brian6speed

iTrader: (5)

Still can't believe I put in that amazing run to beat a c7 vette with good driver on a more open course. America's greatest sports car ever made beat by a fwd honda boat. Pack that in your pipe and smoke it front wheel drive haters. Is anyone still gonna say how bad the chassis is in this car?

Such a rewarding win.

skd2k1

iTrader: (1)

that's awesome! a lot of it comes down the driver.

put those vids in the gopro editing software, mute the sound and add a song in there. congrats on the epic win!

Scottyknows007

Congrats Brian! Drove the hell out of that thing! Well deserved.

karfax

That's awesome!!! I'll be running my stock CLS at a Corvette Club autocross that's coming up pretty soon...good to know that with the right work these cars can kick ass

brian6speed

iTrader: (5)

Trust me, the c7 driver is really good. He usually shows up with a group of SCCA guys. That is same group that had the c6 vette, porsche boxster, and c7 vette that all beat me by a second or more earlier in year at schaumburg.

Will take your advice and edit sound out. Seems slower without screeching tires though.

This course just really suited my car and driving. Only car I know ran faster was a RX7 on new slicks tailored to the event. My car was flying.

Cool. Have fun. Is yours a 6mt? Just don't expect CL to drive like mine. Takes a lot of work to make CL fast.

brian6speed

iTrader: (5)

Videos don't really do it justice. You really need to be in the car to get the full experience and perception of speed, cornering & braking forces, etc.

Always willing to give ride-a-longs if anyone shows up to events.

Next events are 8/2, 8/15, 8/16 autocross at Boomers

Track Day scheduled for 8/19 @ Blackhawk Farms. Really excited for this. A little nervous after seeing that article of the new c7 Z06 crashing there recently.

karfax

Cool. Have fun. Is yours a 6mt? Just don't expect CL to drive like mine. Takes a lot of work to make CL fast.[/QUOTE]

Unfortunately just an auto. I do it bc its fun, not to be the fastest there, but it's cool to see somebody with a CLS that's this fast. I've read through most of the thread, I know you put a lot into the car to get it to this point

-Karfax

karfax

Also, with all of the modifications that you've made have any of them improved the steering feel? The steering is a bit light and I'm wondering what mods could alter that...different steering wheel, suspension bushings, etc..

brian6speed

iTrader: (5)

Even with my mods steering on this car feels light compared to others. I kind of like it that way. Quicker Rack would be nice so don't have to work wheel so much though.

The steering improved with mods, but not in the sense of lightness, but more in the sense of response and turn in.

Removing weight from front wheels and brakes helped steering feel. Lighter steering wheel helped. Extended ball joints for better geometry. Hardrace steering rack bushing. 4 point UR mid brace seems to help.

Remanufactured steering rack with new bushings could help. Still on my original rack.

brian6speed

iTrader: (5)

After watching videos, I think could have been faster/pushed harder through first slalom section.

This thread is basically a guide to building CL autocross car. I did all hard work, research, and testing. All you have to do is copy me.

You don't have to spend a lot like me and can budget build.

List of parts/stuff to do:

- 6mt with LSD
- Weight Reduction
- Wider Wheels
- Wider Summer Tires
- ES RR Poly Bushings
- Adjustable Front Upper Arm Hardrace or Ingalls
- Coilovers or Struts/Springs my coils are 12k front & 8k rear
- UR 4 Point Mid Brace
- Eibach Front Sway Bar
- Progress Rear Sway Bar
- Upgraded Rotors, Pads, Fluids, Lines
- Hardrace extended front ball joints if lowered
- Hardrace Rear Camber & Toe Arms

- XLR8 Poly Engine Mounts
- Stiffy mount/torque dampers
- Custom Intake 3.5 or 4"
- Bored OEM TB
- Ported IM with P2R Plenums or plenum spacers or 09 TL IM with B series TB
- Ported Runners
- Lightweight Pulley
- Exhaust
- Welded in Roll Bar

That is pretty much all you need for a really fast autocross car.

brian6speed

iTrader: (5)

Did an autocross yesterday but didn't bother recording video. The course layout was pretty bad, probably my least favorite design.

