CLK-Class (W209) 2003 on: CLK 270 CDI, CLK 200K, CLK 200 CGI, CLK 240, CLK 320, CLK 350, CLK 500, CLK 550 [Coupes & Cabriolets]

0-60 improvement that uses stock parts

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Old Feb 15, 2004 | 02:47 PM
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0-60 improvement that uses stock parts

I was reading the 2004 w209 brochure and noticed the 500 has the lowest (numerical) rear axle ratio. The 320 is 3.27 the 55 is 3.06 and the 500 is 2.82. So imagine a 500 with the 3.06 or even better the 3.27, these should really help the 0-60 times and with no need for engine modifications. I would imagine an improvement of a few tenths or more. Anyone know how expensive the gears are? Does it involve more than 8 hours labor?

Last edited by RJC; Feb 15, 2004 at 08:39 PM.
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Old Feb 17, 2004 | 10:39 PM
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Any thoughts on this guys?
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Old Feb 18, 2004 | 12:02 AM
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That depends..how many shifts do we have to 60mph right now? Also would the factory PCM be compatible with the shorter gear?Is there a speedo recalibration box for the speedo?
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Old Feb 18, 2004 | 12:30 AM
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Do the math and see which ratio gets you to 60 in second gear. My guess is that if the 3.27 requires a shift to 3rd, it will be no quicker than the 3.06 to 60MPH because of the extra shift. Expect at least to have ASR/ESP reprogrammed. The trans and engine ECUs might also need tweeking. Lastly, gas mileage will suffer. The gear swap should take less than 8 hours but the R&D time on the electronic mods will take weeks unless someone has already done it. MB and AMG often make other ratios available for the ROW. You might be able to get the electronics from a ROW car and reverse engineer it.
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Old Feb 18, 2004 | 08:34 PM
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Originally posted by E55AMG99
Do the math and see which ratio gets you to 60 in second gear. My guess is that if the 3.27 requires a shift to 3rd, it will be no quicker than the 3.06 to 60MPH because of the extra shift. Expect at least to have ASR/ESP reprogrammed. The trans and engine ECUs might also need tweeking. Lastly, gas mileage will suffer. The gear swap should take less than 8 hours but the R&D time on the electronic mods will take weeks unless someone has already done it. MB and AMG often make other ratios available for the ROW. You might be able to get the electronics from a ROW car and reverse engineer it.


The shift to third may not be a problem for times as much, due to its an auto box where as with a manual it costs some time.

It's good to know you can get different ratios from the factory in Germany, but what are ROW cars? I wish they offered that option here i.e. like the way Chevy does with the corvette perf axle ratio option for their auto boxes.

I will be bringing my 500 in to get the brakes squeal fixed in a few weeks and I'll quiz the shop foreman on the ecu questions.

Not too worried about gas mileage.

Thanks for the input.

Last edited by RJC; Feb 18, 2004 at 08:38 PM.
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Old Feb 18, 2004 | 08:41 PM
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ROW is Rest Of (the) World. Basically everywhere but here!

Don't be fooled by the automatic transmission. The shifts take about as much time as an average manual driver shifts. A pro can probaly shift a manual faster.

Also, don't expect any help from the average dealer. Look for one that will work on modified cars. The factory will not help us in the US with mods.
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Old Feb 18, 2004 | 08:46 PM
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The lowly(no offense here) 320 uses the 3.27 and that car needs all the help it can get for 0-60 so I figured it would really help a 500 or even 55 for that matter.



Thanks

Last edited by RJC; Feb 18, 2004 at 09:20 PM.
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