* Let's have a test and tune day in So. Cal.

[400Eric]

I'm still trying to get folks to bring their Benzes to the dragstrip. There is only one other M-119 powered car besides mine that shows up on a regular basis. The next date, 9/18/10, will be a rather special one as that other M119 will be sporting it's newly installed N2O system and will be gunning for Uncle Gerry's "Mother of All Timeslips"! Ya all should come and see history be made!

Info: http://www.autoclubspeedway.com/Tickets ... vents.aspx http://www.autoclubspeedway.com/Tickets ... Drags.aspx

I realize that Sept. 18 is a 50/50 proposition in that it may be hot but then again maybe not. We'll just have to hope for the best. That time of year though even when it's hot the nights generally cool down very quickly so we should be able to get some good runs in no matter how hot the daytime high is. (You'll note that this is another "Twilight" date which means racing till 10:00 PM!) I'm gonna plan on going to this one no matter what.
Regards, Eric

 

[gerryvz]

gunning for Uncle Gerry's "Mother of All Timeslips"!

Guess I better post another scan of that baby so the NOSmobile can hang it from his windshield as a goal to beat.

It will never happen. This timeslip happened in late October in Portland, OR. Last drag night of the season, and it was around 35F outside -- just above freezing. The air was nice and cold going into that engine, and I had about 40 minutes' cool-down time. Plus a fully dry-iced airbox.

The piece de resistance was the purge valve mounted just behind the hood, pointing straight up. The neon light attached to the valve, to illuminate the venting N2O gas cloud, was in and of itself responsible for a 0.15 second reduction in my time, which resulted in that 12.89 second timeslip....

Cheers,
Gerry

 

[400Eric]

Justin is gonna be doing the one thing that you weren't willing to do though..... he's gonna be running the bigger shot. (He's installing a burly aftermarket fuel pump to make that possible.). He also has the headlight panel mod, removed belly pan, and a new beefed trans to help the cause too. I'm not sure the record will fall on this outing, but I am sure it will fall in the not too distant future. All records do. I thought this is something that you wanted anyway? To see an M119 raising the bar even higher! With some DRs he should post some pretty good times!
Regards, Eric

 

[gerryvz]

I thought this is something that you wanted anyway? To see an M119 raising the bar even higher!

Of course I do! I haven't been out to the strip in a few years now -- so my record is ripe for getting broken! Just givin' y'all shit.

Cheers,
Gerry

 

[400Eric]

OK, it's the Rock and Roll Race Report for 9/18/10. (Anybody here in So. Cal. remember Uncle Joe Benson's Rock and Roll Race Reports?)

My adorable daughter brought a cold virus home to us and we've all been suffering from it except for Mommy who is as healthy as a horse, (she comes from good stock), so the family wound up staying home. I however, having already bunked out on the last few dates because of hot weather, wasn't about to do it again, sick or not, so I went, doped up on cold medicine (which tends to make me a little too twitchy at the starting line), but now I'm paying for that decision today, as now I'm even sicker, hence the late report.

First of all, I'm down right pissed about the fact that our group's cooler was stolen. Racers have always been and continue to be a brotherhood. For one of them to do this to one of their own is despicable. That cooler belonged to Justin's parents and now he has to buy them another one. It really put a damper on what was otherwise a fairly decent day.

I screwed up and didn't put enough toluene in my "witches brew" fuel mixture and my E/Ts suffered as a result just like they did the last time I didn't use enough toluene. I am now more convinced than ever that toluene helps my 11.0 to one compression M119.

Brent, the AMG C36 guy, was a no show, as was Kyle (She Loved E). BOOOOOOOO!!!!!

It was still our best turn out ever for Benzes! We had two 500Es, myself, and a crazy compound blown (turbocharged AND Supercharged) 82 300 SD that ran impressively well but I don't know if he wants to share his E/Ts or not though so I'll let him post them since they ARE HIS E/Ts to post, not mine. If he posts them on MercedesShop, I'll post them here. I will say though that I was impressed especially when you consider this is a big, heavy 300 SD, NOT a smaller W123 based car! I think that there's still more left in that car too! Edit: Well, the 300SD owner hasn't posted his E/Ts yet at MercedesShop but he has posted them here: http://www.superturbodiesel.com/std/...d-t-858-9.html at post number 447. He has already discovered what was holding the car back on the big end and will be running much quicker next time.

