HELP I think I just VOIDED my engine warranty???

[Singletrack]

Manifold is beautiful! Nice design!

[Darkboyz68]

Your setup looks clean!! great write up!

[Roman@ESS]

Originally Posted by redline9001

I want a ride stat....

I agree on ESS, AJ and Roman have been nothing but amazing on the customer service side of things, i have got emails from them at 10-11pm i am not sure when they sleep.

I do close my eyes for short periods during the night but im usually typing during this time

Originally Posted by j2M3

I had a chance to put another 120 miles on the car last night. My wife and I went for a long drives through the mountains. It is a freakin BEAST! I have a great wife who knows how I like to drive. She just holds on and smiles Nothing better than going for a drive with a fine A$$ chick in the passenger seat
Few things to consider:
- Currently running Stock X-Pipe and M Performance exhaust. (waiting on my new exhaust + catless X-Pipe... should be here in a few days)
- Currently Running 255 Pirelli Rosso's all around
- Running on 94 Octane
- Car has 2150 miles
- DCT + EDC
- I installed the KW sleeve over kit a couple weeks ago (have not aligned yet, waiting on my new wheels+tires to dial in height adjustment)
- Currently running stock brakes

I have NOT opened it up all the way yet although I have pushed it pretty hard. Keep in mind, I am not a technical expert so the details are in "'laymen's" terms
DTC ON= The car is effin fast, DTC engages through 4th gear. In 3rd and 4th gear you can't really feel the DTC engaging but the lights flickering on the dash. Wheel spin will happen but DTC kicks in pretty quick limiting the power to the wheels.

M-Dynamic Mode: 1st and 2nd gears are CRAZY power, feels like a freight train pulling, you get that feeling in your stomach that get when you take off in a jet. No lag, power is immediate and very smooth. You reach "red-line" within what seems like milliseconds in 1st and 2nd gear. Have to be really careful with throttle on corners, in low gears, the back end will just swoop out from under you. VERY easy to get this thing sideways real fast in 1st and 2nd in M Mode (ask me how I know). The car feels very "planted" in M-Mode and as long as you ease into acceleration. The power is strong and consistent through every gear. If you "punch it" in 1st-3rd gear you will feel power being limited by DTC. Most of my miles last night were in MDM and I was really impressed with how balanced the car as well as the power felt, still felt planted and not that "Out of Control" feeling. My speedometer is in KM not miles, but I the best way I can explain the power is high speeds are achieved so quick that I feels like instead of doing 180KM you are doing 80KM. As Phillip has mentioned, you really have to watch the road ahead and know what is coming because it comes so fast.

DTC OFF: HaWWWWWWWWWly FawwwwwwKin MOTHER of GawwwwwwwD effin INSANE POWER. 1st and 2nd gear under hard acceleration is SIDEWAYS faSSSSSSSSSSST. Under hard acceleration shifting from 1st to 2nd is enough that you will be in the ditch quick. So much fun through. All I can say is RIfukinDICULOUS It is a rush like I've never felt hookers and blow have nothing on a Blown M3+NO DTC. It's like you are behind the wheel of an F18 hornet and road is yours to OWN. I will not be spending too much time with DTC off until I get my new rubber and brakes. It's for fawkin REAL

OVERALL: The power is extraordinary! It doesn't matter what gear you are in, the car feels as if tough you have limitless power is on tap and ready to Gooooooooooo I'm really impressed with the top end of this car.4th-7th pulls hard and strong!
Another great thing about this kit is, if you put it into "Auto Mode+S1" it is very tame and could easily be driven by anyone.

On a side note. I was trying to take it easy, on the highway, on the way home...have a nice enjoyable ride with my wife... Then out of NOWHERE a Mustang GT tried to pull on me. I walked him SO hard and fast, before I knew it he was about 12-15 car lengths back

One last thing: The addition of the SC has done wonders for my marriage. I did the install myself and that was a HUGE "Turn-On" for my wife, she thinks I'm all mechanical and shit and I just breezed through the install. She has no idea I was freakin out a couple times, on the phone-text-email with Roman non-stop. Ohhh and ROMAN --> Keep your effin mouth SHUT, if you ever talk to her she has to believe this was a cake walk for me... get it? got it? good!
Anyhow after (1) The long drive (2) Effortlessly walkin the stang (3) an hour and a half of her telling me how impressed she is with my mechanical abilities, we got home and I swear her seat was wet--> and it wasn't pee from being scared $hitless from my driving.
Moral of the story is SC'd M3's make girls wet :

[schnell325]

[duk]

wat a great write-up!!

you sound orgasmically excited lol

[j2m]

Next DIY on the agenda for this weekend! Hoping it will arrive tomorrow and get it installed over the weekend, as long as it clears customs, Pic is before it was ceramic coated

[Team Plutonium]

Jon, what exhaust is that?

[j2m]

Originally Posted by SehrSchnell

Jon, what exhaust is that?

