ESS CFR500 - It Has Arrived - The Project Thread

[GJGM3]

I received my CFR500 today - 10:30 AM on the button according to FedEX billing. It was a surprise because I was expecting it to be delayed. ESS in Norway told me it would be so, even though the tracking showed Wed. of next week. Hans is a great fellow and totally made my day.

The parts were taken to the shop. The ECU will ship out overnight on Monday, hopefully I'll have it back Wednesday of next week and off and running! Time for Booost.

My shop looked at the package, then looked over at my car and the size of my rear tires, shook their heads (OEM M3 size) and said "traction is going to be an issue". LOL

A few pictures

The Beginning - YESSSS
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b162/GJGM3/Gs%20Cars/IMG_6238.jpg

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[babydevilj]

Opening that box is like being re-born. More pics more pics!!!!

[GJGM3]

It's already at the shop. :) I wasted ZERO time. :)

[babydevilj]

Wow is the intake hole for the plenuim that little pipe that's hanging off the diverter?

[GJGM3]

No, look underneath. LOL

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b162/GJGM3/Gs%20Cars/IMG_6241.jpg

[babydevilj]

Ah ok. Hard to see on this phone :) well congrats I can't wait for pics, videos and stuff!!!

[Chris@ESS]

YES! You're going to be absolutely in love!

[GJGM3]

It's still going to be little sleep. Going to source some headers/cats next!

[mikem7709]

Haha, no sleep `till Wed, planning to pick mine up Wed as well providing we can get a bigger Crank pulley in time. :eek:

I have the same BPV on mine. :)

[maxnathan]

Wow,,,,,,,,Looks like a good Friday for you too:bow:

That manifold is a work of art:yikes: Can`t wait to see it fitted!!

Mike, i might drop by Simpsons next week ( Thursday?) to nosey around your kit ........:4ngie:

[GJGM3]

I can't wait to see a video clip of yours! I'm wondering what that Z4M in the video I put up did to make the "swoosh" on the upshift. He stated his was modded and the "woosh was that the diverter is not hooked to the intake and acting like a blow off valve". I'm certainly not interested in diverting from the ESS design, but I found that interesting. At first I thought that would be cool to make that sound, but deviating from the setup at this point isn't something I'm interested in doing.

[GJGM3]

Wow,,,,,,,,Looks like a good Friday for you too:bow:

That manifold is a work of art:yikes: Can`t wait to see it fitted!!

Mike, i might drop by Simpsons next week ( Thursday?) to nosey around your kit ........:4ngie:

Yah, after mine came and I took pictures I thought of yours and figured we both had a very good Friday!

Congrats to you again!

[babydevilj]

any videos yet... LOL. I'm so torn between this and vf.

[GJGM3]

LOL.

For me it wasn't even close, although I did contact them to see what kind of deal if any I could jump in on. This was part of my due diligence. It was also when I was thinking entry level with either the ESS VT or the VF SS. At the end of the day I felt the VT could be expanded far greater using the same blower than the VF (entry level) and decided with ESS. But not more than a day later I got what I really wanted which is what I have!

No slam against VF - lots of happy people out there, that's for sure! But for me it was ESS all the way and numero uno!



On the other hand, ESS has been around a while a

[mikem7709]

Mike, i might drop by Simpsons next week ( Thursday?) to nosey around your kit ........:4ngie:


Thats what worries me, if its still there Thursday I`m screwed and down a Grand on hotel, ferry, track fees etc.

[giving_birth]

Could we please see some pics after the build?

It's so hardcore of a car IMO!

[6ick6ix6peed]

Awesome congrats. Hope the install time flies by for you. Cant wait for pics.

[e popa]

ccongrats, now you should do a complete vcsl build on the outside of your car:eeps:

[A55A55IN]

your going to love it!! congtrats man

[GJGM3]

Awesome congrats. Hope the install time flies by for you. Cant wait for pics.