My best run of the day was an uncorrected 14.562 @ 97.45 which of course was when the air finally cooled down to a decent 69 degrees F. That was on a run against a modded Nissan Altima SE R that I smoked even though I let him have the lane of his choosing! That run was immortalized with our very own video camera (which I FINALLY brought) and I will post that video just as soon as Justin shows me how.

BTW, it's worth repeating that when we do use correction factors, they ARE NOT overly generous as the correction factor site is using temps that are from an airport that is a considerable distance to the west of the track and those temps are always cooler than the temps at the track are. This time the track temps were in the mid 90s while the "official" high temp of the day that they are using for corrections is only 88.

Another thing that was different this time is that I cleared B-3's error codes before I went to the track. Maybe I should go back to running with my C.E light on because my best E/Ts ALWAYS occur when my C.E. light is on!

I was trying an E-Bay chip (that I got from Justin) for the first time this time but I apparently didn't give it enough adaptation time cause it's not even remotely showing any kind of improvement yet. I'm gonna leave it in and let it get fully adapted in the very same 92 ECU that got me my best ever E/Ts the last time I was at the track and then pit it against another stock same year, same part number ECU (that I'm also gonna let get fully adapted to B-3) at the dyno day that Justin is organizing. That way we will know exactly what this chip is made of. One thing the chip does deliver on is the elimination of the rev limiter but not without still allowing a "hiccup" to occur at the spot where the stock rev limiter would normally kick in. I do believe this chip will still prove it's worth though.

It was cool meeting Steve! He's off to as good of a start as Justin was when he first started out in June, 2009!
R/T - .478
60’ – 2.245
330’ – 6.145
1/8 – 9.307 @ 77.73
1000’ – 12.041
1/4 - 14.340 @ 98.26

As for Justin and his performance, he did alright considering this was his first time at the track with the bottle and there were the expected teething problems.
60' - 2.173 (not his best, indicating wheelspin)
330' - 5.783
1/8 - 8.653 @ 86.28
1000' - 11.102
1/4 - 13.161 @ 108.99
Two things are worth mentioning though: One: cooler weather is coming, and two: so are drag radials. There is about to be a fundamental shift in the MB 5.0 liter world!

Guys, the next date is the end of October. That date is during the time of year when the weather could go either way. It might be a very cool day or a very warm one. Let's plan on leaving that day open and available just in case! I will post again in this thread as that date draws near.

Knappy BMWs! it was the breakdown of a BMW that caused one of the bigger delays of the day as it made quite a mess when it puked! Figures! Just felt compelled to mention that!
Regards, Eric

 

[szvook]

Last Saturday is Halloween so the track day will be “Halloween Street Legal” day with trophies for best Costume & Decorated car and although the start times will much earlier (Stacking 6am Ticketing/Tech 6:30am Racing 9am) it’s worth the trip. Last year on Halloween Fontana’s weather was at 75°F, so if this Halloween looks the same, I’ll come down for sure.

 

[400Eric]

Actually, Halloween is the following day/night but you are correct about everything else. Some folks with kids won't go if they are under the assumption that race day and Halloween are on the exact same day.
Regards, Eric

 

[400Eric]

The next day is 10/30/10. We are back on the old 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM schedule unfortunately but hopefully the weather will be cooler so it should still be a great day.

Justin will have a dyno tune, the 150 hp shot, and full on slicks this time! History is about to be made and you'll get to see it in person! Who's going?
Regards, Eric

 

[szvook]

If I'm not working that weekend, I'll try to make it by 9am.

 

[400Eric]

Late update! The track has now canceled the drags for tomorrow/today due to a slight amount of rain forecast for the very early morning hours! The wimps! They have now added a date three weeks from now, 11/20/10.
Regards, Eric

 

[szvook]

So is the 12/4 date also on?

