Last week I ran in my first autocross. They evidently don't get a lot of CLK55's because the SCCA didn't even have the car listed in the category breakdown. I ran A-stock class and competed against a Corvette and a Boxster S. They both were running race tires and had years of experience on me but on my fourth and last run I posted a time faster than their first two runs (I don't know how they did on run 3 & 4). I'm looking forward to the meet next month.
I always drive with it off. On the tighter corners I'd have to carefully control the throttle to avoid the tail sliding out but I feel that a small amount of controlled wheel spin is faster around the course than the ESP cutting in and dropping the revs.
Rev,
Here are my times
Run 1. 57.8
Run 2. 55.4
Run 3. 54.7
Run 4. 53.8
The vette turned in a 53.7 but hit a cone so add a second, and the boxster ran 53.9. I'm pretty sure they probably beat my fastest time but I was happy with my results.
I ran the max pressure listed, 38 psi front 48 psi rear, to prevent the wheel from rolling under the rim. I probably could have gone up a little higher as the very edges of my tires were scuffed. What I really need is a set of track tires and rims.
I just did 2 autocross races in my CLK55. It is classed by the SCCA as a B Stock car but I think it is outclassed personally (mind you, I am in a heavy convertible with street tires). I had a lot of fun. The best was running with the Porsche club and besting the majority of their times. It was pretty funny, the Porsche guys fit all of the stereotypes that any of us have heard.
I assume you were using the manual shifting? Nice AMG btw!
Manual shifting??? I guess I missed the part of the story where they ofered a manual shift version of the 2002 CLK 55. Of course I saw all of the stuff about the Tiptronic 6 and then 7 speed tranny but given that NA region cars all seemed to be automatic it seemed nice info but not much under my control. Please correct me if I am wrong as I would love to have manual shifting.
The closest thing I have to manual shifting is two buttons on the backside of my steering wheel or moving the auto shifter right or left. I have found that I am faster if I just put the thing in drive and floor it.
Quote:
Originally Posted by City Rat
Manual shifting??? I guess I missed the part of the story where they ofered a manual shift version of the 2002 CLK 55. Of course I saw all of the stuff about the Tiptronic 6 and then 7 speed tranny but given that NA region cars all seemed to be automatic it seemed nice info but not much under my control. Please correct me if I am wrong as I would love to have manual shifting.
Been running my CLK350 converted suspension, brakes, wheels/tires and exhaust to Sport.
SCCA runs me in D-Street Prepared (DSP). Usually against Rx7 Mazda’s and BMW 3-Series types in National Solo Competition.. or in local autocross they lump all street tires together and race tires separately.
really fun car I’m looking for wider tires next year 200tw continental/Hoosiers.
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