Thanks. I wish I could fast-forward! LOL

ccongrats, now you should do a complete vcsl build on the outside of your car:eeps:

You mean "rebuild" no? LOL. Assuming you're familiar with my old setup. :lmao:

your going to love it!! congtrats man

Thanks. I believe this will be the case, and just the beginning.

[slixx1320]

Nice G...so the day finally took place. Video clips is what i'm looking forward to.

[GJGM3]

Sorry fellas, no pictures today. Too busy and couldn't bring my camera with me to work.

I did swing by the shop to check on things and pretty much everything is mounted. The injectors were getting ready to be placed.

The kit is incredible looking! It looks absolutely OEM. All the plumbing fits snug except the aftermarket sway bars up front are much beefier than stock so it's very close to the intake tube. A slight modification and a little padding to ensure no rubbing from any vibration and problem solved.

My mechanic has worked on multiple aftermarket kits for Porsche and he said this kit by far is one of the best he's ever seen. The parts are very precise and the instructions are very detailed.

All the parts will be on today. It's questionable whether I'll get to use my Quatro Carbon Fiber Strut bar - thing is brand spanking new and beautiful. It's going to be close to the blow-by valve.

We discussed disconnecting the recirculation of it in order for it to make that "SWOOOSH" noise when shifting and releasing pressure into the atmosphere. The problem with that as I understand it is it can also suck air back in and any other cr*ap like dirt, right into the engine. So I'll leave things alone and as directed by ESS. When it recirculates after letting off the throttle it does spool the turbine and thus there's that "jet sound" in the you tube videos posted.

Aside from that I'm leaving the front grille off to show the FMIC.

The ECU should be back tomorrow and the car running. They're going to keep it until Thursday afternoon to drive it around and recheck everything - make sure it's all ship-shape and tight. They're going to drive it around with the bumper off tomorrow for ease of adjustment. That should be a site.

Anyway, I'll post pictures Thursday evening, although as of now they're predicting rain here. I hope not.

I will need to drive the car I'm told for ~300 miles and keep the rpm to a max of 5k, which I will do. So no dyno this week.

[Chris@ESS]

:bow::str8pimpi:drool::thumbsup:

Can't wait to see it!

[AMG ETR]

Can't wait to see some photos and hear some driving impressions!!

:bow::str8pimpi:drool::thumbsup:

Can't wait to see it!
Chris,
When will the CFR700 be available for the states and do you have an idea on pricing?? Also what kind of torque does the kit make??

PM if you'd like!
Thanks
Evan

[GJGM3]

Will do.

I hope this will be my eventual upgrade. Hopefully after the new facility opens the top-end build for the 700 will be available.

[e popa]

Cant wait to see your build. Man twist my arm and make me buy the 440, lol. I keep going back and forth between that and vf SS kit. What made you choose ESS?

[GJGM3]

I started out with the order of the VT440/450. Actually 440 but then 450. But not even a day later I changed it to the CFR500 which is what I've been eyeing since early last year. Just love the setup.

The reason initially for the VT setup is POWER as an entry kit, but heck - that's some power! #2, it's the same setup on the CSL Loaded, and it's been tested hard. #3, you can crank the VT all the way up to 680HP before it gets max'd out. In other words, there's more than enough upgradability with the VT. Heck, for me to upgrade beyond the 550, I have to change to the next blower. Not so with the VT.

Also, compare the power/torque, especially the torque numbers to the SS and you'll see another reason - especially the torque. The SS will also have it's limits well before the VT reaches its limits for upgrading (reference 680).

I did look into the VF SS unit. I think they're a good group of guys who produce a good kit. I seriously considered it. I also looked at AA (not even close). Quite frankly, I wanted a setup that made power without supplements (meth or race gas) and this is it. I don't know of any other kit out there that's going to produce purely on pump 91/93 like ESS with stock internals. Just my opinion and preference of course. At the end of the day it was ESS all the way - nothing else even came close.

