cadeca

I've taken my 2006 R171 out a few times and it has been a lot of fun on the track. The handling is quite good and I love the opportunity to wind it out, especially at tracks with a long straight or half oval (e.g. Autoclub Speedway in Fontana). Definitely recommend it for everyone. It's a step beyond canyon runs, without the risk of hurting innocent bystanders.

DrLove

I track mine in Puerto Rico. It's a nimble car but not a track car.

silver slk

DrLove, nice car and photos. I think I see a camera in your car, do you have any footage you would like to share of your driving? Did you make any modifcations to the car before taking it to the track? Also any particular reason you choose to drive with the top up instead of down?

DrLove

you can see one of my videos here:

DrLove

I started completely stock, on 2015, to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the car. My first impression was that the handling was well balanced, but needed more power. I installed a pair of K&N filters with a pair of Kleemann headers, deleted all catalytics plus resonator, installed two high flow racing cats and X pipe. Reflashed the ECU using a dynamometer and it reached 345 HP at the wheels. After that, I ran into traction problems, and installed a Wavetrac LSD. With better power and traction, the car was starting to feel under damped, and I upgraded the shock absorbers to Bilsteins sport (B8). I kept the stock springs because after all, this is my other daily driver. (The roads in Puerto Rico have deteriorated too much in the last 10 years). At this stage I felt that the Michelin PSS were starting to be the weak link, and upgraded them with Michelin sport cup 2. The car ran much better now, to the point that I felt that it may be faster than my C63 507 edition on the track. However I blew the motor on the last lap... you can see a large cloud of smoke at the end of the video. Two pistons were badly damaged. Now I am in search of a donor from an E55 supercharged.😎

DrLove

I feel the car corners tighter with the top up.

silver slk

DrLove Thanks for sharing that driving session. Sorry to hear about the blown engine. Correct me if I am wrong but your AMG helmet looks like the helmet they award the winner at the AMG academy. I have tracked my car once but the only upgrade done prior to the track day was improved brake pads by EBC. Were you able to determine the cause of the engine failure? I did 4 - 20 minutes sessions with about 45 minutes between sessions how much driving had you done that day? The wheels on the car are they ENKEI, plus do you use those daily or just for the track?

Thanks again

DrLove

Yes, you are correct. It was a great day at Palm Beach. I recomend it to any AMG owner, regardless of their driving skills, or track experience.

DrLove

Silver SLK, yes, those wheels are Enkei. I bought them with the sport cup 2 at the tire rack. I use the original wheels and Michelin PSS for my daily driving, but man, believe me that the ride and car dynamics with the Enkei/SC2 combo are so good, that I was so tempted to leave them on the car all the time.

DrLove

It's time to search for a "heart" donor....

BIGjohnny

I do. Tracked many times. Fun car but the transmission is the biggest upset. Did a 1:56 at Auto Club

silver slk

DrLove, I'm no mechanic but the engine looks like it could be easily repaired with a couple of new pistons and rings. I did not see any damage to the head or valves, were the valves bent? I'm just throwing this out but could the ecu tune have been the issue causing a lean mixture, burning the two piston heads? Does anyone else know of anyone else that burnt through a couple of pistons tracking their car or from hard driving?

DrLove

It was a combination of a very aggressive tune and poor quality gasoline. Nevertheless it gave me an excuse for an upgrade. I found a very good m113k engine from a CLS 55.

silver slk

That donor engine looks great plus a super-charger. I guess the 55 will be faster than your other car.

DrLove

Silver SLK, I am in the process of a very interesting motor swap. I will keep you posted. Cheers!

C3Duece

DL -
was that on 93oct? Do you have access in PR to better fuel? You might have to consider running torco or something similar.

badass SLK btw!

DrLove

I reached the track with 1/4 tank of 93 octane fuel and mixed it with 5 gallons of Sunoco 104 octane upon arrival to the track.
Thanks for the compliment!

drakon

so curious....

DrLove

As soon as I finish the project I'll let you know in a new post.

DrLove

Here is a teaser:

Velociabstract

Aw man, I didn't know what you've been through as I've been out of the loop for a while. (Blue Crossfire) When you get finished let me know and I'll make it to the track for an adrenaline fix. BTW, I have a Eurocharged tune and while it's not perfect, it's safe and has proven itself time after time. All the best.

Les

Kreuzfeuer

Man, that looks GOOOOOD.... Plug and play? I'm assuming you'll have to run the 5-speed auto, correct?

More updates, por favor