Ended up 3rd out of 22 drivers. Porsche Boxster Spyder with PDK transmission got first. Looked up stats on that car. It weighs 2870 lbs and makes 320hp. Similar stats to my CL. It has wider and better tires though. Don't feel bad losing to such an amazing car. The porsche doesn't even have A/C but my CL still does.

Second place was a C6 Grand Sport Corvette. This was close. He beat me by a few tenths. Another nice car I'm not ashamed to lose to.

Starting to think what else I can do to make CL faster at autocross.

One option is more power.. Not doing FI, so a few options there. Tuning is best option for now. Maybe stroker build later.

Another option is more weight reduction. A/C alone would be 50 lbs. Few other items I could remove still.

Thinking about pulling front fenders. Another option would be to buy 2 used 3rd Gen TL front fenders and cut the flares off, then weld them to cl fenders. That would provide more flare so could run 265, 275, or even 285 tires up front.

New alignment specs and corner balancing again might help.

I think slightly stiffer springs in rear might help slightly, but then rear might be too stiff for track. Want a setup that works for both.

Maybe left foot braking is the answer.

Anyone have any suggestions? Maybe I just expect too much from my fwd CL because I want to beat every cad on street tires.

rush

iTrader: (1)

get MDX motor

cl82793

don't remember if I asked before or not, do u still have your old headlights?


thanks. congrats on the great runs. car is awesome.

brian6speed

iTrader: (5)

Still have them, but one is opened up and some of the chrome rubbed off the shroud.

brian6speed

iTrader: (5)

Did 2 autocross events this last weekend. Don't have any video from Saturday, but here is a clip from Sunday.

brian6speed

iTrader: (5)

Bought a shift knob from Latheworks.com for s2k in titanium with blue/silver finish with grooves and shift pattern. Think it fits well with my silver paint and blue wheels/blue lugs.

There are lots of options and the knobs are some of the best I've seen. Here is a link to their website s2k options.

S2000 - WC Lathe Werks | Truly Unique Shift Knobs, Proudly Hand-Crafted in The USA!

Some pics of knob from cell phone.

brian6speed

iTrader: (5)

Have some parts to sell, just haven't had time to list them. Should be able to do it next week.

ahxChun

iTrader: (1)

hopefully some go fast parts

brian6speed

iTrader: (5)

Got pulled over by a cop today in the CL during lunch hour. First time being pulled over in the CL since driving to National Meet in 2010. My last ticket was about 10 years ago.

Was driving 30 mph in a 45 zone in traffic. Cop pulled up behind me and flashed his lights.

He claimed I swerved into oncoming traffic. I said I never crossed the line and am sure of it. He kept calling me a liar and said he had video proof. I replied the video will show I am right.

He let me go with a warning since he had no reason to ticket me. He mentioned about my car being modified multiple times and to stop lying to police. He said I am scaring poor mothers driving their little kids around with my modified car.

I told the truth, but it isn't truth cop was looking for. That is problem when ppl, specifically cops think they see the world for exactly what it is and don't understand the concept of perception.

Will be at track tomorrow if police allow it heh.

Fuck police Fuck police fuckem. Good thing I am white or I'd be dead now.

brian6speed

iTrader: (5)

BlackHawk Farms Raceway Track Day 8/19/15

It was a pleasant surprise to see another silver CLS6 show up. Was nice meeting you Ponto, hope you had a safe drive to Minnesota.

Was in the Novice group. Missed the first session because I was not ready yet. Second session used to learn track and just get up to speed. Started pushing hard in 3rd session. Part way through the 3rd session I was having engine cut power at 6k rpm at one section of track. Thought it was odd. Should have been watching gauges closer. Went out for fourth session and it started cutting power even lower at 3k rpm. Pulled in and skipped the session. Let the car cool down and reset battery to remove check engine light. Drove home and it seemed fine. Wondering if it was overheating, misfiring, etc.

Here is a link to track map.

http://www.blackhawkfarms.com/about/track-map/

Few pics I snapped with cell phone.









Video of first half of 3rd Session. Half the video is me just waiting behind slower drivers to get the wave by to pass on the straights. Video starts at the end of warm up lap.

