I Track my '19 C63s...Do You?
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 453
Likes: 91
From: DFW, Texas
2017 AMG C63
1. Overheating right front tire. My dealer swapped the sensor and even swapped out tires as a test and it still runs hotter. They checked the alignment. They believe that its the placement of the oil cooler in the right front that dumps hot area into that area. I haven't been under the car to confirm this but it would make sense.l
I imagine that the scenario is worst on a track day, where the cooler would be working overtime to dump heat and pouring much more onto the already hot tire.
Member
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 147
Likes: 33
W205 C63s 2015
How did the October track day go for you?
I'm going back to VIR for a Kaizen Autosport track day Nov 11.
Have new tires (P4s) and will have Porterfield pads and flushed brake fluid by then.
Looked at the Velos OBII tune but I'm a tad nervous about that; how easy was it? Any glitches? Whats the worst case scenario? I'm assumING HP and torque gains noticeable? I'm sure you noticed the VIR gas is 100 octane at $8.50 a gallon? Do they do a separate tune for 100 octane race gas?
Thanks....
I'm going back to VIR for a Kaizen Autosport track day Nov 11.
Have new tires (P4s) and will have Porterfield pads and flushed brake fluid by then.
Looked at the Velos OBII tune but I'm a tad nervous about that; how easy was it? Any glitches? Whats the worst case scenario? I'm assumING HP and torque gains noticeable? I'm sure you noticed the VIR gas is 100 octane at $8.50 a gallon? Do they do a separate tune for 100 octane race gas?
Thanks....
I track my car (2015 c63s) every couple of months at a circuit here in South Africa , there are two straights which have you over 200 mph when you enter the braking area so the stock pads didn’t last of course, I then switched to R4s with aftermarket front discs , I was disappointed with the R4s performance , they certainly didn’t have the bite I was expecting, I read a lot of reviews online after this and found other people stating the same thing. I’ve now switched to R4 pads for track days and the R4s for road which give me the performance I’m after. I think with how much our car weighs and the lack of disc cooling you really need a high heat pad when tracking it.
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 67
Likes: 7
2019 AMG C63s coupe
Planning on the R4s as I have to drive my car to and from the track and not really feasible to change pads after every track session.
At the track I've been to (VIR) max top speed 150 (if that).
Are you saying your C63s gets to 200?!?!?!?
Must be a long straight.....
At the track I've been to (VIR) max top speed 150 (if that).
Are you saying your C63s gets to 200?!?!?!?
Must be a long straight.....
Member
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 147
Likes: 33
W205 C63s 2015
Let me know how they go with the stock discs, I run Motul RBF660 for fluid, are you going to change you stock fluid?
My cars not stock so can do 100kmh-200kmh in 5.5 seconds over 230m ( vbox measured), both the back straights are a lot longer than this
Member
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 147
Likes: 33
W205 C63s 2015
Member
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 147
Likes: 33
W205 C63s 2015
End of the day you can always adjust your driving stye to what ever your car can handle at the track.
Heres a good review of the R4s vs R4 pads
https://www.redpants.lol/blog/2016/1...parison-part-2
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Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 67
Likes: 7
2019 AMG C63s coupe
How did the Chin October track days go for you??
I'm headed to VIR Nov 11 for a track day with new pads, fluid, tires and think the cooler weather will be good.
Any updated tips/pointers/insight into our C63s at VIR
Thanks
gil
I'm headed to VIR Nov 11 for a track day with new pads, fluid, tires and think the cooler weather will be good.
Any updated tips/pointers/insight into our C63s at VIR
Thanks
gil
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 122
Likes: 28
From: Raleigh, NC
2019 C63s
sounds good - I’ve swapped pads a few times now. Trickiest part is sequence on wheel to set rear caliper fitting position.
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 411
Likes: 37
From: Miami
2019 E63s
I used to track my C63s sedan often and never had an issue with the DP. I did the install myself and I made sure that the wires will not be anywhere near the pipes. My main issue was the brakes pads. Car is heavy and you can tell lol. Now I own an E63s and I do track it too. The issues I had with the E is damaging the radiator due to rocks hitting it. I solved the problem by getting a special grill at @apexmotorhaus. I prefer spending 400.00 for a grill than 3k for a front radiator install lol.
