What is the optimal outside temperature for ///M5 performance??

[B-Pac]

Ok guys, I want to hear some "expert" opinions here. What do you think the best ouside temperature is for driving a stock Beast? We can all appreciate the power surge that comes with cooler winter temps, however, this is countered by cold roads and tires that don't stick. So where is that perfect temp where engine output has seen it's max increase from cooler air, tires aren't too cold, and it'c comfortable to drive? I'm guessing it's around 50 degrees F.

[jmott]

depends on the road.

at the dragstrip, on my tires, I had plenty of grip as low as 45 degrees.

on typical roads Id say the ideal temp (for 1/4 mile performance) would be higher.

Originally posted by B-Pac
Ok guys, I want to hear some "expert" opinions here. What do you think the best ouside temperature is for driving a stock Beast? We can all appreciate the power surge that comes with cooler winter temps, however, this is countered by cold roads and tires that don't stick. So where is that perfect temp where engine output has seen it's max increase from cooler air, tires aren't too cold, and it'c comfortable to drive? I'm guessing it's around 50 degrees F.

[hornsch]

I like this question and since I do not have a BEAST yet, I'll leave it up to the experienced to answer.

Very curious about ideal temps relating to track driving....

[M Power]

I am no expert, but all Z rated tires don't work well below temps of 45 degrees.. and the colder (i.e. more dense) air helps the motor breath, I would suggest for regular road driving, it's about 50 degrees that will be optimal.

For the track, it all becomes a different story, since DOT R tires have very different operating temp ranges.

There will be other more informed opinions than mine for track use I am sure.

[Bart Carter]

In general, this is what I've found:

For air intake, the colder the better.

For tire traction, street tires perform much better when over 95 degrees F. (But you would normally want them under 200 degrees F.) The optimum point would depend on the specific tire.

[TCM]

I would have to say around 60 degrees F is the best compromise. Street tires have ebough grip, not worried about drivetrain parts snapping or breaking in the cold and the air is dense enough to give a little extra snap to the engine. Nothing like the feeling of accelerating hard on a cool summer night.

[jmott]

drivetrain parts snapping??!

what about all that Germain Engineering mantra?

Originally posted by TCM
I would have to say around 60 degrees F is the best compromise. Street tires have ebough grip, not worried about drivetrain parts snapping or breaking in the cold and the air is dense enough to give a little extra snap to the engine. Nothing like the feeling of accelerating hard on a cool summer night.

[TCM]

what about all that Germain Engineering mantra?

Maybe not such a case on the M5, but the 540 has the clutch delay valve so owners cannot go burning rubber everywhere. In my mind, that means the car's drivetrain cannot take that abuse continually.