The Kleemann C55 did the 1/4 in 12.2 @117 mph and a Kleemann SLK should be slightly faster. I'm not sure if you've done much drag racing but 1/2 second and 7 to 10 mph is a huge difference requiring big power. Most cars that I've seen, driven, and/or owned putting down just under 500 whp on a dynojet and weighing between 3200 and 3600 LBS typically run in the high 11's to low 12's with a decent driver at almost 120mph.

The Kleemann figures vs. stock figures make perfect sense to me.

 

That C55 (dragonAMG) runs his car in Las Vegas at very high temps and conditions. Your SLK should run about 11.3! :v

Dinko

 

Yeah with a 100 shot of nitrous. Please find me a 590 HP (480WHP), 3400 LB car that runs an 11.2. Look at the Ferrari Enzo, Ford GT, and Carrera GT. They make as much or more HP and weigh a lot less, have much better traction and gearing, and do not run 11.2 in the 1/4. THe Kleemann SLK is an awesome car but breaking into even the high 11's would take an awesome launch.

BTW, I've test driven the Kleemann SLK55 in Colorado Springs, what an incredible car! You're a lucky guy.


Here's the fastest time that I've found for an Enzo: 11.1@133mph. Keep in mind that the Enzo is making 80 crank HP more than the Klemmann SLK and weighs 500 LBS less. It also has less drivetrain loss due to its tranny. That should help put it in perspective.

 

You would think that the SLR and S7 would have close or at least similar times right? The SLR does it in 10.1 and the SLR has a weight disadvantage, 5 speed, with a slight hp advantage. Now I know the SLR is a sort-of supercar but still. It doesn't make that much sense to me still, the numbers are there it's just begging the question how well they work in the midrange.

With all the power it should be able to break into the 11s easy, Right?

 

The Enzo is not meant for drag racing the slightest bit... It's meant to go around a track quicker than any other :v However, it puts things into perspective.

But the thing is... when comparing the stock 1/4 time to the est modded 1/4 time something just doesn't add up.

 

Oh I don't care, anytime on the weekends. Its just a car but you are certainly welcome anytime - just PM me when you come in town & I'll shoot you my address .

Cheers,
-Matt

 

...........I have a W210 E55 S7. My best 1/4 mile time is 12.2secs. Dragon AMG has C55 S7, same 1/4 mile time. SLK is lighter and at first it would appear as if it should do 11's easy. The problem is that our cars have been described as pre-mature ejaculators. They have huge torque at the low end. Mine did the 12.2 sec run from second gear. First gear simply spins and destroys rubber while I sit standstill. In these S7 or S8 cars, you either get a decent 60ft time or you won't get into the 11's. So I believe the figures published by Kleemann. These cars do not need more power to get into the 11's. Any more power you get simply helps shred your tires while you stand still. What is needed is a good driver +/- slicks. Comparing the numbers to Enzo's etc is interesting, but those cars are engineered differently. Some cars like the new M5, don't start shinning until mid range. Ours are at their best in the low range. I have driven my car somany different ways and this is my take on it so far.

Ted

 

Did somone want to answer this or what?

 

None of these cars are purpose built for drag racing. It does add up perfectly, 3500 LB cars with 480 whp run low 12's whether it be a Mustang, Evolution, Mercedes, or Ferrari.

 

Cars are all built differently but at the end of the day it takes a lot of HP to get a 3500LB car into the 11's. High 11's might be possible with slicks and a great launch.

I enjoy drag racing and have an Evolution that I use as a platform. At 600awhp I was running in the very high 10's in a 3100 LB car with all wheel drive and a 1.6sec 60' time. This is also a car that is not engineered specifically for drag racing.

Here's the Evolution now at 850awhp. Anybody recognize the supercharger?

http://www.we-todd-did-racing.com/we...ZkMzF5NTQx.jpg

 

Hi Ricker.

Yes, the 7 Spd tranny (as advertised on Kleemann's web site as well as proven in an SLK55 after more than 40k miles) has withstood the 617 Hp S8 package without a problem. Kleemann would not sell an engine package that the 7G couldn't handle. Kleemann knows thier product & their applications.

To those discussing the Enzo (and other points I wanted to comment)?
1) Agreed, an Enzo develops 70 more flywheel Hp. However, its engine is "peaky". The AMG blown V8 has a flatter curve (ergo makes use if its power over a longer period of time in each gear).

2) The Enzo also develops 80 ft lbs less torque. So, while a 3,400 lbs SLK weighs more, it has more torque to carry its extra heft and as mentioned in #1 above, has a wider accessable power band - especially with 7 close ratio gears.

