ESS 535 or 575?

[dpohlman]

I have a completely stock 2009 E92 DCT M3, and I only have 2,200 mile on it at this point. I was ready to consider moving to a "p" car next year, but I think I want to super charge the M3 and keep it for a couple of more years. It is only a summer car, but I want great power and performance, and it just doesn't scare me anymore in stock form.

It really boils down to having 535hp and no separate cooling, or 575hp and the more complete cooling ability. It is also $8K vs $13K. Not quite double, but it is materially more cost.

Thoughts??

[erm324]

go for the 575 so you can always upgrade to the 600 or 625 easily (pully and tune only) if you get tired of the 575

[Evolved M3]

Originally Posted by erm324

go for the 575 so you can always upgrade to the 600 or 625 easily (pully and tune only) if you get tired of the 575

Can't you also just switch the pulley on the 535? I recall reading a thread where the OP was running the VT-1 535 at 5.39psi. When someone asked why its so high when the kit is supposed to be at 4.5psi only, they responded saying he is running the 5psi pulley.

I will prob go for the 535 when the time comes...i would love one of the VT2's but it's too much to spend for me on the car. And if you could upgrade the 535 to run slightly higher psi and still be safe then i'll def just go with that one.

Here is the link actually to the guy running the VT1-535 with 5psi pulley (hitting 5.39psi) http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=406982

[w00tw00t]

Originally Posted by dpohlman

I have a completely stock 2009 E92 DCT M3, and I only have 2,200 mile on it at this point. ...Thoughts??

Wow!! I have had my 2011 e92 for just two months and I already have 3200 miles on it ...

[erm324]

yeah to upgrade to VT2 you need to install the intercooler....

[808E90]

Originally Posted by dpohlman

I have a completely stock 2009 E92 DCT M3, and I only have 2,200 mile on it at this point. I was ready to consider moving to a "p" car next year, but I think I want to super charge the M3 and keep it for a couple of more years. It is only a summer car, but I want great power and performance, and it just doesn't scare me anymore in stock form.

It really boils down to having 535hp and no separate cooling, or 575hp and the more complete cooling ability. It is also $8K vs $13K. Not quite double, but it is materially more cost.

Thoughts??

Yeah ... I thought about the same thing!! After a few phone calls with Roman I decided to go with the VT1 and use the other 5Gs on other bolt on parts. I'm really happy with my VT1 and I really can't see myself needing the extra 40HPs. I live in Hawaii where it's pretty hot year round and so far the VT1 has performed like the first day I got it.

Originally Posted by erm324

go for the 575 so you can always upgrade to the 600 or 625 easily (pully and tune only) if you get tired of the 575

I don't think it's just the pulley and tune ... I'm not 100% sure but I think you have to change the bypass valve and fuel injectors too.

Originally Posted by Evolved M3

Can't you also just switch the pulley on the 535? I recall reading a thread where the OP was running the VT-1 535 at 5.39psi. When someone asked why its so high when the kit is supposed to be at 4.5psi only, they responded saying he is running the 5psi pulley.

I will prob go for the 535 when the time comes...i would love one of the VT2's but it's too much to spend for me on the car. And if you could upgrade the 535 to run slightly higher psi and still be safe then i'll def just go with that one.

Here is the link actually to the guy running the VT1-535 with 5psi pulley (hitting 5.39psi) http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=406982

I'm also running the 5psi pulley on my VT1 and it runs fine ... Anything higher will require a smaller belt.

[Ferre86]

even from 600 to 625 kit it requires an fuel injectors upgrade..

[Rshane]

There ıs a post about thıs somewhere. I thınk ıt requıres a new ıntake, ınjectors, ıntercooler, pulley, tune and a few other odds and ends. I wıll see ıf I can fınd the thread.

EDIT: Here ıt ıs: http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthr...ss+535+upgrade

Holy Crap...I was the one that asked the very same questıon...my mınd ıs goıng.

[dpohlman]

Am I correct in that the cost to upgrade from the ESS 535 to the ESS 575 is about $5K - according to AJ from ESS? If that is truly the case, then there is not much downside to starting with the 535 - given that the upfront price difference is about $5K. It seems then like upgrading later would essentially be the same "all in" cost.

I am really wondering if the M3 platform (with rear wheel only drive) can maintain enough traction to take advantage of much more power than what the ESS 535 brings. In theory more hp is better, but in practical terms there is a clear point where more hp is no longer adding a material difference.

Where do those with ESS experience think that point really falls?

[duk]

either is great... 535 if you want to save a few $$$ then upgrade later

[LV-E92M3]

it's your choice, but if you like speed stick with the 575 kit.

[dpohlman]

I would really like to see Roman or AJ from ESS weigh in on my question of when is more HP just more HP and not better - given traction considerations. Especially if I am not aiming for top end speed (I can't use it often enough to matter), but the 0-120mph is very important to me.

I currently find myself wrestling with the decision related to the 535 kit at roughly $8K vs the 575 kit (with liquid intercooler) at $13K. Also, it seems like I can upgrade to the 575 kit in the future for about the difference in the upfront cost (if I am correctly understanding AJ's feedback on another post related to the 535 kit being upgradable to the 575 kit for about $5K).