Don't have laps times, but Ponto said he was reaching 99-100 mph on the longer straight in a almost stock CLS6 with intake and headers. My CL got up to right around 115 mph on the straight.

gnuts

iTrader: (1)

What was the engine code? I'm guessing it was pretty hot out?

brian6speed

iTrader: (5)

Not sure what code was. It was only in the 70's and windy. I was cold in long sleeve shirt and pants. First time I've ever had a check engine light. Can I still dig up the code after resetting battery?

Have another track day there 9/16 and don't want to go through this again.

Had no issues this last weekend doing 2 autocross events both in 90 degree weather.

gnuts

iTrader: (1)

I think they're stored. You should grab the torque app. I just got it to monitor and log my intake temp. You can also view and clear codes.

brian6speed

iTrader: (5)

Is that an android app?

Forgot to mention, besides the engine issue car was great. It handled perfectly on track and felt glued to road. The brakes are amazing, worth every penny.

I had 2 instructors, one thought that the steering wheel was too close to me and my arms were bent too much. Could remove quick release to move wheel farther, but not sure it is necessary.

There were a bunch of corvettes there. Probably 6 new c7 Z06 cars, and good amount of c6's.

brian6speed

iTrader: (5)

Downloaded the app will try it out when I get home.

gnuts

iTrader: (1)

You need a dongle. Plugs into your OBD and sends the info via Bluetooth to your phone. I think you can do it with an iPhone too.

gnuts

iTrader: (1)

You need a dongle. Plugs into your OBD and sends the info via Bluetooth to your phone. I think you can do it with an iPhone too.

Ponto

Thanks Brian, it was great meeting you as well. We held our own on the track for sure and quite a few were surprised by our cars. Your car looked and sounded great on the track. I was fortunate to have the better novice run group with less traffic but I still passed an M3, C7, and new Mustang GT. Quicker cars but not as good or aggressive drivers. The new 650 hp Z06 in my group didn't have any issues blowing by me in the straights (shocking). The only other car in my group that passed me was a Z51 C7 (460 hp) with a very good driver.

Looks like your last lap in the video was about 1:27. My best lap was 1:36 as a comparison. My car held up well besides a blown exhaust gasket underneath. I was the last car off the track and all the corner workers gave me a thumbs up or applause at the end which was cool. Maybe they do that to everyone though? Afterwards the instructor riding in the Mustang said he was surprised I was so quick in almost stock CL. He said I must have been pushing it hard, which I confirmed.

I made it to my destination as planned. I am glad your code cleared and you got home fine as well. Hopefully we will meet up again at a future event!

brian6speed

iTrader: (5)

The CL is definitely a confidence inspiring car. Think that is part of reason we can push harder.

I remember one of the c7 Z06 drivers in advance group being very happy with a time of 1:19(not sure what tires). If I am in the 1:20's that is not bad at all.

Don't think my fastest lap was on video, and can definitely improve. I was apexing a little early and there is one part I could straighten the line. Need to practice my heel toeing also.

brian6speed

iTrader: (5)

According to Torque app there are no stored codes.

brian6speed

iTrader: (5)

IM Spacer for Sale!!

https://acurazine.com/forums/car-par...askets-935362/

brian6speed

iTrader: (5)

Since track day been thinking of ways to make car faster/lighter. Getting desire to work on it more.

First up will be the tar sound deadener under the wiper arms. Who the hell puts that crap there anyway, so pointless.

Thinking about cutting holes in hood for venting. Will post few ideas later. Worried about ruining the look of the car. It still looks basically stock from outside.

Think I am crazy because just been thinking about what I can do to match that c7 Z06's time of 1:19. All I need is a front splitter, rear wing, some more weight removal, better tires, and gerzand's or TB Motorworx built engine. Good thing this track has short straights.

brian6speed

iTrader: (5)

Windshield Cowl & Wiper Removal

Removed these parts to get at the Sound Deadener under Wiper Linkage. Not sure if I want to keep the parts removed or re-install them. They are rather high up which hurts center of gravity. Could just install when I have a trip planned and rain could be an issue. Could just try to avoid heavy rain and use Rain-X on windshield.

Was thinking of cutting hood for engine/hood venting. Would keeping the cowl removed be enough to cool engine? How would it compare to hood vents?

