Petej

I am looking at a set of drag radials and rear wheels for a CL 65 and need to know if W211 18 X 9" AMG or W220 18 x 9.5" wheels will clear.

If not what wheels are you running (18, 19 or 20") or will 16" or 17" wheels clear, if so what width?

Also regarding tires what have people had good luck with on these cars, Nitto 555R, NT05, Mickey Thompson ET and BFG g-force T/ADrag Radial etc, any others?

For now the car is completely stock but may see a ECU/TCU tune in the future.

RaceHorse

I've had only one day with a few passes on drag radials. I was lucky enough to borrow a set from a guy with a E55. The standard that most use is a 265/40/18 Mickey Thompson ET Street. I was lucky enough to have a few guys really coach me on the burnout which is key in a good launch. First you have to put the car in dyno-mode, then be sure to get the tires nice and wet back and forth in the water box to help them spin easily. Next, light up the tires and have someone watching to see if both spin on our non LSD rears. If you happen to hear a humming let up since you are only spinning one tire and putting the your ring gear at risk of explosion(lol). Then repeat, hot tire should stick and other will spin if both didn't spin initially. My best run scored me a 1.64 60 ft. Thats right up there with the big boys on these cars, see drag times for comparison. I am looking to get a set of 18x9 amg knock-offs that better match the car's stock wheels. As far as the tires I personally couldn't see any reason to try anything else. Keep in mind the size of our rear brakes, I think 18s are the smallest wheels that will fit without machining the inside of wheels or changing brakes. BTW don't waste anymore time, get an ECU/TCU you will be a very happy person!!!

Petej

Thanks for the reply. Anybody have a direct comparison between the Mickey Thompson and the Nitto tires?

For a car with this weight, a stock torque converter horrible rear gear a 1.64 60' is pretty good. I have run the Mickey Drag radial on other cars and know that every car/chassis is different.

The first upgrade I really do want to get is some sort of LSD. The "proper" way to do a burnout is to keep the wheel speed up as you drive out of the water and ease out of the throttle. You have a hard time doing it without some sort of LSD. Seeing these cars come out of the burnout box and having one or both tires come to an abrupt halt just isn't good for the rest of the drive-train and an easy way to shorten the life of the differential, drive shaft and transmission.

I'm thinking that my wife will be the one running the 65 when we go out together.....I race the car in my signature which has gone 9.60's with a best of a 1.242 60'.

RaceHorse

I agree about the LSD, it would make burnouts alot easier for the reasons you mentioned. There are 2 choices at this point that I'm aware of for the 65's 1).the big $$$ O.S Giken priced best around $3500 direct as opposed to Renntech at $4800. 2.) Kleeman modified stock, requires removal and few days down time with overnighting shipment. I think this is around $1200-$1500. Another silly thing to remember is with the E55 wheels shorter lugs are needed.

These cars have a long way to go before pulling front wheels off the ground like your Olds...(lol) With an ECU flash the torque can get up above the 850 ft./lb. range and launching over 2000 rpms can put you in broken axle territory. Its happened to a handful already. I'm sure you realize managing heat (IATs) is the other thing that needs attention with these cars. Good Luck!!!

02cl55amg

x2 racehorse

i run a stock 07 s550 wheel(18x8.5)/245/18 MT dr. holds 660rwhp and cuts low 1.6x 60fts. i have and extra pair for sale. $200 shipped(wheels)

Petej

I'm interested in the wheels can you pm me your phone number.

Petej

Has anybody tried a 17" wheel on the rears of a CL65 to see if it would fit?