 

[400Eric]

YES! The two track days are two weeks apart with another dyno day possibly occupying that Saturday that is in between the two track days. Watch the threads for an update!
Regards, Eric

 

[J-Sauce]

Steve, do you think you will be able to make this date? I've got my drag radials this time and really do expect to break the record!

 

[szvook]

Not sure yet, work is keeping me busy on the weekends nowadays. Not sure if I can make the December’s date as well. I would say 50% for both days is my guess so far.

 

[szvook]

No dice for this Saturday, I have to work. I does looks like rain this Saturday though.

 

[J-Sauce]

Ah Steve, thanks for posting. I almost forgot to update that this date has also been cancelled due to rain. Boo! Gerry, the NOS God's have shown favor to you once again!

 

[400Eric]

As the thread starter I'm the one who is responsible. I should have updated the status of our race day and I was lax. Thanks guys for being on top of it. The next track day is 12/4/10.

Uncle Gerry, please don't mess this next one up for us!
Regards, Eric

 

[gerryvz]

I've resigned myself to the fact that I will retain the crown of fastest documented 1/4 mile time for an E500E.

No worries !!

Cheers,
Gerry

 

[400Eric]

Stand back! It's a rant!
I'm really ticked at this track!
The thing that really sucks about this is that they didn't need to cancel the 10/30/10 date. There was just a small spritzing in the very early morning hours in some areas that day. I wound up spending the day at the junkyard and it was a fabulous day with cool temps and a nice tailwind! The track overreacted because they were afraid the turnout would be too low. They're not happy unless they get a full 500 car turnout never mind that such turnouts are miserable for us racers and sour our attitude towards the place. I know this because I have to fight with some of you who don't want to go because you are afraid you will only get to do three runs if you do go. Well in this case the track's greed wound up costing them even more than going ahead with a lower turnout day would have because now their make-up day has been rained out too. Idiots!!! I just hope they are not too stupid to learn from this.

12/4/10 is the next date scheduled!
Regards, Eric

 

[400Eric]

Who's going?
If Justin's record breaking attempt doesn't get you all excited then I guess my first tests with Dave's 92 EZL won't either.
Regards, Eric

 

[gsxr]

Eric, have you done a quick test on that EZL in your driveway to make sure that your car will start & run ok with it?

 

[J-Sauce]

I'm going for sure! Anyone else? Steve? Kyle?

 

[szvook]

I can’t make it this Saturday, too much work before the year’s end and it’s spilling over to the weekends. I’ll try to make the first track day in 2011.

 

[400Eric]

Eric, have you done a quick test on that EZL in your driveway to make sure that your car will start & run ok with it?

Nope. I don't want to touch my knappy, brittle, rotten, decaying, crumbling wire harness any more than I have to. I know you are chomping at the bit, I am too but don't worry, we will know soon enough! I promise if we get rained out again I'll go ahead and try the thing out anyway just so we will know if it at least works. The only problem is if it doesn't work we won't know if it's because it's a bad unit or if it's because it's just not compatible because it has to be on a 92 MY vehicle. At that point we should test it on Justin's car. Dave, please assure Justin that trying this EZL on his car won't hurt it! He'll believe you.
Regards, Eric

 

[J-Sauce]

Please excuse the double post, but Eric requested I follow up in his thread as well. I was in the left lane:

 

[400Eric]

I'll file a proper report soon. Too tired right now.

There were many variables today that I will have to properly cover but the bottom line is Benzer3 has once again topped himself! When I pulled up to the timing tower I once again told them BEFORE they gave me my time slip that I had just run my best ever E/T with that car and once again I was right! My butt dyno NEVER lies! Check the updated sig.

Dave's EZL rocked! I do believe that 92 EZL is responsible for the gain despite the variables. Also, on the way home my extremely accurate butt dyno detected improved part throttle low end torque as well as a notably crisper throttle response.
Regards, Eric

 

[gerryvz]

Very nice!

BTW just for reference, here are among the very best non-N2O timeslips I ever got with my E500 (except for the one on the right, which was a blown start with wheelspin about half-way down the strip). These were on street tires and stock 8-hole 16" wheels, down to around 19-20 PSI. No back seat removed although fuel would have been around 5-10 gallons in the tank.

