ashutt

I was wondering if someone could do a few test runs in their car to record the maximum speed in each gear? I have a 2001 CLK55 but would be interested in how the later model years compare as well.

Basically, I raised the redline from 6,000 to 6,400 RPM via chip mod. Unfortunately, I didn't record the baseline speed at 6,000 RPM for each gear. After the chip mod, I was able to take the car to the new redline of 6,400 RPM. Here were the results for each gear:

• 1st gear: 50 mph at 6,400 RPM.
• 2nd gear: 80 mph at 6,400 RPM.
• 3rd gear: 124 at around 6,100 RPM, which I couldn't continue to redline as I ran out of road. I estimate it would be between 124 and 130 at 6,400 RPM.
• 4th gear: Still need to test.
• 5th gear: Still need to test.

Thank you in advance.

MarcusF

From the 2001 CLK55 press kit:

1st gear 42 MPH @ 6000 RPM
2nd gear 69 MPH @ 6000 RPM
3rd gear 107 MPH @ 6000 RPM
4th gear 151 MPH @ 6000 RPM
5th gear is limited to 155 MPH @ 5200 RPM

Using a calculator and assuming the stock tire size, yours should be;

1st gear 44.8 MPH @ 6400 RPM
2nd gear 73.6 MPH @ 6400 RPM
3rd gear 114.1 MPH @ 6400 RPM
4th gear is limited to 155 MPH @ 6158 RPM
5th gear is limited to 155 MPH @ 5200 RPM

Speedometers are typically off.

ashutt

Thanks Marcus,

I do have 19" tires, so what would the calculation show with that variable? Also, I removed the 155 speed limit but not sure I want to test 4th and 5th outside a controlled area.

I would still be interested in real numbers from other members. Doesn't take to much time to record the MPH in manual shifting mode.

MarcusF

Using the tire size in your sig (I couldn't find the specs for the fronts, but I did find the rears), the 19's shouldn't make a difference. There is less than two-tenths of one percent difference in the revs per mile between your GS-D3's and the OEM Conti Sport Contacts. 828 revs per mile versus 826

blackbenzz

You shouldn't base the speeds off your speedo since a) the speedo is off and b) tire size changes your speedo reading. You should find a GPS reader or something. Or just plug in the gear ratios in a calculator along with your tire size and it will tell you what you want to know.

ashutt

Unless the argument is that each one of our car's speedos are substantially different, which I don't believe they are, then someone with the same car and 19" wheels can actually run the speeds like me and we can compare. The more the people the better as the average baseline will be more accurate. According to Marcus above, there doesn't appear to be a significant difference between a 18" or 19" wheel.

However, there is a huge difference in the numbers I ran from the figures Marcus provided. For example he indicates that the press kit showed 3rd gear at 107 MPH @ 6000 RPM and the calculator showed 3rd gear at 114.1 MPH @ 6400 RPM. While I ran over 124 mph at 6100 RPM. There appears to be significant difference, although I am unsure what is the cause until others respond with real world numbers.

What I am really looking for is to see how much more MPH a 400 RPM increase in the redline in each gear actually made. Thanks in advance.

neilbo75

Aside from the speed issue, does anyone have a comment on the wisdom of upping the redline to 6400? These M113 engines are robust but maybe that's still asking for trouble?

blackbenzz

I have a raised redline as well and haven't had any problems yet *knock on wood* I should have looked at my revs and mph when i was out running a modded R6 and ZX10!

Ok I just watched an old video of my car. The car had 275 18's in the rear at the time. 2nd gear looks like ~72mph, 3rd gear ~118, and 4th gear is above 160mph (can't tell because speedo only goes to 160)

ashutt

blackbenzz, thanks for your numbers. Were those number from your current car or the 430 and with what modifications, if any? What has your redline been raised to?

blackbenzz

No problem. Well I currently have both a CLK430 and CLK55. The numbers are form the CLK55. Mods at the time were Kleemann charger, Kleemann headers, Kleemann LSD, Kleemann tune, and eisenmann race exhaust. I'm not even sure where my redline is lol I think 6400 but i'm not sure

da_guitarist

This thread is so cool!

Bootman27

You unfortunately have a rather huge trust in the calibration of your speedo. First off by law they can be calibrated wrong. They can read up to 10% more + a additional 4mph but never under the actual speedlimit. These numbers are aggravated when in in excess of 100mph. At 100mph most speedos will tend to be off up to 10mph. A cars actual speed can change up to 2 mph just from the wearing of tires. So while you want a average of multiple that is good however a few in there using a race track or GPS tracking speed with really throw those numbers off. I would trust the press kit #'s cause you know they used actual radar. From there math does not lie but your cars speedo will.