ESS Supercharger DIY kit ... Review!!

[m33]

Jul 4, 2009
Two Second Gain in 60-130 mph Test with Minor Modifications
A GT-R owner wanted a little more performance out of his GT-R and decided to hook up a V-Box vehicle performance tester to try out a few quick modifications . The GT-R was an LC2 car with the lower launch RPM of right around 3000 rpm. The first test was done in 90 degree weather in Houston. The car had a Y-pipe with no other modifications.
0-60 was 3.5
0-100 was 8.3
1/4 mile was 11.82@119.8
60-130 was 10.69 seconds



They then went with a Cobb Access Port with a Stage 1 tune, and the car picked up about 0.4 seconds in the quarter mile, and 0.8 second in the 60-130 mph time. With the Access Port - Stage 1.

0-60 was 3.2
0-100 was 7.4
1/4 mile was 11.43@122.8
60-130 was 9.82 seconds

Next they called up Forged Performance for a custom tune for the Cobb Access Port and dropped the times nearly two seconds in the 60-130 time.

0-60 was 3.08
0-100 was 6.98
1/4 mile was 11.18@126.7
60-130 was 8.72 seconds

[m33]

You ( mike ) and Larry ( biglare) show better times , I pulled a 9 sec flat ( BMW performance steering wheel) with an added weight of 350 and a full tank of gas ....
Plus were 300lbs lighter

[808E90]

Originally Posted by m33

Doesn't the gtr dyno at 430whp ?? Even if you add an extra 50 whp your still under the 500whp mark , not saying the car is slow by any means .... It's a boat ( heavy ) ...
I would never race it from a dig , I would do a 2nd gear to maybe top of 5th , with the vt2 catless it would be a good run ...

I'll be doing a dyno this week so see where I'm at, I hope to be around 475.

We did two rolling starts ... First run I started in 3rd at about 60mph and then 2nd in the next run at about 50-55mph.

Originally Posted by mikewads

430whp + 50whp (Cobb) + 50whp (Exhaust) = 530whp

I'm really not sure what kind of mods he had but I know he said it was running about 590+ whp on a dynojet.

[MarvelPhx]

The VT1-535 is rated to be in the low 450's RWHP as far as I know (535 x0.85= 454.75). I think you need the 100mm 5.5PSI pulley to get into the 470's.

[808E90]

Originally Posted by MarvelPhx

The VT1-535 is rated to be in the low 450's RWHP as far as I know (535 x0.85= 454.75). I think you need the 100mm 5.5PSI pulley to get into the 470's.

I think ESS ran a 459 with the VT1 on a stock car ... I'll be running a full exhaust system and I'll be on a Dynojet. I know Dynojets read higher but I wanna make sure I use the same machine that I used before the SC went on.

[quality_sound]

Originally Posted by mikewads

430whp + 50whp (Cobb) + 50whp (Exhaust) = 530whp

Gains don't stack like that, especially on a FI car. You have to look at where each part gains and see where they overlap, if at all.

[MarvelPhx]

Originally Posted by 808E90

I think ESS ran a 459 with the VT1 on a stock car ... I'll be running a full exhaust system and I'll be on a Dynojet. I know Dynojets read higher but I wanna make sure I use the same machine that I used before the SC went on.

According to ESS the gain for a VT1-535 is 29.2% (414 to 535 crank), the average of your 3 before pulls are 340.5RWHP + 29.2% should put you in the ~440whp range after VT1-535. I hope you make even more, but that gain is what the kit is advertised to make.

[TeamBMWHawaii]

Originally Posted by 808E90

04/24/2010 UPDATE:

Post break-in review:


My first two runs were with a GT-R35 that had a tune, IC pipes, and full exhaust ... I got walked but it was fun.

who wants to see the video?

all i can say is

[mikewads]

Originally Posted by m33

Jul 4, 2009
Next they called up Forged Performance for a custom tune for the Cobb Access Port and dropped the times nearly two seconds in the 60-130 time.

0-60 was 3.08
0-100 was 6.98
1/4 mile was 11.18@126.7
60-130 was 8.72 seconds

I would not come even close to that 1/4 mile ET! GTR has a huge advantage with AWD.

Originally Posted by m33

You ( mike ) and Larry ( biglare) show better times , I pulled a 9 sec flat ( BMW performance steering wheel) with an added weight of 350 and a full tank of gas ....
Plus were 300lbs lighter

Yep, that AWD no longer has the advantage and it's all about HP and weight after 60 mph.

Originally Posted by 808E90

I'll be doing a dyno this week so see where I'm at, I hope to be around 475.

My guess is 460-465.

Originally Posted by quality_sound

Gains don't stack like that, especially on a FI car. You have to look at where each part gains and see where they overlap, if at all.

The numbers I listed are conservative estimates, so I believe they are close to the real thing. Example: AMS claims 100chp just from their downpipe alone. I included the downpipe, mid-pipe, and back-half all together for about 50whp.

