SL55/63/65/R230 AMG: Any SL track advise?
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2006 sl600
Any SL track advise?
I have a 2006 SL600 with the AMG package lowering links an exhaust delete and I’m about to go with a larger intercooler and replace the brake fluid with higher boiling point race fluid. Over the last couple of years I have raced a 2006 Z06 in the Time Attack series at Circuit Grand Bayou in LA and have posted 1:21.25 lap times as a personal best. I decided to go with the 600 SL with the AMG package over the SL55 for a number of reasons. More hp available with little effort and still has big brakes with the AMG pack. I plan on going to the track late in September for the first time and would love to have some advice from someone that has tracked a similar car. I have plenty of experience road racing from Motorcycles to carts and cars but this was mostly in my youth until I got the Z06. I’m 56 now and have loved the SL’s since the SL450’s but could never afford one.
Sorry for the long explanation. If you could offer any set up advice or on track traits that will help I would greatly appreciate it. I am running Continental DW’s this trip but I’m considering a set of Hoosier R6’s on another set of rims if I like the way the SL performs. Your thoughts?
Thanks John
Sorry for the long explanation. If you could offer any set up advice or on track traits that will help I would greatly appreciate it. I am running Continental DW’s this trip but I’m considering a set of Hoosier R6’s on another set of rims if I like the way the SL performs. Your thoughts?
Thanks John
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2006 sl600
Plan on a tune shortly but what I have found from tracking my Z06. HP and Torque although they help get you down the straights very fast, entry and exit speeds are what makes for a fast lap. I hope to get the handling dialed in and then go after more power. All my buddies think I am crazey for trying to make a 4400lb car get around a racetrack fast but I just love SL's in all forms and just hope I can outperform just a few of my friends with cars that are known as track cars. Time will tell. I will keep you posted.
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2006 sl600
I know this is not the best track car. I’m only trying to make it as good as it can be. I know I will not set any track records but if I CAN SHOW THAT THIS BIG FAST TANK can hang in there it will allow everyone on this forum to hold their heads high. I promise my driving skill will not let you down. Not to mention all my buddies that are saying Im now driving a Panzer. Drives me crazey. Just looking for help.
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there is really nothing major you can do imo.
the stock brakes are about as good as they can be. i am not aware of anybody making aftermarket brake setups for the r230 amg cars and if they do... it will be very expensive. you might try different pads, but you dont want anything too aggressive that will bent/ wear out your $800 a piece rotors.
the suspension offers very little alternative options. as far as i know there are two things that can be added to it- rear lca with stiffer bushings and lsd but that is about it. you can also play with sds or lowering links to get the suspension where you want it (lower the front and leave or raise a bit the rear). i am not aware of any way to play with shock stiffness individually (ie make them harder on the front and softer in the back). one good thing is that once our start pushing into corners you will notice that the car corners very flat... but that is deceiving as the front will give without much warning and when it does it is very hard to rotate the car properly.
an sl55 would have been a marginally better choice, but still the r230 dna is of a luxo gt, not a corner hugger.
the v12 cars are 5000 pound front-heavy thinly-tired soft and computer-controlled artificially suspended vehicles to enjoy with the top down on not very curvy two lane roads
the stock brakes are about as good as they can be. i am not aware of anybody making aftermarket brake setups for the r230 amg cars and if they do... it will be very expensive. you might try different pads, but you dont want anything too aggressive that will bent/ wear out your $800 a piece rotors.
the suspension offers very little alternative options. as far as i know there are two things that can be added to it- rear lca with stiffer bushings and lsd but that is about it. you can also play with sds or lowering links to get the suspension where you want it (lower the front and leave or raise a bit the rear). i am not aware of any way to play with shock stiffness individually (ie make them harder on the front and softer in the back). one good thing is that once our start pushing into corners you will notice that the car corners very flat... but that is deceiving as the front will give without much warning and when it does it is very hard to rotate the car properly.
an sl55 would have been a marginally better choice, but still the r230 dna is of a luxo gt, not a corner hugger.
the v12 cars are 5000 pound front-heavy thinly-tired soft and computer-controlled artificially suspended vehicles to enjoy with the top down on not very curvy two lane roads
Last edited by alx; Sep 6, 2011 at 09:10 AM.
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From: Madison WI
2003 SL55, 2010 C63
SS brake lines, Toe links, 2 piece rotors, LSD, race pads, and race tires are probably all you can do to get better handling. Cooling is usually the issue for 55k, but I'm not sure about the V12. Hope this helps.
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2006 sl600
Hi Guys
Thanks for the information. So far I'm getting SS Brake lines, race temp brake fluid, a larger intercooler, may try water wetter to keep the temps down in the rad. After my first outing may go with a set of DOT Hossier R6. In the time I've had the car it seems to handle quite good for a 4400 lbs Panzer( Its what my buddy that drive a C6 vette calls it) I know I wont set any records but just want to hold my own against the naysayers. Love the SL and not sad to see the Z06 gone.