I have DCT car, so do those with ESS Superchargers and DCT see a meaningful difference by also adding the ESS DCT software to the mix?

Thoughts?

[J08M3]

Originally Posted by dpohlman

I am really wondering if the M3 platform (with rear wheel only drive) can maintain enough traction to take advantage of much more power than what the ESS 535 brings. In theory more hp is better, but in practical terms there is a clear point where more hp is no longer adding a material difference.

Careful..... I posted this very question a couple years ago and the mod addicts on this forum went crazy, claiming you could never have to much hp.

[sales@ESSTuning]

How much HP you add to the car is really personal preference. I have spent a lot of time with the VT1-535 and VT2-575 in my personal car and both kits provide plenty of power for street use and on the track. The additional 8%-10% HP the 575 kit adds to the car over the 535 is noticeable. People are often surprised at how fast this car really is with 535 + HP. You really can't go wrong with one or the other in my opinion as both systems get very good reviews from the customers who own them.

[Rshane]

Originally Posted by dpohlman

I would really like to see Roman or AJ from ESS weigh in on my question of when is more HP just more HP and not better - given traction considerations. Especially if I am not aiming for top end speed (I can't use it often enough to matter), but the 0-120mph is very important to me.

I currently find myself wrestling with the decision related to the 535 kit at roughly $8K vs the 575 kit (with liquid intercooler) at $13K. Also, it seems like I can upgrade to the 575 kit in the future for about the difference in the upfront cost (if I am correctly understanding AJ's feedback on another post related to the 535 kit being upgradable to the 575 kit for about $5K).

I have DCT car, so do those with ESS Superchargers and DCT see a meaningful difference by also adding the ESS DCT software to the mix?

Thoughts?

There are quıt a few threads where Roman and AJ have answered these questıons already. Just do a search for ESS.

The costs turn out to be about the same...however I thınk you wıll be payıng for two tunes ınstead of one unless you can work out a deal. I don´t belıeve the DCT software ıs necessary unless you go hıgher than the 575 kıt. All ıt does ıs basıcally lower the torque hıt to the tranny durıng shıfts to keep the heat down and ıncrease longevıty of the DCT.

[dpohlman]

Thank you all for the additional feedback. I would welcome more thoughts and feedback if others have them.

Roman, am I correct that I could effectively upgrade to the 575 kit from the 535 kit for about $5K? AJ had made that comment in a previous post, but I was hoping for some additional clairification. If my interpretation of AJ's post is correct, then I think I am going to start with the 535 kit. If I feel the need for more HP someday, I can always upgrade to something more at that time (without very much of an economic hit).

[chris s]

Originally Posted by dpohlman

Thank you all for the additional feedback. I would welcome more thoughts and feedback if others have them.

Roman, am I correct that I could effectively upgrade to the 575 kit from the 535 kit for about $5K? AJ had made that comment in a previous post, but I was hoping for some additional clairification. If my interpretation of AJ's post is correct, then I think I am going to start with the 535 kit. If I feel the need for more HP someday, I can always upgrade to something more at that time (without very much of an economic hit).

The difference in cost is just over $5k....about $5100 if my memory serves me. The cost difference on the kits is more like $4700. Also consider that the swap to a 575 will probably run you anywhere from $500 to $800 or so to install...unless you plan to DIY. It's almost like installing a whole new kit.

[CBS]

OP: Enclosed is from ESS Website. This may help you make a decision if you can run 93.


VT1-535 specs :

Boost pressure: 4.5 PSI
Horsepower on 91AKI/95RON: 535 SAE (30% gain over stock)
Horsepower on 93AKI/98RON: 550 SAE (33% gain over stock)
Torque on 91AKI/95RON: 370ft/lbs
Torque on 93AKI/98RON: 380ft/lbs

[chris s]

Originally Posted by CBS

OP: Enclosed is from ESS Website. This may help you make a decision if you can run 93.


VT1-535 specs :

Boost pressure: 4.5 PSI
Horsepower on 91AKI/95RON: 535 SAE (30% gain over stock)
Horsepower on 93AKI/98RON: 550 SAE (33% gain over stock)
Torque on 91AKI/95RON: 370ft/lbs
Torque on 93AKI/98RON: 380ft/lbs

That's good to see... we have 93 all over the place in my area. My concern with the 535 is not lack of power...but the lack of cooling.

[SYT_Shadow]

Originally Posted by chris s

That's good to see... we have 93 all over the place in my area. My concern with the 535 is not lack of power...but the lack of cooling.

People have run the 535 all over the place without any issues in cooling. ESS has tracked 535 versions and they work perfectly fine.

[CBS]

Yes, I too was told the VT-1 would be fine on the track even during the hottest days. Obviously I don't expect the same power when it's that hot but I could be wrong.

I don't have first hand experience but I will later this summer and will post. My VT-1 will be installed soon and I track my car.

I trust IND. I told them how I plan to use the vehicle (street and track) and they told me I should be fine in hot weather.

[SYT_Shadow]

AJ and Roman have said that even the 625 can be tracked all day without an intercooler. It'll reduce power but it will continue working. I'd bet the 535 makes that power even when it's hot.