Got some more insight into my temps back from Harry, who did the install of the Weistec VB/TCU/pan. Apparently the engine is now working much harder with the improved transmission hardware, which makes sense as I never saw temps anywhere close to this last year even on similarly warm days (peak oil temps were +20 degrees F versus last year). He's thinking that the extra heat being generated by the trans is spreading throughout the system to dissipate. Looks like a vented hood and the 440 cooling package is going on sooner rather than later. He also has some ideas for NACA air ducts in the underbody panels to try and direct some more fresh air up into the engine bay. In short, a lot needs to be done on short order and I'm slammed with work and Harry only has so much time to get a lot done here. Might have to bail out on VIR if I can't get it done in time, because it's bound to be hotter down south in 2 weeks. Stay tuned...

 

Blkrkt, not sure I buy that the motor is working harder or additional heat soak emanating from the trans. Can't really come up with why that would be - unless you are driving harder, which is very possible.
And recall, I am probably driving harder still, and have no issues with just the oil cooling upgrade. In short, I doubt you will need a different hood or louvers. My small air outlets in the 507 hood are hardly a big impact (although probably help a bit).

 

Increasing line pressure to the clutch packs as much as Weistec do in the upgrade has to come at some sort of cost. It's heat. I think what he's saying is that the VB itself is generating a lot of extra heat which is being spread out across the system. My higher capacity trans pan probably helps a little, but clearly not enough.

But what do I know. I only know that I did 'x' 'y' and 'z' as changes to the car since last year, and the car is running HOT. It has to be something and the trans is the most likely (really the only) culprit.

I never saw temps even close to 280 last year when I ran at NJMP in June in higher temps than we saw on Monday. I'm a good 20 degrees over my previous max, and it can't be due to driving harder alone.

 

Well, I could also argue, that if the tranny shifts quicker, the friction packs rub on each other for less time and create less heat. It just does not really explain it in my head.

Anyway, what you need first and foremost is the oil cooling upgrade. I would do that first and reevaluate if you need anything else. I personally don't think so.

 

Agreed! Plus I might just take my Dremmel tool to my hood one of these days and cut holes myself. Why not at this point. Although I think louvers would be more effective than the BS/507 holes.

I'll figure it out, but unlikely before VIR - have some decisions to make. Car goes in on Monday for the r-comp rubber and fender work. Cooling package can't possibly get done in time though.

 

Looks like you guys had lots of fun. Nice driving.
I haven't taken my C63 to the track yet, but want to do it sometime soon.
I took my previous car to the track quite a bit.

 

Having just got back from the ADA Basic program, I've got new respect for you guys that track your cars. Pretty intense, loads of fun and physical too! I may start looking in to local autocross activity.

Good luck with your upgrades.

 

LOL, before you start dremeling your hood, consider raising the backend (windscreen side) of the hood by an inch or so. Maybe you can add a spacer under the hinge. Will make more difference than a small hole elsewhere, and does not ruin the hood/is reversible.

 

Unfortunately our cars are not ideal for Autocross - they are too heavy and too big. A Miata will be more efficient for that. You have a high likelihood to get frustrated.....

 

We ran the autocross in the CLA 45. I was surprised at how all out we were able to run in such a confined space

 

I think I heard somewhere that MB has a trans and engine oil cooler aftermarket system for these cars?

 

440 Cooling Package. It's going on as soon as I can get one.

 

Jim are you saying your out for VIR? I hope not... We've got a great group of cars lined up.

 

Man I hope not. But I'm not driving 500mi each way to find out it's too hot for my car to work properly. I'll keep you guys updated.

 

Eric,


there is a risk it may just be the two of us at Watkins Glen. Kurt from Cincinnati was going to come but has engine problems in his M3. The engine needs to be pulled. Tony, also from Cincinnati, is still racing at Watkins Glen with AER (with the car of a participating team, not his own). His own M3 has a bad rear wheel bearing and he is not even home with it yet. He is 50:50.


I have also quite a bit of work to do but it is all looking good for me. My car will be in the shop Thursday.


Sincerely hope Jim can get his oil cooling upgrade in at Blitz pace.


Other than that I am booked at the Lodge and look forward to dinner Sunday night. Meet again at trailer drop off like in October?

 

B,

That's right. Dinner for sure and we are planning on doing happy hour Monday night at our place before dinner as well.

Jim,

Get your sh.t together and meet us there!

 

440 Cooling Package ordered. I'm done ****ing around with this thing. Unfortunately not in time for VIR, but I'll have big honking r-comps on and some new underbody braces woooooooo. 70/30 I'm going...