What next to increase horsepower

[markymarc1979]

With the warmer weather coming and the M3 coming out of hibernation, I'm itching to increase horse power and torque.

Current setup.

ESS 625
Test pipes
M performance exhaust.

Whats next? I've heard a lot of guys saying the 650 isn't worth it and isn't as reliable as the 625.

Looking for good suggestions from the community.

[BrewRifle]

Pick up a 700 kit? Sounds like you're capped out if you're not wanting the 650.

[markymarc1979]

That's what I was afraid of.

625 vs 650? Whats the difference? A smaller pulley and different tune?

Since my car is an 09, should I be concerned about rod bearing issues? As much I love power, reliability is still pretty important.

[chris3g]

There's not really much more you can do without building the motor. The 650 kit has a different pulley setup (crank pulley + blower pulley), injectors, and tune.

You could do a dinan diff to increase the FD ratio, which will give you the feeling of more torque but won't actually increase power or make the car any faster.

[happos2]

Get a GTR?

But really, next step would be to build the motor so you can increase boost? Maybe get an MRF x-pipe as that has shown gains (don't remember if there are less gains from just test pipe). Could you do headers?

[markymarc1979]

Originally Posted by happos2

Get a GTR?

But really, next step would be to build the motor so you can increase boost? Maybe get an MRF x-pipe as that has shown gains (don't remember if there are less gains from just test pipe). Could you do headers?

Not really feeling a GTR. I know they are power monsters, but lets' face it, it's a Nissan! They offer no luxury or refinement. Their interiors are bland and boring. Anyone know the approximate cost diff to go from 625 to 650?

[pbonsalb]

Do the rod bearings as preventative maintenance and upgrade to the 650. The question then will be where do you go from there and the only answer seems to be a built motor and more boost.

[markymarc1979]

Originally Posted by pbonsalb

Do the rod bearings as preventative maintenance and upgrade to the 650. The question then will be where do you go from there and the only answer seems to be a built motor and more boost.

Probably my next step. Thank you.

[chris3g]

the price to upgrade from the 625 to the 650 is approximately the retail difference between the price of the kits, so $3000. I don't believe that includes the rod bearings which are now considered mandatory for the 650, so that's another significant cost. Personally i don't think it's worth it, the 625 is the sweet spot for a stock motor.

[Alex07M3]

Next step is to get the lightest wheels you can buy, BBS FI would be my choice, that would save 6-8lbs of unsprung weigth per corner, that's A LOT!

I woul'nt go for the VT650 unless maybe if you change your rod bearings and even so, I think I'd keep the extra safety margin of the 625!!

[Someone?]

Originally Posted by markymarc1979

With the warmer weather coming and the M3 coming out of hibernation, I'm itching to increase horse power and torque.

Current setup.

ESS 625
Test pipes
M performance exhaust.

Whats next? I've heard a lot of guys saying the 650 isn't worth it and isn't as reliable as the 625.

Looking for good suggestions from the community.

Easy, TURBO S !

[sales@ESSTuning]

Originally Posted by markymarc1979

With the warmer weather coming and the M3 coming out of hibernation, I'm itching to increase horse power and torque.

Current setup.

ESS 625
Test pipes
M performance exhaust.

Whats next? I've heard a lot of guys saying the 650 isn't worth it and isn't as reliable as the 625.

Looking for good suggestions from the community.

If you run 93+ octane you can run the VT2-650 kit. Our VT2-650 makes as much power as you really can on a stock motor / stock fuel system. Reliability will depend on fuel quality and condition of the motor. You can also do as others have mentioned and add lighter wheels which help.

[momo3605]

Originally Posted by markymarc1979

With the warmer weather coming and the M3 coming out of hibernation, I'm itching to increase horse power and torque.

Current setup.

ESS 625
Test pipes
M performance exhaust.

Whats next? I've heard a lot of guys saying the 650 isn't worth it and isn't as reliable as the 625.

Looking for good suggestions from the community.

You could do intake, pulley, and full catless exhaust, and maybe free up another 30hp from those combined.

[chris3g]

Originally Posted by momo3605

You could do intake, pulley, and full catless exhaust, and maybe free up another 30hp from those combined.

you can't do an intake and pulley with the ESS kit, it already has an intake as part of the standard kit, and a smaller crank pulley would actually reduce the boost.

[Brian0473]

Sounds like a full exhaust might be next..

[meko]

You could always just be happy with what you have. You have plenty of power. Dial in handling or just save money for something different with more power if that's important to you.

[momo3605]

Originally Posted by chris3g

you can't do an intake and pulley with the ESS kit, it already has an intake as part of the standard kit, and a smaller crank pulley would actually reduce the boost.

ah darn you're right. Ok well maybe 10hp from going fully catless haha. But I think everyone here is saying the right thing, you're peaked out. Suspension or new car!

[markymarc1979]

Thanks everyone. Im sure you guys can agree power is addictive.

The moral of the story is learn to be happy with what you have.

Big shout out to ESS for their amazing sc kits. What a treat!

[markymarc1979]

Originally Posted by Roman@ESS

If you run 93+ octane you can run the VT2-650 kit. Our VT2-650 makes as much power as you really can on a stock motor / stock fuel system. Reliability will depend on fuel quality and condition of the motor. You can also do as others have mentioned and add lighter wheels which help.

Roman. 94 octane is available in my area but its loaded with ethanol. What is your opinion on fuel that is ethanol enhnaced?

For now i just use shell v power 91

[JayDD007]

you could trade it for/buy a stage 3/4 hpf e46 m3 if you really need more power