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      11-30-2012, 11:12 AM   #1
bimmergoat
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8 thousand for ESS VT-550 or for other stuff

ESS VT-550 costs 8k and leave the rest stock?
OR...
used wheels/tires 4000
ecu tune 1k
KW sleeveover 1200
MS pulley 400
MS filter 100
Headerback exhaust 3000

The first option yields a much faster car
The second option yields a more balanced car
Have anyone of you had to choose between the 2 options, and what did you decide? I can't afford both but I'm guessing it would be 10k with install for either solution. Thanks
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      11-30-2012, 11:35 AM   #2
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Are you going to track the car?
The first option would be much faster on the straightaway, the second option will be much faster on the race track.
It all depends what do you need the car for
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      11-30-2012, 11:39 AM   #3
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Groundpilot View Post
Are you going to track the car?
The first option would be much faster on the straightaway, the second option will be much faster on the race track.
It all depends what do you need the car for
How do you figure? Option A would be faster in all aspects, option B does nothing more beneficial for him around a track (kw sleeve kit has no benefits other than aesthetics, actually on my car makes it ride worse than it did stock).

OP, if your looking for power get the blower. That entry level kit is the best bang for the buck
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      11-30-2012, 11:55 AM   #4
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I did all my cosmetic MOD's first, and wasn't planning to blow the thing for 2-3 years and then I made the mistake of calling Roman. After 10 min's on the phone with him somehow I was ordering a kit
IMHO exhaust is the most important MOD. Power gain is minimal but a good exhaust system makes it sound FAsssssssssT and SO much more enjoyable to drive
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PHOTO's: Click Here ESS VT2 625 PHOTOS: Click Here
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      11-30-2012, 11:57 AM   #5
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[QUOTE=erm324;13078622]How do you figure? Option A would be faster in all aspects, option B does nothing more beneficial for him around a track (kw sleeve kit has no benefits other than aesthetics, actually on my car makes it ride worse than it did stock).

When i said second option, i ment if you mod the suspension.
OPs second choice is not optimal for the track. I agree with you threre.
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      11-30-2012, 12:17 PM   #6
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Option 2 - You may be able to get the look you want from a simple Eibach drop & save $ on a set of used wheels...all to be put towards a BBK.
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      11-30-2012, 12:20 PM   #7
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Faster around the track depends a lot on driver.
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      11-30-2012, 01:37 PM   #8
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Track and no intercooler?
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      11-30-2012, 02:22 PM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Team Plutonium View Post
We don't know if the OP takes it to the track, other posters brought if up. In any case, CBS is tracking (a lot) with his ESS 535 kit without an inter-cooler with no problems.

Sorry I thought the op wrote that. What kind of Ait's is he seeing do you know? We have customer's overheating on the track in n/a Form.

Last edited by SflBimmer8484; 11-30-2012 at 03:30 PM..
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      11-30-2012, 02:41 PM   #10
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My car is a daily driver and track use would be minimal. If I do go the route of a supercharger, can the stock chassis and brakes handle the extra power? It looks like most upgrade everything. I wish I could!!
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      11-30-2012, 02:58 PM   #11
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Chassis and brakes can handle it for a daily driver, on the track you would likely overtake the brakes pretty quickly with 600HP...

If it were mine, I would do xpipe and exhaust first as those are also beneficial for supercharging, beneficial for NA (especially with the right tune) and make the car sound really nice...

if in a pinch for cash, get drop springs and save your pennies from there!
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      11-30-2012, 03:02 PM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Team Plutonium View Post
I'd always upgrade the exhaust, suspension and wheels first, but it's a matter of preference.
Same here. And brakes. The stock brakes aren't even adequate with stock power on track.
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      11-30-2012, 04:27 PM   #13
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I did the OEM mod exhaust and then went right to the VT-550. Eventually I'll do the other items (wheels, suspension, etc), but why spent money on a tune/pulley/intake just to replace all the stuff when you eventually go with a supercharger, which I knew I would do.
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      11-30-2012, 05:37 PM   #14
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I would never buy a $4000 set of wheels and tires or a $3000 exhaust, so my vote is for the supercharger. I do have a $1200 set of Apex ARC8, an $800 quad resonated Top Speed x-pipe, $200 used MS pulley, $65 K&N filter, Vishnu tune with meth injection, $200 used H&R springs with shortened guide tubes and E36M3 bump stops, $100 Stoptech Street brake pads and $100 braided brake lines.

I'd rather have a VT550 than what I have, but it was not an option for me. People are moving on more frequently these days and parting their mods. You can get some good deals if you are patient.

I agree that a tune and pulley would be mostly wasted if you later bought the supercharger that comes with a different tune and does not use an underdrive pulley. The tune is nontransferable, but the pulley could be sold used.

From what you write about your intended use, I'd recommend the VT550 now and maybe save other changes for later. Plenty of people run ESS kits on cars with stock suspensions and brakes, although I agree that for serious track use, at least better brake pads would be needed.
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      11-30-2012, 06:13 PM   #15
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There is a used vf540 and Ess 535 for sale for approx 6k. Easy self install plus 1k for tune. Last 1k I would do test pipes and ACM exhaust mod. Stock suspension, tires and brakes are more than capable to handle the power. Keep the car stock looking and you will have one hell of a sleeper!
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      11-30-2012, 08:04 PM   #16
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Team Plutonium View Post
I'd always upgrade the exhaust, suspension and wheels first, but it's a matter of preference.
+1 I did cosmetics, exhaust, suspension, wheels, and now......... VT2-625 on the way slippery slope.
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      11-30-2012, 09:04 PM   #17
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You don't need 8k for the ESS VT-1 550. Those kit are on sale from few vendors here. You can get brand new around $6,200. Who ever paid MSRP for a super charger kit is getting ripped off.
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      11-30-2012, 09:11 PM   #18
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I did everything but the blower. The blower will be the last and ultimate mod.

Personally I would never put a non-intercooled kit on my car, especially if it sees track use.
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      12-01-2012, 09:33 AM   #19
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If I were putting 10k into my car, I'd probably go with a BBK and perhaps a cheap set of track wheels/tires. So far, my mods have been very small changes, like euro visors to get rid of the labels and the sun glass case to replace the driver seat grab bar. Both OEM parts.
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Last edited by MKE_M3; 12-01-2012 at 09:39 AM..
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