3) I just weighed my SLK. Its 3,400 lbs (1 - 2 gals of gas in the tank) so no change in stock weight (lighter exhaust system offsets the slight supercharger weight = no "net" change). Cool.

G55, I think maybe you are missing 2 points? The SLK55's 7 spd tranny - that is huge in allowing the car to keep its engine at peak power levels...and it never misses a shift . As NOTKTS mentioned, my SLK lacks 27 Hp vs an SLR, yet is 460 lbs ligher. I'm guessing my race gas will bump my power to equal that of an SLR (my Kleemann ECU is learning 100 octane over the weekend......I can "feel" it - we'll see on my next dyno for objective proof next week ). In any case, an SLR runs an 11.6 at 127 mph. My SLk has a better power to weight ratio & a 7 Spd (not 5 Spd) tranny. However, you are right. Traction is indeed limiting acceleration, but the Traction Control is still allowing my SLK to leave "morse code" twin strips through 80 mph - just tried it tonight (nobody was anywhere near this little "escapade" and dayam it was FUN :p ). My wife was laughing her azz off!

The SLK55 does not suffer as much as an E55 w/traction issues. Its 848 lbs lighter (848 lbs is......significant ). The SLK is still handicapped, but wider rims/tires will help a little (who really cares, its my wife's daily driver, not John Force's next drag platform :p ). I sincerely doubt its as quick as an Enzo (but its likely pretty close & it didn't cost me half a Mil ) .

I APPRECIATE everyone's input. To me, its interesting to hear other people's experience and ideas. Its cool to talk to other car buffs.

-Matt

 

...........if you can get a 1.6 60ft time in either an S8 or an S8 car, you will definitely get into the 11's. So far nobody can. Not even close. The best 60ft times are 2.0 and above. These cars have such incredible low end torque that without slicks you are not going anywhere. Another thought is to torque converter. I wonder if a W211 E55 torque converter or even an SL65 torque converter can be transplanted into these cars.

Ted

 

[QUOTE=Yellow R1].


3) I just weighed my SLK. Its 3,400 lbs (1 - 2 gals of gas in the tank) so no change in stock weight (lighter exhaust system offsets the slight supercharger weight = no "net" change).

Matt,
This is great news
I came across an old magazine article that tell you exactly how to turn ALL the driver aids off(dyno mode). You should try it

 

Are you taking the Kleemann LSD into account?

Diko

 

............yes I have the Kleemann LSD and I believe DragonAMG also has an LSD. It difficult to express n words how much low end torque these cars have. The LSD in my opinion makes the an S7 or an S8 driveable. Without the LSD, the cars will be dangerous to drive.

Ted

 

From your experience, do you think the LSD would show noticable results to a SLK55 without a S/C?

Dinko

 

So given that 1st gear is useless for drag racing in these cars...would slightly less hp that allows hookup in 1st garner a better 1/4 time??? Seems 265 tires plus 75 or so less hp would be better?

 

.......I might have an even bigger problem with 1st gear during drag racing because I changed my diff from 2.87 to 3.07. But your general idea is correct in that more HP is not the solution for better 1/4 mile times in these cars. Drag radials or slicks plus a very good drag racing driver is what is needed. But one only goes to the drag strip episodically. These cars are a blast to drive on a daily basis. You know you can obiliterate any car on the road even those that might have better 1/4 mile times..........because you are no longer traction limited once you are in motion.

.........I don't think LSD will help. Street legal drag radials such as BFG's might be a much less expensive, but more effective option.

Ted

 

Matt, I'll be the first to admit I know very little about this, BUT I was just this morning reading an article on MB's new S series, that seemed interesting and perhaps related to the transmission discussion.

The S550 has the a new 5.5l V8 with 4 valves per, makes 380hp and 390lb-ft and uses the 7 speed auto.

But on the S600 which has twin turbo V12 making 510hp and 612ft-lb, they had to drop back to the "heavy-duty" 5 speed auto (heavy duty was their words).

 

See that's what I was talking about....I'm sure Kleemann knows this.

Mercedes is doing this w/their 5 speed (They play the game: Mercedes tranny's never need servicing, yet I've heard of plenty failing @40,000-60,000miles not even SC'd) I'm sure there's some truth to the 7 speed being limited to handle 510 Crank hp.... I'm not trying to ruin your thread Yellowr1, I'm just very curious how Kleemann is getting around this, or does Kleemann give you a Warranty if your 7 speed takes a dump? anyhow sounds like you and your wife have a very powerfull little car there enjoy!

 

Interesting discussion...

