Technik Supercharger

[Autobot325i]

Ok I thought I had my mind set after spending all day deciding which supercharger to get for a STEP 2003 325i.

I goto the Technik website call them up...and the guy tells me that Technik supercharger are no longer in production.

maybe i'm outdated and possible I missed the threads or post about Technik not making superchargers anymore...anyone know why?

so now my question is

Active or ESS....oh the drama!!!:fruit:

[russ330]

Yeah Technik folded up shop. Last I heard you can still get support via AutoTalent, but that doesn't really help you out.

If you were looking at Technik I would assume part of the reason was/is because of use of the ASA blower, ESS uses the same one. :)

[TxZHP04]

Actually, I believe ESS has moved exclusively to the Lysholm twin screw.

[malina]

ESS has only Twin Screw superchargers available. But TS puts even more pressure on transmission than centrifugal blowers do. Hope Asbjorn from ESS will chime in to clear up my assumption.

[Asbjorn@ESS]

ESS has only Twin Screw superchargers available. But TS puts even more pressure on transmission than centrifugal blowers do. Hope Asbjorn from ESS will chime in to clear up my assumption.

No, not really. Our step TS kits are peak torque limited, but they generate the maximum torque for a much wider RPM span compared to a CF system. However maximum peak torque load on the tranny is almost the same.

We have fully tested the TS1 and 7PSI TS2 with steptronics in both 325 and 330's.

[sheefo2k]

ESS TS hands down man.. no other choice tops TS

I have a centrifical ASA tm 12 from Technik and I love it. BUT i know the ESS TS is amazing. I m setting up a race next couple weeks once I get my LSD and my clutch in and i will keep you guys posted!!

[russ330]

Oh wow, I didn't realize that ESS moved away from the ASA blowers for the non-M's, my mistake. But even better is AJ's post above about their TS kits for step transmission cars sounds even better. :)

Twin Screw or bust. :harv:

[Autobot325i]

Q. for ESS

if the stage one is 7psi why would I buy the stage 2 because of step also 7psi :hmm:

[TxZHP04]

2 words... heat soak.

Stage 2, while not providing an increase in boost if you have an auto, does add the water-air intercooler.

[XTC_604_DKNY]

since technik is gone, is there anyway i can still get software upgrades?
i have the asa s/c + headers yet i'm throwing CEL's for the headers so i wanted to find out if i could find a flash some how.

no wonder i never got a reply back from technikpower.

thanks everyone :)

[Autobot325i]

2 words... heat soak.

Stage 2, while not providing an increase in boost if you have an auto, does add the water-air intercooler.

ahh...got it...so stage 1 does not offer any type of cooling.

is it just me...but it seems that stage 1 and stage 2 are not too far off on torque and psi...so why wouldn't it come with some type of cooling.

maybe im missing something...:confused:

[Autobot325i]

ok just another thought..because obviously I have a budget thats why I was considering ESS stage 1...but now that I would want cooling, Stage 2 seems to be out of my budget. would it make sense to go Active since it has a cooling system and le$$.

[TxZHP04]

ahh...got it...so stage 1 does not offer any type of cooling.

is it just me...but it seems that stage 1 and stage 2 are not too far off on torque and psi...so why wouldn't it come with some type of cooling.

maybe im missing something...:confused:

Only because you're dealing with an auto. If you had a manual, stage 2 would be 8 psi instead of 7 psi and the power difference would be greater.

At 7 psi, the kit's tune is safe but not immune to heat soak. The water-air intercooler, while allowing for higher boost levels on cars that aren't torque limited by the transmission, would also allow a 7 psi kit to produce more consistent power - ie, as the engine bay heats up on those hot summer days the DME will not be forced to pull as much timing (a bit oversimplified, I know).

[TxZHP04]

ok just another thought..because obviously I have a budget thats why I was considering ESS stage 1...but now that I would want cooling, Stage 2 seems to be out of my budget. would it make sense to go Active since it has a cooling system and le$$.

Based on a few threads I've seen lately, AA doesn't advocate SCing an auto. Of course, they're still willing to sell you a kit - presumably at your own risk.

Do some searching and learn about the differences in power delivery between the Rotrex centrifugal and the Lysholm twin screw. Cliff notes: the TS has a much better power band.

Also, since AA doesn't advocate running their SC on an auto, I'm guessing they also don't limit the engine's torque production to a safe level the way ESS does.

There are lots of details to understand when choosing a SC. Take your time researching and talk directly with the vendors you might be considering. Consult with people who already have these kits and see what their opinions are. Ask them about support when they or their installers had issues.

I have an ESS kit on my car and am a very happy customer so of course I'm going to say excellent things about ESS. In all fairness though, there are plenty of happy AA customers too. You just need to take the time to understand the differences in their products (and pricing) as well as the differences in the companies and see which is right for you. For me, it was an easy decision.

[Autobot325i]

Based on a few threads I've seen lately, AA doesn't advocate SCing an auto. Of course, they're still willing to sell you a kit - presumably at your own risk.

Do some searching and learn about the differences in power delivery between the Rotrex centrifugal and the Lysholm twin screw. Cliff notes: the TS has a much better power band.

Also, since AA doesn't advocate running their SC on an auto, I'm guessing they also don't limit the engine's torque production to a safe level the way ESS does.