Enjoy.

Cheers,
Gerry

 

[J-Sauce]

Attached is Eric's best Timeslip for the day.

 

[400Eric]

Thanks for posting my time slip, Justin.

54 degrees at a sea level track!
What I wouldn't give to get D/A like that at our knappy track!
Justin, we need to do a road trip sometime!

Gonna try to file my full race report tomorrow night.
Regards, Eric

 

[gerryvz]

I had a couple of October 2004 runs (around Halloween, last week that the track was open) that were around the 35-degree mark !!

 

[400Eric]

It's the rock and roll race report for 12/04/10.
Only got four runs in, two of which went to waste in bad wheel spin. It was worse than ever this time. Ran only the 92 EZL this time as I felt like and still do feel like it had/has more left in it. Plus I still subscribe to the "three runs with combo A and three runs with combo B" way of testing stuff and I technically only got two good runs in with the 92 EZL. The other good run was a decent 14.51. There was a time not too terribly long ago when a 14.51 would have been considered a "GREAT" run for Benzer 3, now it is only a "decent" run!

Ideally, we would prefer to have these two EZLs run back to back on the same day but the way I look at it, the stock 93 EZL has already been milked to death and has had plenty of chances under great conditions to run a 14.3 for 2 years now. The 92 EZL did it on only it's second time on the track! I will run them back to back on another track day though so don't worry. I, however, know this car and so does my butt dyno. And my butt dyno has spoken: The 92 EZL is better! Also, while many of you may not be too terribly impressed with the tenth improvement that this 92 EZL has brought me, I am, because, and you all can trust me on this, these tenths are becoming a lot harder to get now than they were back when I was running 15s. And remember, I am convinced that there is more left in this new combo, I just can't get it down onto the track as I was having, by far, my worst traction day ever with this car. We will address this more shortly.

Why is this 92 EZL better? Again, to recap, I think it is because the 92 EZL gives more advance for two reasons: 1) because the 92 LHs gave a richer A/F ratio under WOT than the post 92 LHs did and because a richer A/F ratio is less prone to detonation, the 92 engines were less prone to detonation under WOT which allowed MB to program the 92 EZLs with a more aggressive advance curve, and 2) because the 92 4.2 had a full one point lower compression ratio than the 93 and later 4.2s do, MB was able to program the 92 EZLs with a more aggressive advance curve for even non-WOT situations.

There were unfortunately several variables this time that may have skewed the results. First the ones that worked against the car: 1) I was too lazy to put my little 15s back on the front of the car for track day this time so these were my first runs ever with my W140 16' rims with 215/60-16 tires on them (Justin calls them "truck" tires) vs. the little 205/60-15s I have ALWAYS run on this car at the track since day one. 2) The little plastic thingy that interfaces with the thingy on the very end of the throttle cable broke a while back and left me totally dead in the water on the side of the freeway RIGHT NEXT TO THE FAST LANE WITH MY WIFE AND TWO KIDS IN THE CAR! I had to do an extremely quick McGyverish fix as calling AAA and waiting for a tow would have left us out there for far too long. So I rigged up an EXTREMELY temporary (as in something that would just get us out of there and MAYBE get us home) fix using the bottom of an empty octane booster bottle and I did it way too crudely too because I was in a very big hurry! Well, long story semi-short, that damn mickey mouse piece is still there! I had totally forgotten about it! The funky thing is still there and as a result, I may not have been getting fully full throttle! 3) Both child seats were in the car again. I had been removing them the last several track days but didn't this time.

Now the things that may have worked in favor of the car: 1) Had a couple gallons of 100 octane unleaded this time. I honestly don't think this stuff did anything for me because A) the temps were cool and the engine was very cool on all the runs. I don't think I was anywhere near detonation this day even if there was just straight plain old 91 in there. If you don't need the extra octane, having it will actually work against you. B) It's a fact that the main component of that 100 octane gas that gives it that high octane is toluene. It is often 30% of the stuff. I am often running a 25-30% mix of toluene when I am at the track anyways but I wasn't this time. I ran the race gas instead. 2) I had removed the front floor mats, carpeting and that foam that is attached to it. 3) The temps might have been a hair cooler than when I ran the 14.426 but I don't think it was enough to amount to a hill of beans. I haven't gone to Dragtimes yet to get the official temp yet. I might do that though.