It's the Gintani Sport with the electronic valve and catless quad resonated X-Pipe

[Team Plutonium]

Originally Posted by j2M3

It's the Gintani Sport with the electronic valve and catless quad resonated X-Pipe

NICE!!! That will make some sweet noise!

[GOVCO]

Originally Posted by j2M3

After much deliberation... A couple weeks ago pulled the trigger on the ESS-VT2 625
Initially I was considering Catless+pulley+Intake+Meth+Tune then I convinced my self & wife that the ESS VT1-535 was a much better "Value"?!?!?!? So I decided on the 535 kit. Then I made the HUGE MISTAKE of calling Roman@ESS (the guys worse than a crack dealer) and asking for his expertise and after talking to Roman for about 45 min's I found myself justifying that the VT2 575 was a much better value because of the IC, then I thought about the extra $1,500 to go to the VT2600 kit and was all set UNTIL I started reading about upgraded injectors on the VT625 Kit and I was like "Fu*K IT" just get me the effin VT2625!!!
I had my kit shipped to a drop location is the states and I had a truck pick up today, so I should have it in my possession by tomorrow. These are the pics a friend took and emailed to me
I had the manifold prepped for paint and am going to have some custom paintwork so it's going to be a couple weeks before install is complete but I will update this thread with my progress.
HUGE props to Roman@ESS, great customer service

***MANY MORE MODS ON THE WAY*** Including buy not limited to: exhaust, wheels, brakes, exterior stuff...

UPDATE 3/31/12
I am about 80% finished with the installation. Now it's getting to the exciting point!
I decided to do the install myself. ESS says it's about an 8-14 hour install, so I figured it would take me about 40 hours The install has been fairly painless but holy $hit, there is a lot involved in this kit! 160 Steps for total install, I'm at step 130. Roman has been a huge help and can't say enough about the quality of these kits. Everything is included, including zip ties, bolts...
Should be finished up tonight or tomorrow. It's always tough to find time between work, kids, life...
Will keep posted


UPDATE 4/1/12
Some pics of the manifold installed. It's painted Space Grey and Black.
I spent some time driving today. Still having to take it easy until I reach 200 miles, completed about 120 miles so far. This thing is effin INSANE I am waiting on my new wheels so I am currently running my square setup (HRE P40S 19X9 255/30/19) and these things spin if I even think about giving it any gas. Power deliver is really smooth and in full auto mode it's very similar to stock, you just have to be extremely mindful of the power... One slip of the foot to the gas pedal and you'll be sideways fassssssst, and that with full traction on
I will try to get some miles in and really open this thing up soon, BUT can't say enough about the quality and attention to detail from ESS. These guys really love what they do, and it shows in the level of customer service they provide. Every time I needed any questions answered Roman was available immediately (including responding to text messages and emails on evenings and weekends who does that anymore???) Let me just say my experience with ESS has been polar opposite to my experience with Dinan and I spent about the same amount of $$$---> Dinan got my $$$ and that is where communication stopped. And good luck getting a call OR email returned...
Most companies provide excellent customer service until they get you $$$, and then it stops. NOT ESS & ROMAN, not sure how he does all he does but all I can say is he's fawwwwwwwkin awesome and a rockSTAR



UPDATE 4/3/12
I had a chance to put another 120 miles on the car last night. My wife and I went for a long drives through the mountains. It is a freakin BEAST! I have a great wife who knows how I like to drive. She just holds on and smiles Nothing better than going for a drive with a fine A$$ chick in the passenger seat
Few things to consider:
- Currently running Stock X-Pipe and M Performance exhaust. (waiting on my new exhaust + catless X-Pipe... should be here in a few days)
- Currently Running 255 Pirelli Rosso's all around
- Running on 94 Octane
- Car has 2150 miles
- DCT + EDC
- I installed the KW sleeve over kit a couple weeks ago (have not aligned yet, waiting on my new wheels+tires to dial in height adjustment)
- Currently running stock brakes

I have NOT opened it up all the way yet although I have pushed it pretty hard. Keep in mind, I am not a technical expert so the details are in "'laymen's" terms
DTC ON= The car is effin fast, DTC engages through 4th gear. In 3rd and 4th gear you can't really feel the DTC engaging but the lights flickering on the dash. Wheel spin will happen but DTC kicks in pretty quick limiting the power to the wheels.

M-Dynamic Mode: 1st and 2nd gears are CRAZY power, feels like a freight train pulling, you get that feeling in your stomach that get when you take off in a jet. No lag, power is immediate and very smooth. You reach "red-line" within what seems like milliseconds in 1st and 2nd gear. Have to be really careful with throttle on corners, in low gears, the back end will just swoop out from under you. VERY easy to get this thing sideways real fast in 1st and 2nd in M Mode (ask me how I know). The car feels very "planted" in M-Mode and as long as you ease into acceleration power is strong and consistent. If you "punch it" in 1st-3rd gear you will feel power being limited by DTC. Most of my miles last night were in MDM. I was really impressed with how balanced both the car and power felt, still felt planted and not that "Out of Control" feeling. My speedometer is in KM not miles, but I the best way I can explain the power is high speeds are achieved so quick that I feels like instead of doing 180KM you are doing 80KM. As Phillip has mentioned, you really have to watch the road ahead and know what is coming because it comes so fast.

