Ortolan

Finally got to a track last weekend for the first time ever. The car was rev limited to 4k by the exhaust which made for some horrible sounds but it was great fun! Looking forward to going back with the new exhaust.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3utE6FUKM_8

Saijin_Naib

Mad nice dude
Wish I had a car like yours lol.

spetz

How does it handle?

My C124 handles pretty horrible

Ortolan

It handles very well. Upgrading the suspension is the best value for money modification you can do with these cars. This car received Eibach springs, Koni shocks, custom front and rear swaybars (30mm at front) and new bushings. About $2500 all up.

Saijin_Naib

How do the Konis feel? I've heard from a few other members that they are a bit on the rough/hard side.

RBYCC

B.J.

Next time out try to clip those "candy cane " curbs...
Your tires won't squeal as much with a better entry/exit line...

Looks like a lot of fun

Ed A.

spetz

And what is the ride like now with those suspension mods?

CDP

I was just going to say....

+1!

Ortolan

Personally I feel that the ride is very comfortable with the current configuration but that sort of thing is obviously subjective.

I'm keen to get some professional instruction next time on the track since that video was my first ever track experience. I know Mercedes offers a full day driving academy here, very tempting...

Saijin_Naib

Not sure if you guys have something similar to the SCCA (Sports Car Club of America) nor how far you're willing to drive, but this weekend there is a FLR (Finger Lakes Region) meet at the Seneca Army Depot. Big airfield with some cones set up. If you're a novice, you can opt to run with an instructor and get some good seat time that way. If that isn't enough, you can also take advantage of schools like the Evolution Driving School (again, USA).

I'm sure you can find something to get involved in

BJaltima

Agreed. That or break the tires loose and drift around the corners a bit.

RBYCC

The problem with any hi performance low profile radial tire is that it's difficult to get a consistent controlled drift entering a corner.

Racing on old style narrow bias ply rubber allowed for a predictable known slip angle that would benefit from an opposite lock entry to the corner.

Regardless of tire type the fastest line throough a corner is the straightest line, and most times you have to hit the curb or clip the grass to achieve the optimum entry-apex-exit points.

Ed A.

Ortolan

At the moment I'm running 225/45ZR17 and 255/40ZR17 rubber. The last track day took chunks out of the tires so I'm definitely going to take it easier the next time out in a couple of weeks. At least the engine is up on power now so I might not feel like I need to push it as hard in the corners to make up time.

RBYCC

B.J.

The "chunking" of the tires is being caused by the "scrubbing" pressure you are putting on them while you are cornering...
Every loud squeal you heard was tearing your tires apart...

Next time you're at the track take at least one slow lap to establish the best line through the corners.
Progressivley increase speed and you'll be amazed how smoothly you corner.

Most times on a track you go faster by going slower !!!!

Look at my sketch of a compound ess and 90 and the line you would take to go fast and not scrub the tires..






Ed A.

marques

how much faster is the car with the twin turbo?

RBYCC

Much faster.....

Ortolan

For anyone in the market, this car is now up for auction on eBay:
http://www.ebay.ca/itm/Mercedes-Benz.../231074695883?

The new owner will have even more fun thanks to the new engine and free flowing exhaust.

Saijin_Naib

I saw that listing. That is a shame man. Beautiful car, and the specs look out of this world.