SL55/63/65/R230 AMG: Best launch technique?
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 882
Likes: 11
From: Oldsmar, FL
2005 E55 Wagon, 2017 C63S Cab, 1986 560SL
Best launch technique?
I'm taking the SL65 to the 1/8 mile track fairly regularly, but just flat can't get the launch right. It isn't the best prepared track, but still I should do better. Any advice would be appreciated.
I was running my street tires (Potenza Pole positions -- decent), and have even upgraded to a set of BFG R1 (track tires, not drags, but the best that fit). Part of the problem is that the car really, really doesn't want to do a burn out, even with the traction control off, so my tires are often cold.
The new tires helped, but not much.
My best so far:
Reaction time: .8214
60 ft 1.8364
1/8 7.7798
MPH 89.89
Unfortunately, that is rare. Mostly I am mid-to-high 8's, as I spin a the line.
I can reel in a lot of fast cars, once I launch, but would kill them if I could launch.
I've tried really feathering the throttle, and need to still practice, but even modest acceleration breaks it loose.
I have tried with both the stock tune and my Eurocharged Stage 2 (which just made it worse off the line, but caught some faster cars).
Thoughts? Ideas? Suggestions?
I was running my street tires (Potenza Pole positions -- decent), and have even upgraded to a set of BFG R1 (track tires, not drags, but the best that fit). Part of the problem is that the car really, really doesn't want to do a burn out, even with the traction control off, so my tires are often cold.
The new tires helped, but not much.
My best so far:
Reaction time: .8214
60 ft 1.8364
1/8 7.7798
MPH 89.89
Unfortunately, that is rare. Mostly I am mid-to-high 8's, as I spin a the line.
I can reel in a lot of fast cars, once I launch, but would kill them if I could launch.
I've tried really feathering the throttle, and need to still practice, but even modest acceleration breaks it loose.
I have tried with both the stock tune and my Eurocharged Stage 2 (which just made it worse off the line, but caught some faster cars).
Thoughts? Ideas? Suggestions?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 1,181
Likes: 59
CL65
Are you doing a burnout in dyno mode? Shutting off the traction control on the dash is not enough to get a decent burnout. This will allow you to get the tires real hot. You need to get a set of drag radials to see significant improvements in launching, with decent prep you should be able to see a 1.6 60 ft time Don't sell yourself short get a set of Mickey Thompson ET streets 265/40/18 is more than enough.. Also, I find bringing the rpms up to 2,000 rpms at launch with hot sticky tires will help, but it will depend on your traction.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 6,897
Likes: 85
From: Central WI (BFE)
SL55, ML500 & Acura TL
I used to do a fair amount of 1/4 runs at a couple of tracks down in the Indianapolis area. I always ran on street tires. Usually Proxes T1rs which is a pretty sticky tire. The best 60 I ever managed was a 1.7x. I don't see you shaving more than another tenth off of which is already a good 60 on streets. Follow Racehorses advice if you plan to run often.
I tried lowering the air pressure in the back tires by about 5 psi. Also raised the car to full height and softest suspension option thinking on launch, more weight would shift back on to the rear wheels. Some people recommend a dialing on of power taking maybe a second to 1.5 seconds to go from idle or low rpms to WOT.
Some people also recommend running in dyno mode. I would not do it and don't recommend it. dyno mode turns ABS off which could be very useful when you are trying to shut down the beast. Turning traction control off does not disable SBCs dynamic braking nor ABS. It certainly is safe to do burnouts in dyno mode and then shift back.
After all the different things I tried, I could not point to one that worked better. I came to the conclusion track prep is the overwhelming factor, that and running streets instead of drag radials.
I tried lowering the air pressure in the back tires by about 5 psi. Also raised the car to full height and softest suspension option thinking on launch, more weight would shift back on to the rear wheels. Some people recommend a dialing on of power taking maybe a second to 1.5 seconds to go from idle or low rpms to WOT.
Some people also recommend running in dyno mode. I would not do it and don't recommend it. dyno mode turns ABS off which could be very useful when you are trying to shut down the beast. Turning traction control off does not disable SBCs dynamic braking nor ABS. It certainly is safe to do burnouts in dyno mode and then shift back.
After all the different things I tried, I could not point to one that worked better. I came to the conclusion track prep is the overwhelming factor, that and running streets instead of drag radials.
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 955
Likes: 127
From: Kansas
2003 E55, 2003 SL55, 2014 CLS63, 2018 q50 Redsport, 1968 Camaro SS, 1999 Trans am Firehawk
with less than stellar track prep and street tires I'm usually at 2.0-2.2 on the 60 ft time regardless of the car I've taken to the track. As cal1 said, track prep is key. You can try spraying some trackbite on the tires is about the only suggestion besides going to a different track, waiting until your track is well prepped (like before large events), or getting better tires. A 1.83 60 ft time on a poorly prepped track and street tires isn't bad.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,921
Likes: 173
From: Long Island New York
2003 SL55,2020 GTC ,2017 GTS sold ,2002 G500 Sold,2003 SL500 Sold,
On a prepped track at Atco raceway lAst year got 1.61 60 ft running Michelin pilot super sports 295/30 19
Dead hook lol time slip is in one of my threads
Dead hook lol time slip is in one of my threads
