SL/R231: Measure Gains from "chipping"?
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SL550 - 231
Measure Gains from "chipping"?
Various vendors show dyno results of 20%-25% increases in HP and Torque from tunes (e.g. RennTech, OE Tuning, etc). Does anyone have before and after 0-60, 0-100, qrtr mile, 60-90, times? Actual measured results, not just seat of the pants.
Thanks!
Thanks!
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Last edited by Wolfman; Feb 15, 2022 at 12:50 PM.
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From: Maryland
2015 SL400 (M276 Turbo), 2014 C350 Sport (M276 NA), 2004 SL500 (M113), 2004 Audi TT225 (BEA)
I installed Vivid Racing's VRTune on my SL400 and got a cramp in my face from smiling so hard. Definitely "inspires" the M276 3.0 bi-turbo V6. Claimed hp is around 390. This is actually the ECU flash and not the tuning box.
I have not dyno'd or measured any times, but the butt dyno tells me that it was well worth the upgrade. Consider that this tune is more than the M276 in the C43 AMG. From 329 to 390 is 61 hp (~18%). I am comfortable with this level of increase. I do know that traction control kicks in unexpectedly from a rolling start.
I have not dyno'd or measured any times, but the butt dyno tells me that it was well worth the upgrade. Consider that this tune is more than the M276 in the C43 AMG. From 329 to 390 is 61 hp (~18%). I am comfortable with this level of increase. I do know that traction control kicks in unexpectedly from a rolling start.
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SL550 - 231
I installed Vivid Racing's VRTune on my SL400 and got a cramp in my face from smiling so hard. Definitely "inspires" the M276 3.0 bi-turbo V6. Claimed hp is around 390. This is actually the ECU flash and not the tuning box.
I have not dyno'd or measured any times, but the butt dyno tells me that it was well worth the upgrade. Consider that this tune is more than the M276 in the C43 AMG. From 329 to 390 is 61 hp (~18%). I am comfortable with this level of increase. I do know that traction control kicks in unexpectedly from a rolling start.
I have not dyno'd or measured any times, but the butt dyno tells me that it was well worth the upgrade. Consider that this tune is more than the M276 in the C43 AMG. From 329 to 390 is 61 hp (~18%). I am comfortable with this level of increase. I do know that traction control kicks in unexpectedly from a rolling start.
From what I've been able to read so far, 0-60 is negligibly impacted. I would guess, with the big increase in torque, passing performance (e.g. 30-60, 60-100) is more likely improved. But, haven't seen real data on this yet.
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2015 SL400 (M276 Turbo), 2014 C350 Sport (M276 NA), 2004 SL500 (M113), 2004 Audi TT225 (BEA)
I'm not sure what question you have that you want to answer. Does it matter if you are quicker to 100 (which I would bet you are) if overall feel is vastly improved? As you said, you are interested in road performance. Will you beat a Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat off the line? Who cares? If a tune makes you 0.1 second faster or slower, does that matter if you want an improved experience driving your car? The right tune will improve the experience over stock. Decide what you really want.
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From: Maryland
2015 SL400 (M276 Turbo), 2014 C350 Sport (M276 NA), 2004 SL500 (M113), 2004 Audi TT225 (BEA)
What car are you talking about? All you show is your CLS550. What year is it? A chip tune for your engine would push it close to 500hp. That should be fun.
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From: Brookshire, Texas & Cat Spring, Texas
2019 SL550/2023 EQS 580 SUV
I have the Renntech unit for my ‘19 Sl550 and love the added torque but after a year using it doubt the standard Sl550 is designed for the increase power. From a flat start or any speed up to 60 mph blipping the accelerator even a moderate amount makes the rear end come loose. With “Summer” tires it is better but with the Michelin PSS tires you loose a lot of the added acceleration from the tires coming loose.
And please, no stupid comments on “you need to go to driving school because you don’t know how to drive properly.”
Been there, done that…..
And please, no stupid comments on “you need to go to driving school because you don’t know how to drive properly.”
Been there, done that…..
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I mentioned the fun factor earlier because that should be the primary motivation as the SL550 is already surprisingly quick. The difference to other cars is that the SL550 acceleration feels somewhat uneventful and the traction was exceptional; very different from our prior V12TT SL600.
The R230 SL600 felt faster and pulled like a locomotive with its outdated 5 speed tranny but was slower than the R231 SL550. With Draggy, our 2017 SL550 was a touch over 4 seconds to 60 and under 4 with rollout.
Now that we have quicker cars than the SL I would say that the SL550 was ideal for its balance of power/traction/comfort.
The R230 SL600 felt faster and pulled like a locomotive with its outdated 5 speed tranny but was slower than the R231 SL550. With Draggy, our 2017 SL550 was a touch over 4 seconds to 60 and under 4 with rollout.
