 265s, however, from time to time I enjoy canyons. Question is due to performance, looks, safety!
Have you checked your camber on the rears? I'm running 265-30-19, and I love the setup. I used an SPC camber kit for the rear with upgraded Bilstein sports and #1 pads, and it handles incredibly-well now.
I may be doing a slight Eibach drop soon as well.
Your AMG wheels look fantastic in black!
What brand of tires are you using? That makes a significant difference too. (as well as driving habits lol) All sidewalls are NOT created equal. Some collapse easier than others.
Plus your sidewall is very tall, which can result in greater sidewall collapse. I have 265-30, but even those are 'stretched' a bit over a 19x9.5" wheel which is a bit wider than the standard AMG width on the rears.
Is your SLK55 an 030/P30 package?
Last edited by Boris_Balkan; 07-27-2014 at 06:45 PM.
Hi, Thanks for the information. My car is sitting on 265/35/18 Michellin Pilot Super Sport.
My cambers are stock, wheels stock. My SLK55 is the P30. I am looking forward to changing a couple things like the 09 front bumper, affalterbach shift knob, maybe adding some power.
Originally Posted by Boris_Balkan
Have you checked your camber on the rears? I'm running 265-30-19, and I love the setup. I used an SPC camber kit for the rear with upgraded Bilstein sports and #1 pads, and it handles incredibly-well now.
I may be doing a slight Eibach drop soon as well.
Your AMG wheels look fantastic in black!
What brand of tires are you using? That makes a significant difference too. (as well as driving habits lol) All sidewalls are NOT created equal. Some collapse easier than others.
Plus your sidewall is very tall, which can result in greater sidewall collapse. I have 265-30, but even those are 'stretched' a bit over a 19x9.5" wheel which is a bit wider than the standard AMG width on the rears.
Hi, Thanks for the information. My car is sitting on 265/35/18 Michellin Pilot Super Sport.
My cambers are stock, wheels stock. My SLK55 is the P30. I am looking forward to changing a couple things like the 09 front bumper, affalterbach shift knob, maybe adding some power.
Wider wheels with sticky summer tires will get you better results than the stock wheels.
Also, consider an H&R coilover kit if you need better handling through the twisties.
If you want more power, you can definitely get it. Long Tube Headers probably add the most power of any mod (besides boost) and even more power with an ECU tune. Headers, ECU, x-pipe and secondaries-delete will yield some IMPRESSIVE power gains on the 5.4L. You might consider a valve-body upgrade as well for faster, smoother shifting.
I have been doing my research on long tube headers and the ecu for a while now. Thats most likely going to be my next step, after the facelift. My only issue is: headers seem to be very expensive, considering the power gain per dollar spent. :/
Originally Posted by Boris_Balkan
Wider wheels with sticky summer tires will get you better results than the stock wheels.
Also, consider an H&R coilover kit if you need better handling through the twisties.
If you want more power, you can definitely get it. Long Tube Headers probably add the most power of any mod (besides boost) and even more power with an ECU tune. Headers, ECU, x-pipe and secondaries-delete will yield some IMPRESSIVE power gains on the 5.4L. You might consider a valve-body upgrade as well for faster, smoother shifting.
07-27-2014, 01:04 AM