Actually, the VT450, with the stage II is a BEAST. Just look at what Mike is doing with his 'vert.

Lastly, I'd like to point out the service has been STELLAR! It's also worth mentioning their new facility in Phoenix will open later this year. I hope to have my car there perhaps next year for a serious upgrade. Anyway, the ECU is programmed there now and turnaround is as fast as you can hope and expect. Shipped yesterday to them, programmed today, returned tomorrow. VIOLA!

I honestly think the VT440 or 450 is a great way to go. A friend here, with a TiAg vert like mine, no less, ordered his a week or so ago - VT440 or 450, can't recall. It's going to be PLENTY FAST!

Good luck with your decision. I'm very impressed with ESS as a company (power, parts, service).

[GJGM3]

My ECU didn't make it back today. I guess there was a mix up with the FedEx on the overnight versus 2-day thing (UGH) and it didn't arrive until this morning and they shipped it overnight to return tomorrow.

Everything is mounted and awaiting that. The shop will drive it around and recheck everything, and depending on the weather I'll pick it up tomorrow, or Friday. They want to take it out a couple of times and recheck, at my request.

My Quatro carbon fiber strut bar fit back on like a glove so I get to keep that.

So it's tomorrow or Friday. Hopefully when the ECU gets in tomorrow she fires up fine and no leaks etc., and I'll get to bring her home and begin putting some miles on.

[GJGM3]

Okay fellas, I have the car home!

When I picked it up my mechanic took me for a ride (I assisted he drive so I can experience the side seat) and I got my first experience in my car getting pinned in the seat.

Now, I admit I am a so-called noob when it comes to this stuff, but OMG! I've never had a car that's so FRICKEN FAST, and I haven't taken it past 5k (well once - hehe). Just incredible.

The video I posted with Roman's car passing by making the jet-engine sound is RIGHT ON! Anytime I shift or let off the throttle you get this jet engine whine and WHOOOSH. When I press the throttle lightly it begins to build and when it gets to 3.5k-4K IT BEGINS and just pulls like nuts.

This is a completely different car and I can already tell it's a BEAST.

A few pictures. I took the front plate off because I don't like it obstructing the air flow so I'm going to get a plate molded to the bumper and sport it on the passenger side. There a company here that does that and it reflects - told it's legal. I don't like these little holes it left so I'm thinking of ordering A Euro bumper. Car is dirty so regrets on that - car and engine bay to get some attention.

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b162/GJGM3/Gs%20Cars/IMG_6258.jpg

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K&N Filter with plenty access to fresh air!

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That's my old custom raw Vorsteiner engine cover that I sold and my friend Mike was good enough to sell back to me. Feels right with the new power.

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b162/GJGM3/Gs%20Cars/IMG_6270.jpg

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[GJGM3]

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[Ervin87]

Congrats man. I've been following your thread since the beginning. Looks great. Make sure to take some vids for us.

Go enjoy it now. :thumbsup:

[GJGM3]

Thanks. I'll have some videos soon and hopefully a dyno in a week or so.

[eurotekm3]

congrats! your ready for summer lol !

[6ick6ix6peed]

:bow::bow: congrats on the boost. The kit looks so clean and oem like its meant to be there from the factory. enjoy her and please take lots of pics and vids when your not busy smokin tires:thumbsup:

[GJGM3]

Thanks!

Will do on the pictures and video.

[AMG ETR]

Very cool looks great!!! Congrats!
Evan

[GJGM3]

Thanks Evan.

[Chris@ESS]

Chris,
When will the CFR700 be available for the states and do you have an idea on pricing?? Also what kind of torque does the kit make??

PM if you'd like!
Thanks
Evan

Hey Evan,

Sorry for the delay in reply, I didn't actually see this until just now. CFR700 we are still figuring out pricing for release in the States. As for torque, it makes around 420 rwtrq.

[hi its me alec]

Sick!!!!!!!!!

