gtsl55renn

I'm new here, but I just reserved my "build-slot" for a new '06 SL55. I will then be taking it to a local RENNtech authorized dealer to have upgrades done. I've been a BMW guy, but this seems too good to pass up.

Any advice on RENNtech engine options? I've seen in this forum some good advice about the Eisenmann Exhaust, which I guess I'll do.

Primary concern:

I am buying this car because it is a "nice, luxury" auto with "sports car" spirit. I want to further enhance the "sports car" side - but I don't want to lose all aspects of the "luxury" ride. If you push the limits of RENNtech engine upgrades, is this the result?

Any help would be great.

One more thing: Is it true that the '07 SL is coming out next Spring? Anyone have any info??!!

Thanks.

vraa

After the RENNtech upgrades, the car will still be very much so the best ever GT crusier. You won't turn it into a raw Porsche GT3, but that's a good thing

IMO the RENNtech ECU upgrade is probably the best upgrade for this car that I've ever seen, and then the exhaust to tone up the note of the engine a bit. Remember when you do the Eisenmann Exhaust upgrade, there are two versions, Racing and Sport.

If you haven't paid for your upgrades already, I think I can work something out for you if you want the RENNtech chip upgrades as well as the exhaust if you order it through EuroTeck.

gtsl55renn

At this time, I am ethically committed to a dealer; we'll see what happens. . .

In the meantime, some clarification: I am looking at everything from the ECU upgrade to that + Crankshaft + Stainless Headers + CF Airbox + Enhanced Throttle Body.

At what point - if any - do I lose the "I'm not going to the track, just the market, but this is still great to drive. . . and reliable, too!"

FYI: I'm also planning on doing brake upgrades. Any comments on that??

vraa

None of those mods will alter the car from being a GT into a track car. The worst thing that could but will not happen is your headers adding a drone into your car. But the RENNtech headers are designed so to prevent that from what I've heard.

As for brake upgrades, be careful. Don't just do the biggest brakes you can find. That's what a lot of people do, and they actually reduce their braking efficiency. The best bet is to find the optimal balance in their brake setup. Having massive rotors in the front, and stock ones in the back will bias your brakes too much in the front. That's incorrect. It could also possibly be dangerous.

The really cool thing about Mercedes is that their brakes are already fantastic, if you are looking to improve your braking power, one of the steps you should look into is getting better tires. The brakes are already powerful enough to lock the wheels.

But then again, larger rotors and correctly drilled rotors can help tremendously in heat dissipation.

gtsl55renn

Thanks for the advice. I'll look into it.

Do you shave, yet?

vraa

Sure thing man

Yep, been shaving since 7th grade or something like that. :p

lorinserbenz

Maybe... I read that the new SL will come(euro MB mag) in spring of 2006.. but who knows...
the 06 Sl55 will be the last of the supercharged motors, that is a fact.

You should look at Kleeman too..

gtsl55renn

Thanks. I'll do that. I lean towards Renntech because of the historical link/connection with MB/AMG. Do you know if there is any similar history vis-a-vis Kleemann?

Thanks.

Schiznick

Why don't you go with the Performance Package to start with? You will get the big brake upgrade you are looking for as well as a few other things.... 19" rims, SL65 bumper, alcantara steering wheel. Suspension settings changed and speed limiter moved up. Someone posted a cost of 140K with all the goodies.

Then again if you start at 140K and add all the Renntech stuff you may as well buy a SL65 and tweak that ECU.

Sounds like the money will be the same.....

Schiz

E46M3ownerMBfan

I have the Eisenmann Ti on my M3 and I love it. I had SS on my E36 M3 but I will never buy a SS exhaust again. Here is a link to my post https://mbworld.org/forums/sl55-amg-sl63-amg-sl65-amg-r230/116471-eisenmann-exhaust-sl55-amg.html in it you will find photos and also a link to a video. The Eisenmann SL55 exhaust is sick.

gtsl55renn

Me thinks I'll stick with Renntech.

I've looked at Kleemann, Brabus & others. None of them "do" it for me like RT.

Final planned order to come later, and I invite comments/suggestions. . .

Thanks for the help!

gtsl55renn

Renntech Mods:

- ECU Performance Upgrade
- Crankshaft Pulley
- Stainless Headers
- Carbon F. Airbox
- Throttle Box Upgrade
- Eisenmann Exhaust
- Suspension Upgrade
- 20" Monolite Chrome Wheels (10.5R/9.5F)
- Nitto NT555 Tires
- Chrome Gills on Hood & Skirts
- Aero-Kit (rear deck spoiler, front spoiler, skirts)
- Carbon F. Trim (Center console, ashtray, navigation surround, instrument cluster, steering wheel, door trim, door pulls)

Factory Car:

- Black Obsidian Exterior
- Ash Interior
- Bi-Xenon Lights
- Distronic
- Hands-Free Communication Sys.
- Ventilated Seats
- Keyless Go
- ParkTronic
- Blue Illuminated Sills
- Rear Shelf Bag
- Cargo Nets/Cover

Missing something? Wrong tires? Wrong anything?

Thanks in advance.

theboogers

add pano top

gtsl55renn

Really. . .Why?

I'm not arguing - I just don't see the point. Plus, a manual sunscreen shade??

Explain your reasoning, please.

Schiznick

Again, why not start with a SL65?

lorinserbenz

Some of us dont have 181k to drop at once

Plus its fun to mod and to be different...

Schiznick

That list looks like 80K from Renntech......

And still does not include the big brake kit or the LSD that will be needed.

I do agree it is good to be different!

Schiz

vraa

It's a really good option. Sure lightens up the interior of the car and makes it a little less 'cramped'

JackStraw

I agree with Schiznick. If you are prepared to put all that money in mods into a brand new car, you are better off starting with the SL65.

lkirchner

All that you have to do is sit inside and drive one with the pano roof and one without. The pano roof does make the cabin much more open and not as closed in. With the obsidian black the roof will truly blend in. I have a black 55 with the pano roof and until someone gets right on top of it the comment is "I didn't know that your car has the glass roof". As far as the manual sunshade is concerned, I live in Sacramento, CA where we had the hottest July (100 degrees plus) on record and I never used the sunshade. As far as it being manual, it takes no effort to open and close it from the driver's or passenger's seat. We can't be that spoiled, can we?

gtsl55renn

First of all, Thanks for all the input/advice. I really appreciate it, and it has been helpful. I am thrilled to have found this forum.

As to the 65: I started this endeavor with a desire to have a pretty customized car. If I add the non-performance mods to the 65, it gets a bit pricey, but I'll look at the numbers again and think about it (If my math is right - which is rare - I'd cut about 9K off engine mods, pay an extra 56K on the base in order to get an extra 50bhp and a lot of torque. I just don't know. . .).

I went to a local dealer today to take a look at a black 55 with the pano roof. True - you can't tell from the outside w/o pretty close inspection. The shade is (obviously) simple to operate, but seemed a bit weak. I'll think about that, too. For the cost, I'll probably do it - it's a nice touch.

Again, to all, Thanks for the help.

Kar don

pano roof is a must on a black car imo... also just get the SL55 with the performance pkg. The Nurburgring suspension....mmmmmm.

vraa

The pano roof will really open up the car. It's almost a must. After sitting in one with the roof, and without, I felt very cramped in the one without just because of optics.

gtsl55renn

I'm getting the 20" 10-spoke Monolites (10.5Rx9.5F). I've been advised that I should look to Michelin PS2 and/or ContiSport Contact2. Sizes:

305x25x20 - Rear
255x30x20 - Front

Any comments, suggestions?

Thanks in advance.

vraa

PS2's hands down.