I will post my laptimes after the first event.
Cheers
Thanks for the information. So far I'm getting SS Brake lines, race temp brake fluid, a larger intercooler, may try water wetter to keep the temps down in the rad. After my first outing may go with a set of DOT Hossier R6. In the time I've had the car it seems to handle quite good for a 4400 lbs Panzer( Its what my buddy that drive a C6 vette calls it) I know I wont set any records but just want to hold my own against the naysayers. Love the SL and not sad to see the Z06 gone.
I will post my laptimes after the first event.
Cheers
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Joined: Feb 2009
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From: Central WI (BFE)
SL55, ML500 & Acura TL
Hi Guys
Thanks for the information. So far I'm getting SS Brake lines, race temp brake fluid, a larger intercooler, may try water wetter to keep the temps down in the rad. After my first outing may go with a set of DOT Hossier R6. In the time I've had the car it seems to handle quite good for a 4400 lbs Panzer( Its what my buddy that drive a C6 vette calls it) I know I wont set any records but just want to hold my own against the naysayers. Love the SL and not sad to see the Z06 gone.
I will post my laptimes after the first event.
Cheers
Thanks for the information. So far I'm getting SS Brake lines, race temp brake fluid, a larger intercooler, may try water wetter to keep the temps down in the rad. After my first outing may go with a set of DOT Hossier R6. In the time I've had the car it seems to handle quite good for a 4400 lbs Panzer( Its what my buddy that drive a C6 vette calls it) I know I wont set any records but just want to hold my own against the naysayers. Love the SL and not sad to see the Z06 gone.
I will post my laptimes after the first event.
Cheers
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From: SoCal
SL55 AMG
Here is my .02
LSD: Wavetrac or Quaife
Toe Links: Renntech
2 Pc Lightweight Rotors: Hyevon Motors/Benz Works
KW Coil Over swap: Hyevon Motors/Benz Works
Not to mention the lightest wheels possible, maybe HRE 3pc wheels. You may want to PM Benzoboi about his experience with the KW coilover kit on his car at the track.
LSD: Wavetrac or Quaife
Toe Links: Renntech
2 Pc Lightweight Rotors: Hyevon Motors/Benz Works
KW Coil Over swap: Hyevon Motors/Benz Works
Not to mention the lightest wheels possible, maybe HRE 3pc wheels. You may want to PM Benzoboi about his experience with the KW coilover kit on his car at the track.
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2006 sl600
Wow Renntech does not give away the Toe Link and Adjustable Camber Bushing Kits. Ouch
Think I will stick with lowering links for now and assess how competative she could be on the track.
Think I will stick with lowering links for now and assess how competative she could be on the track.
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From: Central WI (BFE)
SL55, ML500 & Acura TL
Yep, nothing from RT is cheap. I think you will find EvoSport's pricing on toe links about the same. Check these guys out: http://mbartsperformance.com/MBA-230-ARCA.html
I don't know much about them, but they sell toe links along with other track goodies.
I don't know much about them, but they sell toe links along with other track goodies.
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From: Indiana
2003 AMG SL55, 2002 AMG CLK55, 2002 AMG ML55, 2005 ML350, 1995 S320 LWB - totaled
Weight is also the major issue and ther you are stuck. You can lighten the car some what buy getting rid of those comfy seats and putting in race buckets.
You can pull the entire convertible system and weld the roof solid and onto the car.
The major weight of the car still resides in the frame etc. Remember the R230 was designed from the begining to be a convertible and a luxury GT cruiser.
I too have pondered doing something like this Porsche 928 GT or the SL55.
"Not gonna do it. No sir. Wouldn't be wise. Wouldn't be prudent."
-O
You can pull the entire convertible system and weld the roof solid and onto the car.
The major weight of the car still resides in the frame etc. Remember the R230 was designed from the begining to be a convertible and a luxury GT cruiser.
I too have pondered doing something like this Porsche 928 GT or the SL55.
"Not gonna do it. No sir. Wouldn't be wise. Wouldn't be prudent."
-O
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From: SF Bay Area
2001 Lamborghini Diablo, 2009 SL65 (sold), 1998 CL600 (sold), 1989 560SEL (sold)
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From: Houston, TX
18 Titan XD 13 Cayenne TT 13 BMW HP4
Toe links help but brake fluid and lines will be my next mods before I do another track day. If the course is tight, you'd better be one hell of a driver to run with a Z06. R6 tires will help but the car just isn't tight, nor that planted IMO.
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2006 sl600
Oh I have no delusions that I will run with a Z06. I just sold mine to buy the SL and they are track weapons for sure. I'm really just hoping to have some fun and not get spanked too bad. Having the SL set up properly should help it. I understand very well it will be very tough to have a 4400lb car hang with a 3200 lb car when they both have around 500hp.
Here are a couple of pics of my Z06
Here are a couple of pics of my Z06