Member
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 207
Likes: 27
From: Austin, Tx
2018 C63S Coupe
Curious how many of you actually track your C63? I have a 2019 C63s and have put ~9k miles on the car since I scooped from the dealer in Feb'19. My car has the performance exhaust and the h-pipe has already been replaced due a bad valve that rattled.
I tuned the car in May with Velos' handheld tuner. Next I ordered a set of Mike's Custom Downpipes. Once received, I sent off to Jet Hot for high-temp ceramic coating. A local shop installed the downpipes in July, just in time for a weekend with Chin Track Days on VIR's 3.3 mile full course. I should also mention that I replaced the front and rear brake pads with Raybestos ST-47 race pads paired with Motul 660 brake fluid. The brakes performed flawlessly.
The Chin format provided six 30-minute sessions on Saturday and six 30-minute sessions on Sunday. While I've been on tracks before, this was my first Chin event. Very pleased with how well organized the event was. I also graduated to run solo in the green group on Sunday or with an instructor in the intermediate (blue) group.
A few observations:
1. The car is fast. I was consistently hitting 150mph down the back straight and lapping 2:13's. Other than a supercharged S55, I was the fastest car in the green group. More importantly, I was faster than my buddy in his new M3 CS.
2. Michelin PSS's are only so good. I'll need new tires soon, and if I continue doing track days, Hoosiers and race rims are the way to go. That being said, I'll probably put Michelin Cup 2's on for the Chin event in October at VIR.
3. Stock suspension is okay.
4. Velos tune is great and so is their customer service.
5. The car is heavy.
6. Downpipes get extremely hot. Over the weekend my car was throwing O2 sensor related codes but otherwise running fine. I'd assumed at first the codes were tune-related, but only later did we find that part of the wiring harness that runs alongside the drivers side downpipe had melted and fused multiple wires, thus the codes. This happened in a couple of areas, and it was only when the tech removed the factor heat wrap that we discovered the extent of the damage (which wasn't much, just more than one area). We think we've uncovered most of it, but I just started getting a P0150 code again. The car runs fine and no misfires.
I may need to pull the downpipes off and install some heat wrap. I talked to the shop about adding some custom venting to floor of the car to allow more air to get to downpipes to cool the car. We'll see. July was HOT. Curious whether any of you have experience similar issues with downpipes. I suspect most people with downpipes don't track their car, rather installing DP's for noise instead, which candidly is why I did it!
Some pictures from two days at VIR below:
https://www.etechphoto.com/2019/Cars...-2/i-sHsskTp/A
https://www.etechphoto.com/2019/Cars...-2/i-VbfRrtW/A
https://www.etechphoto.com/2019/Cars...-2/i-nWSKDWQ/A
https://www.etechphoto.com/2019/Cars...-2/i-HK8zRF6/A
https://www.etechphoto.com/2019/Cars...-2/i-xpsP3W4/A
https://www.etechphoto.com/2019/Cars...-2/i-gzcFhc2/A
https://www.etechphoto.com/2019/Cars...-2/i-5C522ww/A
https://www.etechphoto.com/2019/Cars...-2/i-dwNd5MB/A
https://www.etechphoto.com/2019/Cars...-2/i-CdqbKxb/A
https://www.etechphoto.com/2019/Cars...-2/i-6qbZRKT/A
I tuned the car in May with Velos' handheld tuner. Next I ordered a set of Mike's Custom Downpipes. Once received, I sent off to Jet Hot for high-temp ceramic coating. A local shop installed the downpipes in July, just in time for a weekend with Chin Track Days on VIR's 3.3 mile full course. I should also mention that I replaced the front and rear brake pads with Raybestos ST-47 race pads paired with Motul 660 brake fluid. The brakes performed flawlessly.
The Chin format provided six 30-minute sessions on Saturday and six 30-minute sessions on Sunday. While I've been on tracks before, this was my first Chin event. Very pleased with how well organized the event was. I also graduated to run solo in the green group on Sunday or with an instructor in the intermediate (blue) group.
A few observations:
1. The car is fast. I was consistently hitting 150mph down the back straight and lapping 2:13's. Other than a supercharged S55, I was the fastest car in the green group. More importantly, I was faster than my buddy in his new M3 CS.
2. Michelin PSS's are only so good. I'll need new tires soon, and if I continue doing track days, Hoosiers and race rims are the way to go. That being said, I'll probably put Michelin Cup 2's on for the Chin event in October at VIR.