I know that most of these items fall into the "big whoop" category but I'm just trying to keep the record straight, doing the "full disclosure" thing.

Traction: I had some better tires with me that day but was afraid to use them because they have a much shorter sidewall on them. I've noticed that short sidewall tires don't hook well because those short, stiff sidewalls don't absorb any of the shock of the launch and just break loose instead. Everybody there that I asked agreed with me on this. What do the rest of you think? I've reached the point where I have to do something. I was afraid to experiment with the tires as I had the very same tires on the back that got me that 14.426 recently and I knew I could at least do that again this time and I knew if I did, I would be able to handily spank Casey's turbo S70. (Which I did. My 14.348 was on my run against him!) I have slicks now too thanks to Justin but I still need a street tire solution as well. (The slicks weren't an option as Casey and I had an unwritten street tire agreement. Plus, I need to wear out the tires that are currently on the rims that those slicks are going to go onto anyways.)

A few important milestones have been met now with this 14.348. 1) Benzer 3 is now running a full second faster than he did when I first brought him to that track 2 years and 1 month ago (uncorrected vs. uncorrected). 2) Benzer 3 is now also running a full second faster than the CORRECTED 15.3 that Car and Driver got out of their same year 400E. 3) Benzer 3 has now also officially out-E/Ted my much missed and much beloved 68 Charger R/T 440 Magnum that I sold back in 1981 and have been kicking myself in the ass for doing so ever since. Yes, the 401 Hornet you have seen in my sig at 500Ecstasy is much quicker still but that car is not a true multipurpose car like Benzer 3 is and that Charger was (and hopefully still is. [OK, somebody please play Neil Young's "Long May You Run" now.]) That Charger's best E/T was achieved on a cool night close to 10:00PM at OCIR, which was a sea level track, conditions I've never been able to race in at this knappy track I am at now. This makes this achievement all that more rewarding. Maybe, after 29 years now, I can finally stop kicking myself in the ass.

And that is the rock and roll race report for 12/04/10. (Still nobody around here who remembers Uncle Joe Benson's "Rock and Roll Race Reports"?)
Regards, Eric

 

[400Eric]

The next date is 01/08/11!
Regards, Eric

 

[400Eric]

Some questions for the hard core racers among us about the most recent track day:
1) These were my first runs ever with my W140 16' rims with 215/60-16 tires on them (Justin calls them "truck" tires) vs. the little 205/60-15s I have ALWAYS run on this car at the track since day one. How much E/T do you think they cost me?
2) I've noticed that short sidewall tires don't hook well because those short, stiff sidewalls don't absorb any of the shock of the launch and just break loose instead. Everybody there that I asked agreed with me on this. What do the rest of you think? My dilemma is the wider tread tires that I need are also gonna have a shorter side wall! I can't go to a taller tire to make the sidewall taller again either because that has the effect of making my tall gears even taller. So how can I get wider meats on the back of this car without shortening the sidewalls and without going to a taller tire that will hurt my gearing?
Regards, Eric

 

[gerryvz]

Some questions for the hard core racers among us about the most recent track day:
1) These were my first runs ever with my W140 16' rims with 215/60-16 tires on them (Justin calls them "truck" tires) vs. the little 205/60-15s I have ALWAYS run on this car at the track since day one. How much E/T do you think they cost me?

Perhaps 0.1 second, 0.2 MAX but I don't think so. The more important question was the traction that they would have given you. Did you let air out of the tires to get them down to around ~20 PSI?

2) I've noticed that short sidewall tires don't hook well because those short, stiff sidewalls don't absorb any of the shock of the launch and just break loose instead. Everybody there that I asked agreed with me on this. What do the rest of you think?

Again, I think the pressure of the tires has a significant effect on their "bite". If you didn't lower pressure, it definitely will affect your bite and traction, even up to 0.4-0.5 second !!

