SL-Class (R129) 1990-2002: SL 280, SL 300, SL 320, SL 500, SL 600, SL 60 AMG

SL/R129: what can you do to your SL500 to make it faster?

Old Mar 30, 2005 | 11:53 PM
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Question what can you do to your SL500 to make it faster?

********you can leave out the $90K supercharger*********
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Old Mar 31, 2005 | 12:48 AM
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i think when u put the sportskit on it which comes with the amg kit it makes it slightly faster.
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Old Mar 31, 2005 | 07:22 PM
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is what i said right?
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Old Mar 31, 2005 | 08:04 PM
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Originally Posted by Tico
is what i said right?
I don´t think you ever can messure that small improvment. Maybe in speed over 150 mph. The drag for "no AMG" style pre 1996 is 0,32 with hardtop (not glass) and for the soft top 0,34.
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Old Apr 1, 2005 | 12:51 AM
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what about when you are topless... i have descoverded that it takes longer to get to 145 with the hard top on then with the top down, or is that just because the weight of the top??
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Old Apr 1, 2005 | 05:38 AM
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Originally Posted by RedMongoosE
what about when you are topless... i have descoverded that it takes longer to get to 145 with the hard top on then with the top down, or is that just because the weight of the top??
The drag for the pre 1996 non-glass non-amg top:
With HT: 0,32
With ST: 0,34
Open with wind deflector down: 0,41
Open with wind deflector up: 0,43

The performance should decrease up to around 100 mph because of the weight. Above that you should gain performance because of the reduce drag with the HT.

I have driven open and wind deflector up at about 150 mph, and Yes it was windy

Last edited by SL60 ///AMG; Apr 1, 2005 at 05:43 AM.
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Old Apr 4, 2005 | 01:01 AM
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that drag seems pretty low, do you kow what the drag on a SLR is?
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Old Apr 4, 2005 | 01:04 AM
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Originally Posted by RedMongoosE
that drag seems pretty low, do you kow what the drag on a SLR is?
Probably less. The LS430 is in the .2x IIRC.
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Old Apr 4, 2005 | 01:09 AM
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.26 = Ls430.
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Old Apr 8, 2005 | 12:46 PM
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what about tweaking the gear ratio, i would like to take away from the 160mph top end and put some of that tward aceleration. and what about headers and cams?
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Old Apr 25, 2005 | 03:26 AM
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From: El Dorado Hills, CA
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You can have a Kleeman SC installed and tuned...CARB legal, etc...for less than $15k.

Imagine your car, but with 500HP on tap. SL55 performance.

The perfect car.

That is THE ONLY real improvement you can buy.

Otherwise, what is the point? You just want fast? Buy a faster car.

10 HP here, 20 HP there is a joke. IMHO.

I have a lot of experience in this arena, but primarily with BMWs. My current M3 is supercharged by Dinan. If you have it done right, the car is simply more powerful. The only downside is cost. Period.

No maintenance issues, no worries. Just more power when you want it.

My 2002 Silver Arrow will be going with a Kleeman install. I am only moderately motivated until I sell my M3...you get addicted to scary acceleration.
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