ESS VT3 Supercharged - Update after almost 2 years and 15K miles...

[tightie]

Awesome buddy! See u at the next ss3!

[W///]

Thanks for sharing Drew! So awesome to see this car push the envelope.

Any other plans for it?

[DLSJ5]

Originally Posted by L4ces

I thought the pinnacle for this motor was reached! But it sounds like NOT :-)

Gintani has a few YSI cars that make much more power than mine, PG has one that will as well, there is also a TT in development. I have no desire to go YSI or TT on this car, but have a lot of respect for those who are developing those setups. I just don't think it's worth it with this platform and RWD, it's tough enough to get traction as is. But in the next year or so you'll see some big power cars, hopefully without DCT issues, etc.

[DLSJ5]

Originally Posted by tightie

Awesome buddy! See u at the next ss3!

Thanks Josh, always good to hang with you!

Originally Posted by JBiddy

Awesome man! Car is deff a beast!

Thank you!

Originally Posted by dvpouldar26

Ever considered some headers? I know several threads have gone back and forth about this, but ACM recently showed gains on their FI car with the schmeidmann headers. I would think on a a higher boost setup like yours, that there could be gains there over the stock headers. Are the gains worth the money and the long install? That's subjective but the schmeidmann headers aren't too bad from a price point.

Good question, I think the OEM headers are plenty good for my setup, but the big power cars may benefit from the ACM or others that are available, I have no plans to change mine.

Originally Posted by W///

Thanks for sharing Drew! So awesome to see this car push the envelope.

Any other plans for it?

Thanks Warot! Currently I don't, unless they can upgrade the DCT in some way, but I think the motor with simple drop in LC pistons and rods has proven to be pretty stout at 13psi.

[Malek@MRF]

Originally Posted by DLSJ5

What clamps do you think would work? Did I not say I tried different clamps? Conventional wisdom would say one BOV would work I agree, but that's not the case here, AA and Evolve use more than one with less boost, and there's probably a reason for it don't you think? I'm running much more boost, one of the things I noticed at times when the manifold would lift, it would occur right after a shift or when I let off, indicating pressure was not releasing fast enough, this was only happening on high speed runs at the airstrip. Did you not recommend a second BOV at the first event, where you were helping me put the manifold back on? You could weld the manifold all you want, change the velocity stacks, clamps, etc. it might not lift, but something else will give way because of the pressure, this much boost on this particular car, setup, psi level, needs additional valves or possibly one big one, and again the ICV needs to see less pressure, so you'll need two in that case, but what do I know.


I remember you saying all the bushings were fine on the car when you inspected it. Another BMW tech confirmed they were fine as well, but I agree it might be a good idea to upgrade those.

Lets keep this civil and constructive.

In regards to the clamps.. Any clamping method utilizing the factory rubber boots at higher boost levels will exhibit some sort of problem without the manifold being supported at the back. The reason the front of the manifold will not lift off is because the coupling coming from the S/C outlet to the manifold inlet is acting like a support . A simple weld on or even bolted bracket that could utilize 2 of the velocity stack bolts and bolted and secured to the rear engine hook would be sufficient.

At the Airstrip event in November 2012, I did mention a second bypass valve would be a good solution as a temporary solution, not a permanent solution. A V-banded solution for the velocity stacks and throttle inlets would be my choice to assure the manifold is always secure. Robert (PG) and I were discussing this when working on putting the manifold back on.

The blow off valve that comes on ESS kits is more than sufficient to bypass your boost levels efficiently. Afterall, it is the Vortech Race Max-flow system. The spring inside the BOV may be tightened down excessively causing the weakest link to give out first, the rubber couplers and the factory clamps. That hardware was never designed to withstand positive outward pressure since it is a naturally aspirated engine.

As far as bushings, at 700 RWHP, they should be addressed. They may not have torn or exhibited damage yet, but they are costing efficiency, traction and stability, especially at more than double the factory power output.

[M-powerMode]

Originally Posted by Malek@MRF

Lets keep this civil and constructive.

In regards to the clamps.. Any clamping method utilizing the factory rubber boots at higher boost levels will exhibit some sort of problem without the manifold being supported at the back. The reason the front of the manifold will not lift off is because the coupling coming from the S/C outlet to the manifold inlet is acting like a support . A simple weld on or even bolted bracket that could utilize 2 of the velocity stack bolts and bolted and secured to the rear engine hook would be sufficient.

At the Airstrip event in November 2012, I did mention a second bypass valve would be a good solution as a temporary solution, not a permanent solution. A V-banded solution for the velocity stacks and throttle inlets would be my choice to assure the manifold is always secure. Robert (PG) and I were discussing this when working on putting the manifold back on.

The blow off valve that comes on ESS kits is more than sufficient to bypass your boost levels efficiently. Afterall, it is the Vortech Race Max-flow system. The spring inside the BOV may be tightened down excessively causing the weakest link to give out first, the rubber couplers and the factory clamps. That hardware was never designed to withstand positive outward pressure since it is a naturally aspirated engine.