Now that we have quicker cars than the SL I would say that the SL550 was ideal for its balance of power/traction/comfort.
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SL550 - 231
I'm not sure what question you have that you want to answer. Does it matter if you are quicker to 100 (which I would bet you are) if overall feel is vastly improved? As you said, you are interested in road performance. Will you beat a Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat off the line? Who cares? If a tune makes you 0.1 second faster or slower, does that matter if you want an improved experience driving your car? The right tune will improve the experience over stock. Decide what you really want.
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Last edited by Wolfman; Feb 16, 2022 at 08:07 PM.
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From: Maryland
2015 SL400 (M276 Turbo), 2014 C350 Sport (M276 NA), 2004 SL500 (M113), 2004 Audi TT225 (BEA)
I have an idea! Why don't you go put your money down for a tune and come back and share with us what your numbers are?
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SL550 - 231
We have shared our experiences and opinions. Sorry we couldn't give you numbers which are somewhat meaningless because road and traffic conditions always change. You really may want to go get that Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat if numbers are what matter to you.
I have an idea! Why don't you go put your money down for a tune and come back and share with us what your numbers are?
I have an idea! Why don't you go put your money down for a tune and come back and share with us what your numbers are?
The point of my question is to research the impact of spending $1500-$2500, before doing so. As always, thanks for your contribution.
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From: Maryland
2015 SL400 (M276 Turbo), 2014 C350 Sport (M276 NA), 2004 SL500 (M113), 2004 Audi TT225 (BEA)
I'm asking, "What will make you happy?" Is going to 60 half a second faster on the drag strip what you are using to determine whether to spend $1500 or not?
Those of us who have "chip" tuned our cars have said what we think about doing it. Would I go back to stock and be content? Absolutely not. So, what is the question you are trying to answer? Is $1500 worth the improved drivability, throttle response, and shifting? Only you can determine that. Would I spend $2500 for a marginal improvement over $1500? No. So, again, I'm giving you my real-world opinion and you need to decide what is important to you.
Would I own a Dodge Hellcat instead of my "meager" performing SL400? No, because 0-60 just isn't important to me when I can outperform just about any car around me.
Good luck.
Those of us who have "chip" tuned our cars have said what we think about doing it. Would I go back to stock and be content? Absolutely not. So, what is the question you are trying to answer? Is $1500 worth the improved drivability, throttle response, and shifting? Only you can determine that. Would I spend $2500 for a marginal improvement over $1500? No. So, again, I'm giving you my real-world opinion and you need to decide what is important to you.
Would I own a Dodge Hellcat instead of my "meager" performing SL400? No, because 0-60 just isn't important to me when I can outperform just about any car around me.
Good luck.
Thread Starter
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SL550 - 231
I'm asking, "What will make you happy?" Is going to 60 half a second faster on the drag strip what you are using to determine whether to spend $1500 or not?
Those of us who have "chip" tuned our cars have said what we think about doing it. Would I go back to stock and be content? Absolutely not. So, what is the question you are trying to answer? Is $1500 worth the improved drivability, throttle response, and shifting? Only you can determine that. Would I spend $2500 for a marginal improvement over $1500? No. So, again, I'm giving you my real-world opinion and you need to decide what is important to you.
Would I own a Dodge Hellcat instead of my "meager" performing SL400? No, because 0-60 just isn't important to me when I can outperform just about any car around me.
Good luck.
Those of us who have "chip" tuned our cars have said what we think about doing it. Would I go back to stock and be content? Absolutely not. So, what is the question you are trying to answer? Is $1500 worth the improved drivability, throttle response, and shifting? Only you can determine that. Would I spend $2500 for a marginal improvement over $1500? No. So, again, I'm giving you my real-world opinion and you need to decide what is important to you.
Would I own a Dodge Hellcat instead of my "meager" performing SL400? No, because 0-60 just isn't important to me when I can outperform just about any car around me.
Good luck.
Seems we're talking at cross purposes. I never asked will it make my car faster than some other car. My question remains, is there OBJECTIVE evidence of performance improvement vs SUBJECTIVE (seat of the pants). Sounds like you do not have OBJECTIVE information to contribute.
But hey, whatever works for you. You do you.
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From: Maryland
2015 SL400 (M276 Turbo), 2014 C350 Sport (M276 NA), 2004 SL500 (M113), 2004 Audi TT225 (BEA)
You're right. I don't have objective evidence. Mine is all subjective and that's really the only thing that matters to me personally. I remember when cars hitting 0-60 in under 10 seconds were considered fast. It is all relative and subjective. I will spend $1500 for more horsepower ONLY if it improves significantly the "seat of the pants" feel. Been doing this for a LONG time and 0-60 is only important for side-by-side comparisons and bragging rights.