[quality_sound]

Right, but 100 HP where? It might be 100HP under 5000 RPM but the mid-pipe could add it's power over 5K RPM. Then you have to take into account any losses a part might have and see if those losses overlap another part's gains effectively nullifying any gain at all. Other than FI and Nitrous almost nothing will make power through the entire powerband. It's why some people throw a bunch of mods at a car and either dyno it or hit the strip and don't see the gains they were expecting.

[mikewads]

Originally Posted by quality_sound

Right, but 100 HP where? It might be 100HP under 5000 RPM but the mid-pipe could add it's power over 5K RPM. Then you have to take into account any losses a part might have and see if those losses overlap another part's gains effectively nullifying any gain at all. Other than FI and Nitrous almost nothing will make power through the entire powerband. It's why some people throw a bunch of mods at a car and either dyno it or hit the strip and don't see the gains they were expecting.

Ok, I see your point.

[808E90]

Originally Posted by MarvelPhx

According to ESS the gain for a VT1-535 is 29.2% (414 to 535 crank), the average of your 3 before pulls are 340.5RWHP + 29.2% should put you in the ~440whp range after VT1-535. I hope you make even more, but that gain is what the kit is advertised to make.

Originally Posted by mikewads

My guess is 460-465.

Now I know what number I should hit ...

We should make a pot and the winner gets to take the $$ if they can guess the HP numbers right

[m33]

Sorry mike I was thinking trap speed on the 1/4mile not time , I would never subject my car to a 1/4mile race with a gtr .....

[AMPowerJ]

Originally Posted by 808E90

We should make a pot and the winner gets to take the $$ if they can guess the HP numbers right

I'm in

[M3_WC]

Originally Posted by m33

5.75 - E46 M3 HPF Stage 2.5 1 shift
6.86 - E46 M3 HPF Stage 2, 1 shift
7.37 - E92 M3 Gintani Stage 2 SC / DCT / 91 octane and meth / 3 shifts
8.84 - E92 M3 ESS Stage 2 DCT ,

8.95 - Stage 1 Gintani Supercharger DCT, 3shifts
9.5 - Porsche 997TT
9.6 - Ferrari F50
10.06 - 996TT with ECU flash / 1 shift
10.1 - Ferrari F430
10.3 - BMW M6, stock, 2 shifts
10.48 - E60 M5, stock, 2 shifts
10.48 - C63 AMG with headers and flash
10.70 - E92 M3, Bolt Ons, DCT, 3 shifts
10.93 - E63 AMG
10.9 - Lamborghini Murcielago
10.97 - Nissan GT-R
11.0 - Shelby GT500, stock, 2-shifts
11.7 - Ferrari Challenge Stradale
11.87 - 997 GT3 RS
12.1 - Lamborghini Gallardo
12.2 - 996tt stock
12.64 - Stock DCT E92 M3
12.9 - Stock 6MT E92 M3 Coupe
13.7 - Stock E46 M3 (freak car) / 1 shift
14.3 - Stock E39 M5 / 1 shift

updated

[biglare]

Originally Posted by m33

5.75 - E46 M3 HPF Stage 2.5 1 shift
6.86 - E46 M3 HPF Stage 2, 1 shift

7.37 - E92 M3 Gintani Stage 2 SC / DCT / 91 octane and meth / 3 shifts
8.31 - E90 M3 ESS Stage 2 / DCT
8.84 - E92 M3 ESS Stage 2 / DCT
8.95 - E92 M3 Gintani Stage 1 SC / DCT, 3shifts

9.5 - Porsche 997TT
9.6 - Ferrari F50
10.06 - 996TT with ECU flash / 1 shift
10.1 - Ferrari F430
10.3 - BMW M6, stock, 2 shifts
10.48 - E60 M5, stock, 2 shifts
10.48 - C63 AMG with headers and flash
10.70 - E92 M3, Bolt Ons, DCT, 3 shifts
10.93 - E63 AMG
10.9 - Lamborghini Murcielago
10.97 - Nissan GT-R
11.0 - Shelby GT500, stock, 2-shifts
11.7 - Ferrari Challenge Stradale
11.87 - 997 GT3 RS
12.1 - Lamborghini Gallardo
12.2 - 996tt stock
12.64 - Stock DCT E92 M3
12.9 - Stock 6MT E92 M3 Coupe
13.7 - Stock E46 M3 (freak car) / 1 shift
14.3 - Stock E39 M5 / 1 shift

Originally Posted by M3_WC

updated

Updated to include my time

[Reid]

Originally Posted by m33

VT2 is in order my friend along with catless exhaust and you'll be in business
I highly doubt the gtr is putting 590 to the wheels with a chips and exhaust , the most i think they can gain is 50 to 60 whp over stock

Yeah, the GTR guy is probably lying.

