Tune or S/C?

[GAM]

Hi guys,

I'm debating between two options and looking for recommendations from people that have gone from one option to the other.

Either going with test pipes/high flow X-pipe with the Evolve or BPM tune. From what I've read, a gain of a maximum of 40whp can be obtained.

Or go with a used ESS 550 VT1 with low miles, with test/straight pipes. Again, from what I've read, close to 500whp can be obtained.

Budget is not the same but looking for some recommendations from some of you guys that have gone from tune only to supercharger.

Car is a 2011 e92 with 40k miles, daily driver, might track it once or twice a year but not more than that. Might also get another cheap DD to avoid putting too many miles on it.

Thanks!

[Alex07M3]

supercharged is so much fun, it gets my vote!!

[BrewRifle]

I'd go for the supercharger simply because the gains will be huge over a TP and tune.

[JEllis]

I drove on my challenge x-pipe, rouge SSK, and GTS exhaust for or a week or so before I SCd the car. It really is a night and day difference. The ESS 550 is really a fantastic kit as well.

[SouthShoreM3]

OP I think a lot of us have been in your shoes before and start with the FBO before going SC. There really is no comparison. The SC is the best bang for your buck. Also, depending on where you live and for inspection purposes, ESS does a fantastic job with their tuning and will get you the readiness codes you need in order to pass inspection.

Go for the 550. You will have no regrets whatsoever. The car will give you the daily drivability and when you wan to step on it. Give you tremendous satisfaction.

Plus putting an x pipe or test pipes will only make it perform better.

[Irishace]

I elected to ease into it with an Evolve stage II bolt on package. When I feel the need for more power I will move on to a blower setup. I am hoping the power bug does not strike me for a least another year as I would imagine SC kits for the S65 should drop in price when the M3/4 hits the streets.

[Someone?]

SC and test pipes? hell yah go SCed. An exhaust and BPM tune will be good, but nothing like an SCed test piped car, it will be probably over 100rwhp more with the SC.

[pbonsalb]

If you can afford $6k or more for a used stage 1 supercharger with tune that will gain about 135 rwhp, I would do that instead of $2k for test pipes, underdrive pulley, MS2 intake and tune that will gain you about 45 rwhp.

I could not afford the supercharger, so I have the NA mods. They wake the car up enough that it is OK.

An intercooled supercharger would be even better.

[M-powerMode]

Originally Posted by GAM

Hi guys,

I'm debating between two options and looking for recommendations from people that have gone from one option to the other.

Either going with test pipes/high flow X-pipe with the Evolve or BPM tune. From what I've read, a gain of a maximum of 40whp can be obtained.

Or go with a used ESS 550 VT1 with low miles, with test/straight pipes. Again, from what I've read, close to 500whp can be obtained.

Budget is not the same but looking for some recommendations from some of you guys that have gone from tune only to supercharger.

Car is a 2011 e92 with 40k miles, daily driver, might track it once or twice a year but not more than that. Might also get another cheap DD to avoid putting too many miles on it.

Thanks!

Dude forget what you read , the most you'll gain from a tune is 25whp and that's with supporting mods like catless xpipe ...
A tune itself is only good for 5-10whp if that...

Save your money and just supercharge moderately

[BPMSport]

If you look at the HP per $ with test pipe and tune, you actually come ahead vs a blower.

They are really, really fast supercharged though. Personally I would only put an inter-cooled kit on my car to keep IAT down and for consistency.

I would try FBO first. The car is a blast with test pipes and tune.

[Sirius Black]

I went the NA tuned route before going SC. If I had it to do over again, I would have skipped the NA tune, Pulleys, and drop in filter. That was about $1500 I could have saved and spent on the SC.

[dparm]

40hp on a 414hp car is not going to be nearly as drastic as adding 100+.

Remember, 40 of 414 is only about 10%. 100 of 414 is 25%.

[mkPOTO]

I would start off bolts ons and then if its not enough for you go with a supercharger. You will have the supporting mods for a blower

[micha3l]

I opted for a supercharger over exhaust/tune as I thought the money was better spent on more power, but it wasn't too much longer and I got an exhaust as well

If you're already considering a supercharger, I'd either go with that, or just start with the exhaust and get the supercharger later, cos you know you'll want more power very soon

[Ezio]

one thing i learned from modding car is that i will never be truly happy unless i get the best thing. for me if i was going the s/c route it would HAVE to be intercooled and i would want a the 600 kit. as i KNOW after one summer of driving i would get to use to the 500 kit. and be wondering what the higher kits feel like.

[marcb910]

I've been thinking about this same subject for months, my minds made on a used 600 S/C kit if I don't trade in for a M5 next year. 25-40rwhp gain from TP+Tune would only keep me happy for a week.

[Someone?]

With 30 more rwhp i think my car would brake into the 3.9 to 4.1 0-60 times and 12.20 to 12.30 1/4 mile times as i already have intake, pulley, BPM tune and runs 12.45 1/4 mile.

[pbonsalb]

I have never had too much power. It is just a question of how much I can afford.

[BESTNDA416]

Go s/c if you have the money. Dont waste your time on tunes and what not. Go big or go home

[BPMSport]

I drove a supercharged one the other day and it was pretty beasty, intercooled 595 kit.

For those that currently have the BPM tune, we do offer upgrade options for supercharger software. This upgrade includes servotronic steering, cold rev limit protection, but reduces the redline back to factory if previously raised.

[edwinm3]

Supercharger is a lot of fun, but I learned my lesson when I did my E46, the feeling of throwing away money is not good, doesn't matter how well you take care of it ppl will always think there is something wrong or about to go wrong with the car when it's time to sell. My E92 is staying NA (Currently with all bolt ons). I'll wait for the new M to come out and play with that instead. It won't be long before the E9X platform start looking aged and won't be the shit anymore. DCT's having issues and more horror engine issues, who knows, vanos, subframe, diffs. It's your money I know but this is my .02.

[GreeKon]

^This.

I know I won't keep this car FOREVER, so it's important to look at the bottom line. If you have money and just DGAF....go for it.