Deadener Removed


Parts Removed


Weights
- Wiper Linkage 6.5 lbs
- Wiper Arms 2.5 lbs
- Cowl 2.0 lbs
- Deadener 0.5 lbs

Total 11.5 lbs

Thought it would be an eye sore without the Cowl on, but you don't notice it much. You need to be close to side to notice really.

Front View Cowl Removed


Side View


With these items removed my car is finally under 2800 lbs(2797) with over 1/2 tank of gas.

brian6speed

iTrader: (5)

Was watching BTCC race at Brands Hatch I believe. If you aren't familiar with that racing series, they penalize drivers who finish well by adding weight ballast to cars for next race.

A civic was penalized with weight ballast of 80 lbs. They commented about that adding 0.4 seconds to every lap. That is also not unsprung or rotational mass, and I am assuming they can add weight where they want.

Thought that was a good example of what weight reduction does.

Those time differences don't apply for drag racing. Drag racing is more like 0.1 second for every 100 lbs.

skd2k1

iTrader: (1)

I have part of the cowl removed on my car and it makes a huge difference especially in the summer. before I removed part of the cowl I couldn't leave my hand on the hood of my car after driving it. now the hood is barely warm, but will get warmer once the car stops since there's no wind to push the heat out.

nice job on the weight reduction.

they do that in touring car racing as well.

brian6speed

iTrader: (5)

Will try it out with cowl removed and keep an eye on temps.


Looked up the C7 curb weights and power to compare power to weight to my car.

My CL at 2797 lbs has 8.9 lbs weight for every 1 HP.

C7 Z51 3400 lbs, 460 HP = 7.4 lb per HP

C7 Z06 3524 lbs, 650 HP = 5.4 lb per HP

With work could match the C7 Z51 power to weight, but the Z06 is another level. Would take full out N/A build or FI to get close to that.

Even if my car was 2700 lbs and made 450 HP it would only be 6 lb per HP.

Would need to out corner and out brake, which is possible.

brian6speed

iTrader: (5)

Will be adding weight with front splitter, rear wing, rear diffuser, oil cooler, PS cooler, Oil Gauges, etc.

My final weight goal is right around 2700 lbs. Don't think I will ever get below that weight. Want to keep the glass windows and windshields and not butcher car too much. Will keep functional headlights also. Still needs to technically be street legal.

Here is a list of stuff that can still be removed, but am on the fence about whether to do it.

* Under Dash Metal - Always more metal to remove

* Rear Shock Tower Panels & Deadener

* Door Metal

* Holesaw Trunk Hinges

* Lighter washers on NRG Dampers or remove dampers completely

* Replace Moonroof Panel Steel Brackets with Aluminum

* Bumper & Headlight Brackets - Remove metal

* A/C Removal

* Evap Removal

* OEM Wing Removal

* Gut Underside of Hood

* Hood Latch Removal

* Lightweight Flywheel

* CF Hood & Trunk

* Lighter Exhaust Resonator


Anything else you guys/gals can think of?

gnuts

iTrader: (1)

that's a nice list! The cf hood and trunk and a/c removal must be 100-120 lbs right there. I'm interested in the total for the a/c stuff. I maybe use my a/c once a year these days. I think you should definitely get rid of that. Flywheel would be great, but that's another trans removal.
I saw a CL with CF hood once locally so I'm always creeping for it to come up for sale. I would probably paint it though.

brian6speed

iTrader: (5)

I'm thinking CF Hood, Trunk, and A/C Removal to be around 80-90 lbs.

Would paint hood also. Just worried about fitment/functionality versus oem hood. Also need to store oem hood.

Not sure on trunk yet because of fitment and whether I trunk mount wing or not. CF trunk probably flexes way too much to mount to.

Flywheel wouldn't be until need new clutch.

Evap would need to be reinstalled every year to pass emissions. Not sure want to deal with that.

09 IM would save probably 10 lbs but like Plenums too much.

Can also add driver door wiring to list.

brian6speed

iTrader: (5)

Driver Door Metal Removal

Decided to remove a few sections of metal from door. Removed metal weighed 0.67 lbs.