As far as bushings, at 700 RWHP, they should be addressed. They may not have torn or exhibited damage yet, but they are costing efficiency, traction and stability, especially at more than double the factory power output.

^ sounds like this guy has the perfect recipe to a flawless supercharger design ... Or loves to say I told you so ... Either way a dead goat is being beat , I think we get the point so lets move on in a more constructive manor on the subject at hand.

[flipm3]

I always enjoy reading updates on your build.

Your MR E92 M3 is everything my docile E90 M3 dreams of being. It dreams of being slimmer and sexier with two days...it wants more attitude with a CF roof...yet wants the bark of a bazillion horsepower.

I helped a friend install the EAS tips on his E92. They look AMAZING in person. I might have to pick up a set!

What XPipe are you running again?

[NFAM3]

I was actually thinking about you and the car the other day, wondering how you two were doing. It's good to see she is treating you well brother. And a daily driver now? Passing the test of time. Thanks for the update.

Roman and AJ have always been very helpful. They always go above and beyond.

Take care.

[h4nh]

Originally Posted by DLSJ5

Currently I don't, unless they can upgrade the DCT in some way, but I think the motor with simple drop in LC pistons and rods has proven to be pretty stout at 13psi.

Always excited to see these posts! I can't wait for mine to be done!

I wonder if the F10 M5 dct will fit? The shifting is way better than the e9x dct.

[GOLFFRR]

Keep it up Drew, your build is def amongst the favorites on the forum. Thank you for always posting everything up, positive or negative for all of us to read on your progress!

[Sales@Evolve]

Car really looks amazing Drew.

Very nice colour matching and massive performance!

Just cut the silicone on the supercharger outlet so it's straighter and looks tidier.

[DLSJ5]

Originally Posted by Malek@MRF

Lets keep this civil and constructive.

In regards to the clamps.. Any clamping method utilizing the factory rubber boots at higher boost levels will exhibit some sort of problem without the manifold being supported at the back. The reason the front of the manifold will not lift off is because the coupling coming from the S/C outlet to the manifold inlet is acting like a support . A simple weld on or even bolted bracket that could utilize 2 of the velocity stack bolts and bolted and secured to the rear engine hook would be sufficient.

At the Airstrip event in November 2012, I did mention a second bypass valve would be a good solution as a temporary solution, not a permanent solution. A V-banded solution for the velocity stacks and throttle inlets would be my choice to assure the manifold is always secure. Robert (PG) and I were discussing this when working on putting the manifold back on.

The blow off valve that comes on ESS kits is more than sufficient to bypass your boost levels efficiently. Afterall, it is the Vortech Race Max-flow system. The spring inside the BOV may be tightened down excessively causing the weakest link to give out first, the rubber couplers and the factory clamps. That hardware was never designed to withstand positive outward pressure since it is a naturally aspirated engine.

As far as bushings, at 700 RWHP, they should be addressed. They may not have torn or exhibited damage yet, but they are costing efficiency, traction and stability, especially at more than double the factory power output.

Malek, you have a tendency to introduce yourself into threads as if you know everything and at times you don't seem to listen to others, while you are smart guy and have offered a lot to the community, you simply aren't listening to what I'm telling you.

I think all of your ideas are good one's, we are making brackets, that's probably all you need vs the couplers or clamps, the stock couplers will work in that case. FWIW the front of the manifold has lifted as well, but generally it's the back. You are incorrect in saying that the Vortech bypass valve alone is sufficient here, in case you ignored my post, I'll tell you again, that bypass valve alone will not work at this boost level, you need at the very least a second bypass valve on the ICV hose or it will cause the car to go limp from the extra boost pressure after letting off, my car is not the only VT3 who has experienced this issue and had to add another bypass valve to rectify it, it's a simple effective fix not a band aid or a temporary solution. So far the 2 additional Forge bypass valves seem to have done the trick keeping the manifold on, but it's very possible it may lift again unless brackets are added, as I said that's already in the works, but even after the brackets are installed I will stay with the extra 2 bypass valves. As far as the diff bushings, you're right, I think it would help a lot as well.

[DLSJ5]

Originally Posted by flipm3

I always enjoy reading updates on your build.

Your MR E92 M3 is everything my docile E90 M3 dreams of being. It dreams of being slimmer and sexier with two days...it wants more attitude with a CF roof...yet wants the bark of a bazillion horsepower.

I helped a friend install the EAS tips on his E92. They look AMAZING in person. I might have to pick up a set!

What XPipe are you running again?

Thanks Alex, I really like the tips and the stock exhaust, maybe it's me getting old but it actually sounds good under WOT. I will be running ESS' cat less X-pipe, the cats are just too restrictive for this much boost.

Originally Posted by NFAM3

I was actually thinking about you and the car the other day, wondering how you two were doing. It's good to see she is treating you well brother. And a daily driver now? Passing the test of time. Thanks for the update.

Roman and AJ have always been very helpful. They always go above and beyond.

Take care.

Thanks Broski, appreciate that! Roman is awesome, just a great guy to work with and a good friend now as well. AJ always takes care of me and listens to my feedback, etc.