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m157 SL63
Just disregard the old-timers who think their stock vehicle is faster than any "sophisticated" SL driver needs to go, and otherwise you should join the unkempt masses in their mustangs or hellcats.
As for tunes or "chipping," if you pick a reputable company such as Eurocharged, AMS, or RennTech, you will certainly notice a measurable difference in seat-of-the-pants and dragy type of data (60-130, etc.).
Personally, I don't have a numbers comparison with only a tune because I did several upgrades together. C&D measured a stock performance-package SL63 at about 11.2s 60-130, while my SL63's best 60-130 time after upgrades (including a Eurocharged tune) is 5.7s. https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews...g-test-review/
As for tunes or "chipping," if you pick a reputable company such as Eurocharged, AMS, or RennTech, you will certainly notice a measurable difference in seat-of-the-pants and dragy type of data (60-130, etc.).
Personally, I don't have a numbers comparison with only a tune because I did several upgrades together. C&D measured a stock performance-package SL63 at about 11.2s 60-130, while my SL63's best 60-130 time after upgrades (including a Eurocharged tune) is 5.7s. https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews...g-test-review/
Last edited by billvp218; Feb 17, 2022 at 02:48 PM.
Joined: Nov 2016
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From: Maryland
2015 SL400 (M276 Turbo), 2014 C350 Sport (M276 NA), 2004 SL500 (M113), 2004 Audi TT225 (BEA)
Now, that's impressive! I'm curious what your other upgrades were. My "life experience" has taught me that increasing engine output can have long-term detrimental effects on the transmission and other drivetrain components. Did you do anything other than engine and exhaust?
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AMG GTC Roadster, E63s Ed.1, M8 Comp. Coupe
Just disregard the old-timers who think their stock vehicle is faster than any "sophisticated" SL driver needs to go, and otherwise you should join the unkempt masses in their mustangs or hellcats.
As for tunes or "chipping," if you pick a reputable company such as Eurocharged, AMS, or RennTech, you will certainly notice a measurable difference in seat-of-the-pants and dragy type of data (60-130, etc.).
Personally, I don't have a numbers comparison with only a tune because I did several upgrades together. C&D measured a stock performance-package SL63 at about 11.2s 60-130, while my SL63's best 60-130 time after upgrades (including a Eurocharged tune) is 5.7s. https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews...g-test-review/
As for tunes or "chipping," if you pick a reputable company such as Eurocharged, AMS, or RennTech, you will certainly notice a measurable difference in seat-of-the-pants and dragy type of data (60-130, etc.).
Personally, I don't have a numbers comparison with only a tune because I did several upgrades together. C&D measured a stock performance-package SL63 at about 11.2s 60-130, while my SL63's best 60-130 time after upgrades (including a Eurocharged tune) is 5.7s. https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews...g-test-review/
Last edited by Wolfman; Feb 17, 2022 at 05:52 PM.
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 7,847
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From: Maryland
2015 SL400 (M276 Turbo), 2014 C350 Sport (M276 NA), 2004 SL500 (M113), 2004 Audi TT225 (BEA)
Vivid Racing has 20% off for Presidents' Day. You should check your favorite tuners for discounts.
Last edited by JettaRed; Feb 18, 2022 at 08:23 PM.
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2019 SL550/2023 EQS 580 SUV
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From: Maryland
2015 SL400 (M276 Turbo), 2014 C350 Sport (M276 NA), 2004 SL500 (M113), 2004 Audi TT225 (BEA)
Member
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2014 sl550
0-60 wouldnt change much as car gets moving at the same rpm. to improve sl550 would need a higher torque converter to have launch control effect.
as for quarter mile there should be a minimal improvement but not much.
i have the oetuning tune. its fun and definately not racing it so i really dont care about the numbers
as for quarter mile there should be a minimal improvement but not much.
i have the oetuning tune. its fun and definately not racing it so i really dont care about the numbers
Thread Starter
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SL550 - 231
0-60 wouldnt change much as car gets moving at the same rpm. to improve sl550 would need a higher torque converter to have launch control effect.
as for quarter mile there should be a minimal improvement but not much.
i have the oetuning tune. its fun and definately not racing it so i really dont care about the numbers
as for quarter mile there should be a minimal improvement but not much.
i have the oetuning tune. its fun and definately not racing it so i really dont care about the numbers
Thanks!
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2014 sl550
I was looking at the OE Tuning as well. I'm not racing anyone, just like to feel the acceleration. Since you've got the OE Tune, would you please consider an easy test? Say 60-90, or 30-70.. something that shows the passing ability. There's lots of free g-meter apps for phones. Do a pass or two on stock tune, and then a pass or two with the OE-Tune. Max g-force should be different, yes?
Thanks!
Thanks!
