SLS/R197/C197 AMG: Weistec Inside
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 352
Likes: 61
From: Encinitas, CA
'00 SL600
Weistec Inside
The stock shifting SW for the TCU on the early SLS is so abominably bad, MBZ should be embarrassed and ashamed of themselves. Truly pathetic effort on a such a marvel of engineering.
I simply couldn't take it for a single day more.
So I called Weistec on Monday and spoke to Alex. I asked a bunch of questions and got an appointment to have brain surgery done on my SLS. Today, I made the short trip up the road to Weistec's HQ in Anaheim for their ECU and TCU tune.
Wow. What a difference! The car drives and shifts like it should have when it left the factory. It went from 'sleeper car' to 'super car' in about 90 minutes.
I considered going to a dealer for the much advertised (free) TCU update to the GT level of shifting but given how much idiocy I had already encountered with a dealer - I had zero faith that I could get the change made properly in 1 visit. Besides, Weistec were promising me a TCU tune on par with the Black Series (if not a little better given their 'secret sauce'). I then concluded..."in for a penny, in for a pound" and went for the ECU tune as well! MOAR horsepower please!
The car has truly awoken from its slumber and I feel like I can finally enjoy what I paid for. I had to slog home in rush-hour traffic but I was able to make a few pulls on the Interstate and my god the thing is a total rush. Can't wait to take her out on some unclogged roads.
Since it's hard to take a picture of software...I give you the Weistec water bottle - the tagline ought to read "Weistec gives you wings."
I simply couldn't take it for a single day more.
So I called Weistec on Monday and spoke to Alex. I asked a bunch of questions and got an appointment to have brain surgery done on my SLS. Today, I made the short trip up the road to Weistec's HQ in Anaheim for their ECU and TCU tune.
Wow. What a difference! The car drives and shifts like it should have when it left the factory. It went from 'sleeper car' to 'super car' in about 90 minutes.
I considered going to a dealer for the much advertised (free) TCU update to the GT level of shifting but given how much idiocy I had already encountered with a dealer - I had zero faith that I could get the change made properly in 1 visit. Besides, Weistec were promising me a TCU tune on par with the Black Series (if not a little better given their 'secret sauce'). I then concluded..."in for a penny, in for a pound" and went for the ECU tune as well! MOAR horsepower please!
The car has truly awoken from its slumber and I feel like I can finally enjoy what I paid for. I had to slog home in rush-hour traffic but I was able to make a few pulls on the Interstate and my god the thing is a total rush. Can't wait to take her out on some unclogged roads.
Since it's hard to take a picture of software...I give you the Weistec water bottle - the tagline ought to read "Weistec gives you wings."
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 352
Likes: 61
From: Encinitas, CA
'00 SL600
Senior Member
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 371
Likes: 71
From: Mandeville, La.
2011 SLS AMG coupe, 1997 Yellow/Blk Hummer H1, 2014 Monterey Blue SLS AMG GT roadster
Sandy Eggo and lig4u, since it's been months and probably a few hundred miles, can we get an update on your Weistec tune? Have you had any problems? Any concerns? Thanks and would love to hear your reviews. Thanks
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 352
Likes: 61
From: Encinitas, CA
'00 SL600
I monitor the oil/water/gearbox temp on central dash screen and drive gently until things move up to temp. Gearbox temp perks up quickly and once it does, I'll move from C to S+ which holds gears a bit longer and helps the oil temp ramp up. Once I'm above 150dF for oil temp, I'll move it to M mode and then all hell breaks loose.
I have noticed that the transmission seems to be constantly adapting to driving patterns/styles. Probably does that in stock form as well.
Throttle response is definitely sharper. If you're not applying the throttle smoothly in 1st or 2nd gear, you can turn the car into a bucking bronco.
I still don't think I've ever put the pedal to the floor - I'm afraid this monster will try to murder me. Besides, usually 1/3 throttle is enough to pass others at light speed.
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Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 47
Likes: 1
From: Claremont, CA
2011 SLS AMG, 2011 CL63amg, 2013 ram 1500, 2016 Denali XL
Weistec ecu/tcu tune performing well and with no issues. Probably have put on +- 1,000 miles since tune. With stock tires, backend broke loss several times. I put on Michelin Pilot Supersports @ 800 miles ago, haven't broken lose at all (even with full throttle in S+ or M Mode). Driving the SLS in Manual mode, the downshifts are intoxicating loud and upshifts are very fast. Rbcj50cal, if your ever in my area, your more than welcome to drive my SLS and see first hand the difference vs. stock. Also, below is a pic of my sls and along with another silver one and a Porsche 918 at my friends dealership yesterday (CNC Motors)
Last edited by lig4u; Jan 24, 2016 at 03:04 PM.
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Senior Member
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 371
Likes: 71
From: Mandeville, La.
2011 SLS AMG coupe, 1997 Yellow/Blk Hummer H1, 2014 Monterey Blue SLS AMG GT roadster
Thanks guys. I really appreciate the feedback. lig4u, I am in Ontario often for business. I will take you up on your offer. That pic is awesome! Thanks for sharing. I'll be in touch.
