Supercharging a Step ZHP [Archive]

QuiKsiLvrCSL

12-17-2006, 10:00 PM

I have an 06 step ZHP with just under 7k miles that i want to supercharge very soon....problem is...as many do know, that supercharging a step tranny equals trouble.:( Ive debated the possibility of a tranny swap and am in a tight spot right now...whatever information or incite you can give me to undergo this project would be great

thanks

Johnny:craig:

GodSendsDeath

12-17-2006, 10:06 PM

I don't mean to disrespect or anything. Have a good mechanic shop take care of that for you. It will cost you but you will have a stick **** car. I would look up side swept M3's or 330's. If you need help locating some, PM i can help you. I move cars cross country i have a few trucks running over the road as we speak with a few bmw's. Also expect to pay about 2-3k for a good tranny, i wouldn't go half ass as you got a basicly spanking new car. So yeah, good luck and its worth it.

AlexM105

12-17-2006, 10:10 PM

Supercharge it, just don't go over 7-8psi at first. Automatics can't hold as much boost as a manual, but as long as you're careful with it, and don't try anything idiotic, go for it! Talk to the forced induction sponsors on here, they'll be more of a help on specific questions.

ritos530i

12-17-2006, 11:49 PM

ESS has the software for you car. They will probably be the best fit. Also AA may have a way round it, but talk to them they are the experts.
Both companies are on this site all the time.

UKtRAINE3

12-18-2006, 12:01 AM

Instead of spending money on a tranny swap... Trade in your car and buy a manual ZHP, the money you lose on the trade will probably be less than a tranny swap. Buy the same color and all so that you can put the parts you have on ur car now onto the new one...

Otherwise, S/c your auto now... wait till the tranny gives and then manual swap... Supposedly at 6.5psi, the step is supposed to last quite a while..

I believe Shinobi has a s/c'd step...I don't think he had any problems... Maybe he can chime in.

Joowick

12-18-2006, 12:39 AM

DOOO IT!!! :excited:

redronin

12-18-2006, 04:23 AM

cheapest thing to get more power and stick, trade the car in for a used e46 m3.
resale on ur zhp is prolly more than on 02 m3

QuiKsiLvrCSL

12-18-2006, 10:51 AM

i dont want to trade my car for an m3 and i sold off all my old parts so getting them back and trading in the car would be at a larger expense than i predicted.....thats out of the question....about how much would a tranny swap not including the tranny cost me?

QuiKsiLvrCSL

12-18-2006, 10:52 AM

also AA is 5 min away from where i live....some guyz in there say it can be done and other belive it is a death wish for my tranny....i really dotn want to ruin a tranny then buy another one..

ritos530i

12-18-2006, 10:55 AM

Go talk to Omar at AA he will better serve you with this information. Would you like his number?

redronin

12-18-2006, 12:37 PM

AlexM105

12-18-2006, 01:14 PM

also AA is 5 min away from where i live....some guyz in there say it can be done and other belive it is a death wish for my tranny....i really dotn want to ruin a tranny then buy another one..
Then head over there! I used to live 5 mins from AA too. I've asked questions about supercharging my Step before. Omar actually told me the first car they supercharged was an automatic.

bimmerbum46

12-18-2006, 04:02 PM

but a used manual Zhp Tranny

QuiKsiLvrCSL

12-18-2006, 07:24 PM

but a used manual Zhp Tranny

how much would one of those cost around? under 10k miles prefebly

redronin

12-18-2006, 10:00 PM

how much would one of those cost around? under 10k miles prefebly

check junkyards you afaik you dont need a tranny from a zhp, any new e46 should be ok

KrzyBum420

12-18-2006, 10:06 PM

sell your car and get a stick zhp?

ken330

12-19-2006, 01:21 AM

Mine is on technik stg 2 with 8psi boost on step.. So far so good, did not give me any trouble yet... Mine is a 330ci. Or u can opt to rebuild and strengthen your autobox. Think the cost can get u a used manual Tranny. Hope it help.

Whammy

12-21-2006, 07:58 PM

Quik, I personally would vote for the tranny swap (though I have no experience in S/C an E46). At some point the step will fail. You can S/C the step, but I have a tendancy to believe that it will fail at some point.

Take this for what is worth.

Activ3

12-22-2006, 10:51 AM

The first e46 that AA supercharged was a step. It was an older 330i, 4 door, automatic. Daily driven for over three years, including trips to summerblaze in Orlando and Winterfest in Sebring. I believe the car was driven out of state as well numerous times.

Car and Driver did a nice magazine article on it, if I can find it I'll post it...

Basically, boosting the auto is safe, everyone just gets a tad scared at some point.

BTW, your ride was looking sick at HIN!

Active Autowerke

12-26-2006, 10:56 PM

^^^^^^^^^^^ That is correct.

QuiKsiLvrCSL

12-31-2006, 02:51 AM

:bump:....but if that is the case..... how much hp are we talken.....i have about 250 right now from various performace mods.....i dont think ittll go much higher...

///M PWR 00

12-31-2006, 06:03 AM

QuiKsiLvrCSL

01-01-2007, 10:07 PM

dont waste your time or money, u wont get the satisfaction out of a step tranny - just man up and trade it in for a stick m3 or maybe same car but stick - dont start tearing out your tranny and everything, its a shame to do that to an 06

thats what i think also...the car has just over 6k miles....perfect condition....:(....i guess ill just wait for the new m3...

rlee02135

01-02-2007, 05:54 PM

thats what i think also...the car has just over 6k miles....perfect condition....:(....i guess ill just wait for the new m3...

your car is an 06, its very nice and still has a lot of life left.
i would go for the s/c, but something around 6.0 PSI.
that way, you can enjoy it and not worry about damaging the engine.
then, when the new M3 comes, part out the s/c and trade it in :craig:

QuiKsiLvrCSL

01-05-2007, 11:49 PM

i might end up doing that.....its just a hassle to spend all that money and not be fully satisfied.....

rlee02135

01-06-2007, 01:01 AM

i might end up doing that.....its just a hassle to spend all that money and not be fully satisfied.....

you should be satisfied with a twin screw from ESS or AA.

ESS Said:
On automatic cars the boost is reduced to 7PSI due to transmission power capacity limitations.