So how can I get wider meats on the back of this car without shortening the sidewalls and without going to a taller tire that will hurt my gearing?
Regards, Eric

Have you considered getting (like I did) R129 steel wheels (part number 129 400 02 02) in 16" with drag radials? They are proper offset for a 500E but I'd think they would also work on your Benzers too...Dave could say for sure.

Cheers,
Gerry

 

[gsxr]

I agree with Gerry on both counts. The larger diameter tires effectively increased the final drive, and cost you maybe 0.1 in ET, I doubt it would be any more - although if they are significantly heavier, that can also cost you 0.1 or more compared to lighter weight wheels/tires.

The short sidewalls are more of an issue with serious horsepower cars running very low ET's, and these cars generally run wrinkle-wall slicks. That's for 10-11 second cars, not 13-14. Remember, I'm running low-profile 35-section tires on 18" wheels with zero wheelspin at sea level (although LSD probably helps). I set tire pressure in the 20-24 lbs range, you want it as high as possible without losing traction, most of the time that's 22-24 for my 500's but occasionally I have to drop it to 20 if track conditions are sub-optimal.

The 16" steelies are surprisingly heavy (over 25 lbs!) so I wouldn't recommend them for a 400E, although the size & offset is fine for a standard 124. IMO, the ideal wheel for a quick 400 is the forged CLK's. Although they're a tad narrow (7"), there are drag radials in 245 or 255 section width that are approved for use on a 16x7 wheel available from Nitto, BFG, and Mickey Thompson. That would be a sweet setup for Justin, but on the 400, good 205/55 or 215/55 street tires at ~20psi should hook up fine after a burnout.

 

[J-Sauce]

I am probably picking up a set of these this weekend! So Eric, that's a pair for me, and a pair for you, if you want to pay for them. haha

Dave, you did say that the CLK wheels will NOT fit over a Silver Arrow rear setup, didn't you? I haven't installed mine yet, but I was thinking maybe with spacers?

 

[gsxr]

Justin, very cool, nice find! I only tested the CLK forged wheels with Silver Arrow Fronts and they definitely don't clear (actually, I don't think they clear any front brakes larger than 295mm). However I have not yet tested to see if they'll fit over the 300mm Silver Arrow rears. I suspect they will clear fine, otherwise yes, a small spacer would cure any spoke interference. I'll let you know when I have a chance to pop off a rear tire to test-fit... possibly this weekend.

Are your drag radials the correct size, btw...? The Nitto 245-50-16? The min wheel size is 16x7.0 so it should work fine...

 

[J-Sauce]

Ahh I thougt I had seen you post on mbworld that they wouldn't clear the rears, my mistake. Yep, my nittos are the 245/50/16's. On a side note about the brakes Dave, check your email in about 15 minutes. Thanks!

 

[400Eric]

Thanks guys but the first part of my question was about what E/T loss would one suffer if one had bigger rims and tires on the front of the car like I had this time. The increased reciprocating weight of the bigger, heavier rims and tires, the increased aerodynamic drag of the bigger, fatter tires, and the increased frictional losses of the wider footprint. It's my fault for not making that more clear. I took these questions from my "Rock and Roll Race Report" posted above and in it I was much more clear about that but when I abbreviated the questions for this subsequent post that part got left out.

The second part was/is about the rears and that you guys did address. Thanks again. The plan then is to mount up the 205/55-16 tires that I already have on some rims and run them at 25 pounds, reducing them to 20 if I have to. They are the exact same make and model tires that won that Car and Driver shoot-out a few years ago. They are also exactly the same overall diameter as the 205/60-15s that I started with but they of course have a shorter sidewall. We will try them and see what happens!

What about those fronts though? What do you all think? 205/60-15 on W124 15 X 6s vs. 215/60-16s on W140 16 X 7s. Did they cost me about a tenth? We know it is at least a bit of an issue cause we know that drag racers have been running skinny little rims/tires on the front for ages.
Regards, Eric

 

[400Eric]

I am probably picking up a set of these this weekend! So Eric, that's a pair for me, and a pair for you, if you want to pay for them. haha

A set/pair of what? CLKs? Tell me more!