3. Stock suspension is okay.
4. Velos tune is great and so is their customer service.
5. The car is heavy.
6. Downpipes get extremely hot. Over the weekend my car was throwing O2 sensor related codes but otherwise running fine. I'd assumed at first the codes were tune-related, but only later did we find that part of the wiring harness that runs alongside the drivers side downpipe had melted and fused multiple wires, thus the codes. This happened in a couple of areas, and it was only when the tech removed the factor heat wrap that we discovered the extent of the damage (which wasn't much, just more than one area). We think we've uncovered most of it, but I just started getting a P0150 code again. The car runs fine and no misfires.
I may need to pull the downpipes off and install some heat wrap. I talked to the shop about adding some custom venting to floor of the car to allow more air to get to downpipes to cool the car. We'll see. July was HOT. Curious whether any of you have experience similar issues with downpipes. I suspect most people with downpipes don't track their car, rather installing DP's for noise instead, which candidly is why I did it!
Some pictures from two days at VIR below:
https://www.etechphoto.com/2019/Cars...-2/i-sHsskTp/A
https://www.etechphoto.com/2019/Cars...-2/i-VbfRrtW/A
https://www.etechphoto.com/2019/Cars...-2/i-nWSKDWQ/A
https://www.etechphoto.com/2019/Cars...-2/i-HK8zRF6/A
https://www.etechphoto.com/2019/Cars...-2/i-xpsP3W4/A
https://www.etechphoto.com/2019/Cars...-2/i-gzcFhc2/A
https://www.etechphoto.com/2019/Cars...-2/i-5C522ww/A
https://www.etechphoto.com/2019/Cars...-2/i-dwNd5MB/A
https://www.etechphoto.com/2019/Cars...-2/i-CdqbKxb/A
https://www.etechphoto.com/2019/Cars...-2/i-6qbZRKT/A
I have once before at the AMG driving academy, fun as **** and I too was hitting 150 consistently on the back straight at COTA. That's when I upgraded from the C43 to the C63S.
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 306
Likes: 27
From: Earth
C63S, 2004 S4, 2001 S4 Avant
Gonna be taking the C63S up to a track for couple of sessions with instructor. Would you recommend new brake pads and fluid for a light half day at the track, or save it for a longer day?
I am at 1600 miles so figured I would get rear diff oil replaced afterwards (the dealer says it is no lknger required but it still has it in the manual and cannot imagone not doing it).
I am at 1600 miles so figured I would get rear diff oil replaced afterwards (the dealer says it is no lknger required but it still has it in the manual and cannot imagone not doing it).
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 67
Likes: 7
2019 AMG C63s coupe
Gonna be taking the C63S up to a track for couple of sessions with instructor. Would you recommend new brake pads and fluid for a light half day at the track, or save it for a longer day?
I am at 1600 miles so figured I would get rear diff oil replaced afterwards (the dealer says it is no lknger required but it still has it in the manual and cannot imagone not doing it).
I am at 1600 miles so figured I would get rear diff oil replaced afterwards (the dealer says it is no lknger required but it still has it in the manual and cannot imagone not doing it).
At Virginia International Raceway in the heat of the summer my tire temps got to 175 in the front and the factory front brake pads had to be replaced after just a half day of use.
The Michelin Super Sports that came on the car were also not up to that kind of use.
Keep in mind on the straights there you can get to 150ish and then hard on the brakes.
I also replaced my diff fluid at 2,000 miles
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 306
Likes: 27
From: Earth
C63S, 2004 S4, 2001 S4 Avant
I suppose it all depends on what track and what "light" means.
At Virginia International Raceway in the heat of the summer my tire temps got to 175 in the front and the factory front brake pads had to be replaced after just a half day of use.
The Michelin Super Sports that came on the car were also not up to that kind of use.
Keep in mind on the straights there you can get to 150ish and then hard on the brakes.
I also replaced my diff fluid at 2,000 miles
At Virginia International Raceway in the heat of the summer my tire temps got to 175 in the front and the factory front brake pads had to be replaced after just a half day of use.
The Michelin Super Sports that came on the car were also not up to that kind of use.
Keep in mind on the straights there you can get to 150ish and then hard on the brakes.
I also replaced my diff fluid at 2,000 miles
Agree with your assessment of the stock tires. Plan on upping to Sport Cup 2s when these wear out, and going wider than stock in the rear. Appreciate the recs on different pads.