There are lots of details to understand when choosing a SC. Take your time researching and talk directly with the vendors you might be considering. Consult with people who already have these kits and see what their opinions are. Ask them about support when they or their installers had issues.

I have an ESS kit on my car and am a very happy customer so of course I'm going to say excellent things about ESS. In all fairness though, there are plenty of happy AA customers too. You just need to take the time to understand the differences in their products (and pricing) as well as the differences in the companies and see which is right for you. For me, it was an easy decision.

Right..I did call Active earlier today and they sure enough said that they do not recommend an Auto with their SC. But still willing to sell.
I noticed that Technik and ESS does cater the STEP guys...but since Tech is out of the Picture...my guess that ESS is the way to go.

also after some research I notice someone mentioning ESS Stage1+ does the "+" have a different meaning than just stage1? He made it sound as if the stage1+ has some type of cooling addon.

i need to find that post again

ps. found it
http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?t=561474

last post on that thread by: ASAed330

[TxZHP04]

Right..I did call Active earlier today and they sure enough said that they do not recommend an Auto with their SC. But still willing to sell.
I noticed that Technik and ESS does cater the STEP guys...but since Tech is out of the Picture...my guess that ESS is the way to go.

also after some research I notice someone mentioning ESS Stage1+ does the "+" have a different meaning than just stage1? He made it sound as if the stage1+ has some type of cooling addon.

i need to find that post again

ps. found it
http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?t=561474

last post on that thread by: ASAed330

Brian was just talking about the TS2 with the 7 psi pulley instead of the 8 psi pulley that ESS would include for manual cars. Or the TS1 with the addition of the water-air intercooler. Same thing regardless of how you look at it.

[Autobot325i]

ok makes sense...last Q :) regardless of which stage I choose, I would have to add this into the bundle of joy "E46 MS43 325 Steptronic Transmission Software (101-48)" correct?

I really appreciate the great & fast responses

[Activ3]

Based on a few threads I've seen lately, AA doesn't advocate SCing an auto. Of course, they're still willing to sell you a kit - presumably at your own risk.

Do some searching and learn about the differences in power delivery between the Rotrex centrifugal and the Lysholm twin screw. Cliff notes: the TS has a much better power band.

Also, since AA doesn't advocate running their SC on an auto, I'm guessing they also don't limit the engine's torque production to a safe level the way ESS does.

There are lots of details to understand when choosing a SC. Take your time researching and talk directly with the vendors you might be considering. Consult with people who already have these kits and see what their opinions are. Ask them about support when they or their installers had issues.

I have an ESS kit on my car and am a very happy customer so of course I'm going to say excellent things about ESS. In all fairness though, there are plenty of happy AA customers too. You just need to take the time to understand the differences in their products (and pricing) as well as the differences in the companies and see which is right for you. For me, it was an easy decision.


Well being that the TS unit hits peak boost at a much earlier RPM, their torque will also be much greater than a CF unit down low. With a CF unit limiting torque isn't as much of an issue as it would be with a TS unit.

The TS unit will generate boost at pretty much any RPM when you get on it. AAs SC kit for the 325 will not hit max boost until redline, and daily driving, many drivers won't even get in to the boost curve.

I have an AA kit on 15lbs, and I don't hit 7lbs until close to 5k rpm. This number would be even less on a regular CF kit.

[Autobot325i]

Well being that the TS unit hits peak boost at a much earlier RPM, their torque will also be much greater than a CF unit down low. With a CF unit limiting torque isn't as much of an issue as it would be with a TS unit.

The TS unit will generate boost at pretty much any RPM when you get on it. AAs SC kit for the 325 will not hit max boost until redline, and daily driving, many drivers won't even get in to the boost curve.

damn...that's interesting to know about AA SC.

[malina]

Autobot325i, it's your choice, but ...
E46 325 auto isn't a good starting point for going FI root.
And AA representatives have a good reason not to recommend FI option for people with AT BMWs. But, it's your money, and you can spend them the way you wish :)

[Autobot325i]

Autobot325i, it's your choice, but ...

And AA representatives have a good reason not to recommend FI option for people with AT BMWs. But, it's your money, and you can spend them the way you wish :)

AA does not support it but ESS seems to take Steps into consideration for being SC'ed

i know its not a good starting point...but it seems like a decent amount of ppl have taken this approach with SC a step. looking at all the avialable kits for 3, 5 and 7 series with stage 1 from ESS they posted reviews (not on this forum) and it seems like a nice project and they are satified with the outcome.

I maintain my ride very well with all the pre-maint and plan to do the same with the SC installed.

I havn't seen anyone with a Step SC regret ever doing it.

Maybe I'm bored and just need something to do...I don't plan on getting rid of my car anytime soon. I'm thinking of taking the stage 1 approach. seems like a fair amount of gain for the money and not pushing the tranny too much.

I don't drive daily...mostly weekends and to justify not buying a 1 series or a used M3...i need projects to keep myself sane.

otherwise I will be spending it on getting another ride, Headers and Exhaust...but unlike others I cant stand the noise! :thumbdwn:

its a risk I will have to take...just imagine, if my tranny blew because of this...damn, my next tread will be about swaping out my step with a manu. :yikes:

but again..I'm willing to take the risk :)

[malina]

I hope you'll post only positive reviews once you're are settled and boosted :) Boost is addicting.