In my experience the "peaky" engine such as the Enzo's make for better drag cars. Look at some of the 4 cylinder imports with huge turbos (huge lag), they put down great 1/4 mile numbers. The reason being they can hook up at the launch and they can utilize their manual tranny'd to stay in the powerband.

Also a 7 speed close ratio tanny is a hinderance in the 1/4 mile. On a road course or the street it's terrific. A good 5 speed, like the SLR's, is going to outperform the 7 speed.

The best indicator of power is a cars trap speed. It will be interesting to see what you trap. When are you going to the track? Good luck.

 

Agreed. That's the point I was trying to make.

 

Hi Ricker, my good friend, this is Kleemann, not some 2 man garage ship operation.

Seriously, FWIW, I do research on every modification I make to either my RX-7 or our SLK to ensure its the highest performing mod available (and how it interacts with other modifications in terms of not only performance, but long term reliability.) I don't (nor should anyone) just start buying some mixed bag of mods & slap them on their car without the aforementioned "homework" process. Anyone that takes a haphazard approach risks reliabilty, a lack of expected power development, and truly does not understand the engineering required to ensure modifications work in harmony as a unified "system". Hope this makes sense.

Here are "some" of Kleemann's positions regarding their modifications and specifically, the power load on the 7G:

What impact will the enhanced power output from a KLEEMANN tuning solution have on the engine and drive train?

Mercedes-Benz vehicles have a very robust engine and drive train capable of handling far more power than the cars produce in stock trim. The electronic control systems of the drive train produce very smooth shifts, nearly eliminating drive train shock loading, a primary cause of any drive train failure. In short: Engine and drive train will not suffer due to the enhanced power output.

How does KLEEMANN ensure long-lasting tuning solutions?

Our goal when developing KLEEMANN tuning solutions is to ensure everyday usability and durability. This is particularly true for our performance parts. That is why intelligent safety features, managing component load and preventing component overload are included. Safety features of engine or drive train management will never be compromised. Durability and usability of KLEEMANN tuning solutions are thoroughly tested in extensive road tests and on our test stand. Dyno testing prior to customer delivery ensures that everything is within specifications

"Will the 7G tronic be able to handle the power of a KLEEMANN tuning solution"?

The 7 speed 7G tronic transmission (722.9) is slowly being phased in to replace the 5 speed (722.6) transmission Mercedes Benz has used for the last 5 years. All new N/A V6 and V8 vehicles are now being built with the W7A 700 variant of the 7G tronic. The WA700 variant is endurance load rated by Mercedes Benz at 760 Nm (560 lbs/ft) of torque. This means the transmission will handle this amount of power continuously with out failure. There will never be a time where one can develop this kind of power continuously on the road. Momentary load ratings are easily 35 % higher than continuous ratings. The 7G tronic transmission will easily handle the performance from a KLEEMANN conversion. The 7G tronic has been available for nearly one year and KLEEMANN has modified many of these vehicles. None of these modified vehicles has had any trouble to date, many of them having logged in excess of 64,000 km (40.000 miles).

G55, thanks for the feedback. I agree on your examples demonstrating getting a good hole shot. However, I don't see the 7G as liability in the 1/4, rather a benefit by allowing the car to stay in its powerband for a longer time (the milliseconds involved in perhaps 1 extra automated shift will be more than offset by maintaing the power in its optimal sweet spot - IMO)? In any case, no matter. I could absolutely be wrong & you have more drag track EXPERIENCE than me (so I'll STFU :p ). Time to go rake leaves & mow the lawn .

Cheers,
-Matt

 

Wow, I am just stunned. That is incredible.

Just wanted to chime in that Klee in Co Springs dyno'd my car at 585hp crank....course everyone hammered me with the way they dyno cars.....just had the car re-dyno'd on a brand new dynojet locally and she pulled 476 rear wheel.....when you calculate 19-20% loss due to drivetrain.....well whad ya know....around 585hp. I would say that is pretty spot on in my book. Yes, nothing matches actual rear wheel hp....but the numbers almost matched identical. You're right....even they tell you their dyno is for measuring increases before and after mods.

That being said, I feel bad for anyone, SL65 included who steps up to that car.....with so little weight, you are just terrifying.

Hope someday you bring it to a track so we can see those low 11's, upper 10's with that. WOW!!!

Keep it on the road brotha.

 

Ted - You're absolutely right... I have LSD and my best et is 12.2 @ 117 with a 1.996 60' on street tires. I am now very good at lauching this car. With slicks/drag radials, I'm sure I'll be able to get 1.70 - 1.79 60's and run 11.7 - 11.8 all day long in Vegas.

Like Ted said before, these cars are producing huge amounts of torque almost instantly and we don't need any more power, we need traction.