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 67
Likes: 7
2019 AMG C63s coupe
I have a 2019 coupe and run 305s on the rear and 285 on the front. They fit fine and traction is much improved.
I have a set of SC2s for the track on the stock wheels and a set of PS4S on custom wheels for everyday driving.
Having driven the SC2s on the street for a bit I don't recommend it. They have NO traction in the rain (try hitting standing water on the interstat=scary), they won't last long (5K miles) and they are loud and harsh.
As far as brake pads I use Porterfield RS4s on the street. They are a carbon/kevlar compound and IMO way better bite than factory and less brake dust too.
They also make a track pad. Fronts and rears are about $400 total and my shop charged $400 to swap them out and flush and fill with new brake fluid.
Please check with the guy who started this thread. He has WAY more experience with his C63s on track and may be more help.
But here is my takeaway...if you are gonna get serious about driving these heavy and fast cars on the track you will need track focused tires and brake pads.
Street tires and street pads won't hold up and race tires and race pads aren't really good for the street.
Tracking these cars can get real expensive real quick. You can save money by swapping out wheels/tires and brake pads yourself for the occasional track day.
I'd just take your car as is, see how it goes and report back.
I have a set of SC2s for the track on the stock wheels and a set of PS4S on custom wheels for everyday driving.
Having driven the SC2s on the street for a bit I don't recommend it. They have NO traction in the rain (try hitting standing water on the interstat=scary), they won't last long (5K miles) and they are loud and harsh.
As far as brake pads I use Porterfield RS4s on the street. They are a carbon/kevlar compound and IMO way better bite than factory and less brake dust too.
They also make a track pad. Fronts and rears are about $400 total and my shop charged $400 to swap them out and flush and fill with new brake fluid.
Please check with the guy who started this thread. He has WAY more experience with his C63s on track and may be more help.
But here is my takeaway...if you are gonna get serious about driving these heavy and fast cars on the track you will need track focused tires and brake pads.
Street tires and street pads won't hold up and race tires and race pads aren't really good for the street.
Tracking these cars can get real expensive real quick. You can save money by swapping out wheels/tires and brake pads yourself for the occasional track day.
I'd just take your car as is, see how it goes and report back.
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 69
Likes: 10
2020 AMG C63S Brilliant Blue
If you're a track newbie I recommend just taking the car stock to the track and see how fun it is right out of the box. It's the reason you spent so much money on the car. Enjoy. If you want to track this car extensively........
I've tracked my E36 M3 since new in 1999 and have had at least 5-10 track weekends per year since then (until recently when I had my kids). I still have the E36, but have owned and tracked E46 M3, E92 M3, F80 M3 in that time span as well. If you want the dedicated track life, you need to invest in track-only tires and pads. But they do not work well on the street. It's a compromise that you'll need to do to save money and be safe and comfortable. Also think about the brake fluid flushes and more frequent oil changes. This is especially true for modern heavy cars like the F80 M3 and C63. That's why I've only tracked my C63s a couple of times and will not do it again. It's a fantastic street car but on the track will burn through tires and pads like Tyrone Biggums on crack. I'll keep the E36 on the track.
If you think you'll be a track junkie then I suggest buying a cheap, light, reliable track-friendly car that'll lap all day and not hurt your pocket. If you're a baller and don't care about your wallet then by all means have at it.
I've tracked my E36 M3 since new in 1999 and have had at least 5-10 track weekends per year since then (until recently when I had my kids). I still have the E36, but have owned and tracked E46 M3, E92 M3, F80 M3 in that time span as well. If you want the dedicated track life, you need to invest in track-only tires and pads. But they do not work well on the street. It's a compromise that you'll need to do to save money and be safe and comfortable. Also think about the brake fluid flushes and more frequent oil changes. This is especially true for modern heavy cars like the F80 M3 and C63. That's why I've only tracked my C63s a couple of times and will not do it again. It's a fantastic street car but on the track will burn through tires and pads like Tyrone Biggums on crack. I'll keep the E36 on the track.
If you think you'll be a track junkie then I suggest buying a cheap, light, reliable track-friendly car that'll lap all day and not hurt your pocket. If you're a baller and don't care about your wallet then by all means have at it.
Last edited by L8apexer; Jun 12, 2020 at 11:54 AM.