 

[gsxr]

Thanks guys but the first part of my question was about what E/T loss would one suffer if one had bigger rims and tires on the front of the car like I had this time. The increased reciprocating weight of the bigger, heavier rims and tires, the increased aerodynamic drag of the bigger, fatter tires, and the increased frictional losses of the wider footprint. It's my fault for not making that more clear. I took these questions from my "Rock and Roll Race Report" posted above and in it I was much more clear about that but when I abbreviated the questions for this subsequent post that part got left out.

I b'lieve you're over-analyzing things, Eric. The aero differences would be miniscule under 100mph, same thing with wider footprint / rolling resistance (jack up pressure in the front tires if you're worried about this), the main thing is the weight. If you only had larger FRONT tires (didn't get this from the previous posts), it would make a small difference, but not even a tenth. More like a few hundreths, half-tenth at worst?

The second part was/is about the rears and that you guys did address. Thanks again. The plan then is to mount up the 205/55-16 tires that I already have on some rims and run them at 25 pounds, reducing them to 20 if I have to. They are the exact same make and model tires that won that Car and Driver shoot-out a few years ago. They are also exactly the same overall diameter as the 205/60-15s that I started with but they of course have a shorter sidewall. We will try them and see what happens!

If you get wheelspin at 25 psi, drop it to 20psi. I wouldn't go much under 20psi though. Forget the sidewall height, it's nearly irrelevant on street tires.

What about those fronts though? What do you all think? 205/60-15 on W124 15 X 6s vs. 215/60-16s on W140 16 X 7s. Did they cost me about a tenth? We know it is at least a bit of an issue cause we know that drag racers have been running skinny little rims/tires on the front for ages.

Sure, you can pick up more time running 4-inch drag fronts with bicycle tires, but that's getting a little absurd. Just get a set of the forged CLK wheels all around. That alone (with 205/55/16 tires) was worth nearly 2 tenths and 2mph compared to heavy staggered 17" AMG wheels (225/45 front, 245/40 rear) on my E420. Compared to stock wheels, the forged CLK's should be worth at least 0.05, maybe a tad more, as long as you don't put a heavy tire on it.

Better yet, get used lightweight tires with <50% tread depth, and you could get the total weight down even more. Light 205/55's are ~21 lbs new, heavy ones are 23-24 lbs. Used/light tires would be ~18 lbs for a total of ~32lbs each, which is featheweight. Stock 8-holers are ~19 lbs each + ~21 lbs for a 195-65-15 tire for ~40 lbs total. If you drop 8 lbs per corner all around, you'll definitely see that on your timeslip.

Hoosier makes a perfect lightweight drag radial for the 400E, btw, 225-50-16, perfect fit on the CLK wheels, and it's only 18 lbs new!

 

[400Eric]

The next date is 01/08/11!
Regards, Eric

 

[J-Sauce]

Bump for this weekend. Hope you can make it Steve!

 

[gsxr]

Justin, what config will you be running? Got the drag radials on the CLK wheels yet? Relay fixed to get the timing correct with NOS? Etc?

 

[szvook]

Bump for this weekend. Hope you can make it Steve!

Can't this week. Need to be in S.F. for a wedding. I'll try for the February 5, 2011 date.

 

[J-Sauce]

Actually, I may not be going :$ I cant get my car to pass smog. I'm thinking it may be this aftermarket fuel pump drowning the engine at idle.

 

[gsxr]

Actually, I may not be going :$ I cant get my car to pass smog. I'm thinking it may be this aftermarket fuel pump drowning the engine at idle.

Drat! Does Steve have any ideas how to counteract that? If you can't think of other alternatives, try sticking in a 400E LH module for grins. Couldn't hurt, although I s'pose it costs you X amount for each smog attempt, huh.

 

[J-Sauce]

False alarm, took a quick look at the exhaust, and the cat is aftermarket, and rattles. Dropped the car off at the shop, and I should have it smogged by tomorrow evening. Ill update you on my setup when I post track results.

 

[gsxr]

Excellent! That could have been costing you some horsepower as well. A broken cat doesn't flow as well as an intact one. I sense a new .036 record on the way....

 

[szvook]

Huh? Wha?...always late to the party. POWER!!!