DTC OFF: HaWWWWWWWWWly FawwwwwwKin MOTHER of GawwwwwwwD effin INSANE POWER. 1st and 2nd gear under hard acceleration is SIDEWAYS faSSSSSSSSSSST. Under hard acceleration shifting from 1st to 2nd is enough that you will be in the ditch quick. So much fun through. All I can say is RIfukinDICULOUS It is a rush like I've never felt hookers and blow have nothing on a Blown M3+NO DTC. It's like you are behind the wheel of an F18 hornet and road is yours to OWN. I will not be spending too much time with DTC off until I get my new rubber and brakes. It's for fawkin REAL

OVERALL: The power is extraordinary! It doesn't matter what gear you are in, the car feels as if tough you have limitless power is on tap and ready to Gooooooooooo I'm really impressed with the top end of this car.4th-7th pulls hard and strong!
Another great thing about this kit is, if you put it into "Auto Mode+S1" it is very tame and could easily be driven by anyone.

On a side note. I was trying to take it easy, on the highway, on the way home...have a nice enjoyable ride with my wife... Then out of NOWHERE a Mustang GT tried to pull on me. I walked him SO hard and fast, before I knew it he was about 12-15 car lengths back

One last thing: The addition of the SC has done wonders for my marriage. I did the install myself and that was a HUGE "Turn-On" for my wife, she thinks I'm all mechanical and shit and I just breezed through the install. She has no idea I was freakin out a couple times, on the phone-text-email with Roman non-stop. Ohhh and ROMAN --> Keep your effin mouth SHUT, if you ever talk to her she has to believe this was a cake walk for me... get it? got it? good!
Anyhow after (1) The long drive (2) Effortlessly walkin the stang (3) an hour and a half of her telling me how impressed she is with my mechanical abilities, we got home and I swear her seat was wet--> and it wasn't pee from being scared $hitless from my driving.
Moral of the story is SC'd M3's make girls wet :

Your write up is worth me getting this kit alone. Funny as all get up. I was laughing all the way through. Nice bud!

[KJ]

Hahaha, awesome write up! LOL

[Dellort_M3]

Nice setup man, I really like it.
Youre crazy for doing a diy. Mad respect!
Do you have any automotive mechanical background?

Also, do you still get the ESS warranty since you did the install yourself?

[Roman@ESS]

Originally Posted by Dellort_M3

Nice setup man, I really like it.
Youre crazy for doing a diy. Mad respect!
Do you have any automotive mechanical background?

Also, do you still get the ESS warranty since you did the install yourself?

Our 2 year warranty applies to the original owner regardless of who installs it for them or they do it themselves.

[wstxoutlaw]

Great write up! Had me cracking up the entire time lol... The engine bay is now a thing of beauty! Respect on the DIY as well!!

[JA///MES]

Mad respect!!!! Thats fuckin amazing!!!!!

[Dellort_M3]

Originally Posted by Roman@ESS

Our 2 year warranty applies to the original owner regardless of who installs it for them or they do it themselves.

[j2m]

Originally Posted by KJ

Hahaha, awesome write up! LOL

Thanks

Originally Posted by Dellort_M3

Nice setup man, I really like it.
Youre crazy for doing a diy. Mad respect!
Do you have any automotive mechanical background?
Also, do you still get the ESS warranty since you did the install yourself?

Thank You! I do not have any automotive mechanical background... I installed several things on my 335 (tune, meth, chargepipe...) Terry from BMS helped me out quite a bit and walked me through some stuff. The SC was time consuming but actually not terribly difficult BECAUSE ESS provides a step by step installation manual AND Roman was always available to answer questions

Originally Posted by wstxoutlaw

Great write up! Had me cracking up the entire time lol... The engine bay is now a thing of beauty! Respect on the DIY as well!!

Thanks

Originally Posted by JA///MES

Mad respect!!!! Thats fuckin amazing!!!!!

Much Appreciated

[Bob MG]

If my wife knew I just supercharged my new M that wet seat would be my blood in the drivers seat!!

And I'm soo envious of your wife's smiling when you drive like a muppet. I have to behave all the time. When I take her in the GT2 and accelerate through 2 gear shifts apparently it makes her nauseous

[Bob MG]

Just to be clear on the above and to stamp my ascertain on who actually is boss in my house.....

My VT2 625 is installed

[GOLFFRR]

^^Get mine Monday

Thanks again to OP and his reviews it has helped me pass the time!!

[SchnellM3]

That Manifold is gorgeous!!!


Props for DIYing the install, make sure to post some video with the new exhaust

[1SIKM]

Congratulation on the SC... You had me going @ first with the title... Looks awesome...