Originally Posted by h4nh

Always excited to see these posts! I can't wait for mine to be done!

I wonder if the F10 M5 dct will fit? The shifting is way better than the e9x dct.

Thank you! Looking forward to your build as well, hmm, maybe someone should try the F10 tranny. I've heard it won't fit, but have not looked into it at all really.

Originally Posted by GOLFFRR

Keep it up Drew, your build is def amongst the favorites on the forum. Thank you for always posting everything up, positive or negative for all of us to read on your progress!

Thanks Brother!

Originally Posted by Sal@Evolve

Car really looks amazing Drew.

Very nice colour matching and massive performance!

Just cut the silicone on the supercharger outlet so it's straighter and looks tidier.

Thanks Sal! Appreciate that, haha, you're right that hose needs some work, lol. We need to get an Evolve car at the one of the next Airstrip events, I think we have one set up for the spring.

[JDM3]

Hey Drew! Thanks for sharing. Looking forward to seeing your 1/4 mi times. My guess would be high 9's or 10 flat and traps over 140. Good luck!

[DLSJ5]

Originally Posted by 1SICKM

Hey Drew! Thanks for sharing. Looking forward to seeing your 1/4 mi times. My guess would be high 9's or 10 flat and traps over 140. Good luck!

Thanks Brother, in negative DA conditions, possibly, or with you behind the wheel.

I think I'd need to follow your lead on this with a line lock, etc.

[tom @ eas]

Originally Posted by DLSJ5

Thanks Brother, in negative DA conditions, possibly, or with you behind the wheel.

I think I'd need to follow your lead on this with a line lock, etc.

I have a spare LL kit I can donate to the cause, laser-cut brackets and all. LMK.

Let's get traction ironed out beforehand.

[M-powerMode]

Originally Posted by tom @ eas

I have a spare LL kit I can donate to the cause, laser-cut brackets and all. LMK.

Let's get traction ironed out beforehand.

^ now this is solid
"RESPECT"

[e92livin]

I would love to see some 60-130 and 1/4 times by this monster, definently will break some 1/4 records. Being 6MT its tough to hit some of the DCT times some guys are hitting **cough cough** 10.6, im convinced 1SICKM is not human. LMAO!

[biglare]

Drewski, absolutely EPIC journey and build over the last few years. You have always pushed the boundaries with massive power for the E92 M3 platform and with two different vendors as well. I'm glad to see that your patience has paid off and you have one powerful and extremely fast Red Rocket! You deserve it and enjoy in good health!

Some of these other folks have some ideas of what you should do, but the truth is they don't have a project like yours. They are trying to help I'm sure, but they come off as "know it all" types so way to go keeping calm and keeping them in check! Thank god we didn't get into a fuel system discussion.. Haha!

Looking forward to the next steps to achieve even more power and records along the way!

Well Done Sir!

[JDM3]

Just run the Mickey Thomson ET Streets 265/40/18's. I thought you had the tranny software with the burnout mode? Honestly, I never did a big burnout with all my times. Just punch it in the box and rollout if you dont want to add the AR Design linelock. Thats enough heat. Tire pressure 16-20lbs and your good to go.

[joe@trinityautosport]

Awesome Drew! Just changed out my spark plugs after 10k miles and still looks good

[DLSJ5]

Originally Posted by tom @ eas

I have a spare LL kit I can donate to the cause, laser-cut brackets and all. LMK.

Let's get traction ironed out beforehand.

Wow, let's talk about this!

Originally Posted by e92livin

I would love to see some 60-130 and 1/4 times by this monster, definently will break some 1/4 records. Being 6MT its tough to hit some of the DCT times some guys are hitting **cough cough** 10.6, im convinced 1SICKM is not human. LMAO!

Agreed, and yes 6MT is hard to match DCT.

Originally Posted by biglare

Drewski, absolutely EPIC journey and build over the last few years. You have always pushed the boundaries with massive power for the E92 M3 platform and with two different vendors as well. I'm glad to see that your patience has paid off and you have one powerful and extremely fast Red Rocket! You deserve it and enjoy in good health!

Some of these other folks have some ideas of what you should do, but the truth is they don't have a project like yours. They are trying to help I'm sure, but they come off as "know it all" types so way to go keeping calm and keeping them in check! Thank god we didn't get into a fuel system discussion.. Haha!

Looking forward to the next steps to achieve even more power and records along the way!

Well Done Sir!

Thanks Lare, I really appreciate that brother!

Originally Posted by 1SICKM

Just run the Mickey Thomson ET Streets 265/40/18's. I thought you had the tranny software with the burnout mode? Honestly, I never did a big burnout with all my times. Just punch it in the box and rollout if you dont want to add the AR Design linelock. Thats enough heat. Tire pressure 16-20lbs and your good to go.

Don't have the software anymore, but I want to give this a try.

Originally Posted by joe@trinityautosport

Awesome Drew! Just changed out my spark plugs after 10k miles and still looks good

Thanks Joe!