Originally Posted by m33

Doesn't the gtr dyno at 430whp ?? Even if you add an extra 50 whp your still under the 500whp mark , not saying the car is slow by any means .... It's a boat ( heavy ) ...
I would never race it from a dig , I would do a 2nd gear to maybe top of 5th , with the vt2 catless it would be a good run ...

While it's true that GTR's are overweight pigs, they really hide their weight well. Their maneuverability defies their weight.

Originally Posted by mikewads

It will take more than a VT2 to keep up with that GTR. Just remember somebody is always faster and at least you don't have to worry about your tranny going out like he does.

The tranny's do have weakspots, but all the parts to reinforce them are on the market. Upgraded turbo GTR's are consistently in the 9's now.

I really do agree with your sentiment that "somebody is always faster". Straight line acceleration is not the point of any M car or any GTR for that matter.

Honestly, I think my E46 M3 is way more fun to drive than a R35, despite the fact that it feels like it has 120 hp in comparison.

Don't do the VT2, IMHO. I think as you add more power (and wheelspin) the car will become less enjoyable. If all you wanted was straight line speed, you would have bought a CTS-V instead of a E90 M3 after all.

[C17MooseDriver]

Originally Posted by Reid

Don't do the VT2, IMHO. I think as you add more power (and wheelspin) the car will become less enjoyable. If all you wanted was straight line speed, you would have bought a CTS-V instead of a E90 M3 after all.

Very well put.

[gixxer_kidd]

Originally Posted by Reid

Don't do the VT2, IMHO. I think as you add more power (and wheelspin) the car will become less enjoyable. If all you wanted was straight line speed, you would have bought a CTS-V instead of a E90 M3 after all.

I've been wondering the same. Thinking about going with VT2 but I'm planning to track my car so I'm wondering if it will be too much (for my skill level at the moment). Anyone with VT1 or 2 take their car to the track yet?

[808E90]

Originally Posted by PencilGeek

808E90 was kind enough to send the original dyno files so I could reprint them in a more standard format. The original graph (seen here) has been corrected. Here's the dyno charts in SAE and STD correction.

Thanks again Robert

Why do people like SAE over STD?

Originally Posted by Reid

I really do agree with your sentiment that "somebody is always faster". Straight line acceleration is not the point of any M car or any GTR for that matter.

Don't do the VT2, IMHO. I think as you add more power (and wheelspin) the car will become less enjoyable. If all you wanted was straight line speed, you would have bought a CTS-V instead of a E90 M3 after all.

Thanks for doing those runs with me ... We'll have to do it agian once I get a few things worked out.

Originally Posted by C17MooseDriver

Very well put.

I looking into the VT2 more for the cooling sysytem

Originally Posted by gixxer_kidd

I've been wondering the same. Thinking about going with VT2 but I'm planning to track my car so I'm wondering if it will be too much (for my skill level at the moment). Anyone with VT1 or 2 take their car to the track yet?

We don't have a track here in Oahu but I would do the VT2 with a bigger pulley that way you get the cooling system.

[biglare]

Originally Posted by gixxer_kidd

I've been wondering the same. Thinking about going with VT2 but I'm planning to track my car so I'm wondering if it will be too much (for my skill level at the moment). Anyone with VT1 or 2 take their car to the track yet?

I have the VT2-575 kit and was at M-Fest a couple of weeks ago. I took my car out on the track for a few sessions as did one of the instructors there. The instructor is Palantirion on this forum. He put my car through some pretty fast laps and pushed the car hard. The car, S/C and DCT performed flawlessly. There was no overheating and the car never went into limp mode.

What I can tell you is that the added power is awesome pulling out of the turns and pushing down the straights. I absolutely love the power and being a beginner on the track think that it can only get better. Of course I could not use the car and power to its full advantage, but with every lap I improved and was passing people by my last session. I would highly recommend this ESS VT2 kit for anyone that wants to track their E9x M3.

Here is a link to Palantirion's post:
http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?p=7218115


I will do my own M-Fest post within the next couple of days.

[gixxer_kidd]

Originally Posted by 808E90

We don't have a track here in Oahu but I would do the VT2 with a bigger pulley that way you get the cooling system.

Didn't think about that. Extra cooling would be nice to have.

Originally Posted by biglare

I have the VT2-575 kit and was at M-Fest a couple of weeks ago. I took my car out on the track for a few sessions as did one of the instructors there. The instructor is Palantirion on this forum. He put my car through some pretty fast laps and pushed the car hard. The car, S/C and DCT performed flawlessly. There was no overheating and the car never went into limp mode.

What I can tell you is that the added power is awesome pulling out of the turns and pushing down the straights. I absolutely love the power and being a beginner on the track think that it can only get better. Of course I could not use the car and power to its full advantage, but with every lap I improved and was passing people by my last session. I would highly recommend this ESS VT2 kit for anyone that wants to track their E9x M3.

Here is a link to Palantirion's post:
http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho....php?p=5141491


I will do my own M-Fest post within the next couple of days.

I'm sold! Good stuff Thanks for sharing.