[Azn_homer]

:drool::bow: G that is work of art! Ultra clean install! Videos please:craig:

By the way, does Vorsteiner still sell the raw carbon fiber valve cover?

[GJGM3]

Hey bro.

No, they never sold those. That was a gift to me.

It bothered me that I sold it so I got it back and Mike was really nice to sell it back to me. I still thought I was selling the car when I let that one go, along with the Dixis titanium strut bar (he kept that). In general, Vorsteiner quit producing the engine covers but I called and ask and they were obliged to do it for me. I love it because it has a very low gloss effect to it, yet it's very smooth.

Perhaps they'll produce the engine covers again some time.

[GJGM3]

Getting ready to go off to our Cars & Coffee event. I'll see about getting some video for this weekend. Dyno hopefully next Friday (day off). Woot!

[A55A55IN]

Congrats bro! i know you've been waiting a while...go out and enjoy her!

[GJGM3]

Thanks bro. Had some fun today and took her for some miles. Still about 100 miles away from REAL FUN, but I'll get there soon enough - properly breaking it in, but man is this car fast now. First F/I machine for me and it's so much fun. I can totally see now what people mean by "boost is addicting".

I went to a C&C meet today, followed by a meet at a new shop opening. Beautiful weather for top down (69 degrees FTW). Gotta love the Midwest this time of year.

I'll post some pictures up later.

[e popa]

how about pictures NOW not later I have been waiting to see some long enough. lol

[GJGM3]

I just checked through some of them and they pretty mvch suck. I put some up though on page 2. I'm hoping to video later - it's windy here so from the outside I don't know that'll work because of the wind noise.

[GJGM3]

Here's the sound of my car with stock exhaust, no rasp though - you can hear the jet-engine sound of the blower. Also, when you upshift it does have this fantastic "whoosh" sound to it.

I'm just going to get the euro headers/cats and an ss x-pipe resonated and leave the oem muffler on, this way I'll be able to increase the boost and power from 500 to 550. I actually like this a lot.

[URL="http://s19.photobucket.com/albums/b162/GJGM3/?action=view&current=MVI_2983.flv"[/URL]

[babydevilj]

Hey G man, just curious how many miles do you have on your car?

[GJGM3]

Hey G man, just curious how many miles do you have on your car?


59k, and about 200 on the blower.

[GJGM3]

I'm over the 300 mile mark and close to 400 so she's pretty well broken in. I'm extremely pleased with the performance and I've several opportunities to use the boost. As my first boosted car ever, I had to figure out when she's in boost mode. I believe a boost gauge is in order, but I figured it out for the most part. I've also learn to modulate the throttle, but I still get pretty big wheel spin with the OEM size rubber. Still, it's very incredible.

I'll be taking the car to a dyno soon. A few pictures of my engine bay.

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b162/GJGM3/Gs%20Cars/IMG_6447.jpg

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And an evil picture - after the rains

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b162/GJGM3/Gs%20Cars/050609.jpg

[ajhamz2]

it sounded so sick when you pulled out onto Uni the other night. Jet engine indeed. So anxious to get mine so we can compare!

[GJGM3]

I was wondering if you could hear that! LOL.

I've had the opportunity now that it's broken in to press it and it's wicked fast. The torque is just incredible! Just runs flawlessly. You're going to enjoy it I'm sure.

[hummermaniac88]

And how much was this?

[GJGM3]

Check out esstuning.com as they'll have pricing there for all units. Great deal and I couldn't be happier.

[GJGM3]

I created a new post, but thought since this is my project thread I'd copy it here too. Fun day and I couldn't be more pleased!




I took my car to have it dyno'd today using a Dyno Jet.

I was forewarned by the guy who was going to dyno it who said, "be forewarned, many hearts have been broken, lots of people disappointed when they dyno their car for the first time". I thought, "oh great!".

So, he straps it down and readies the M for 3 pulls. He asks me about the car and I tell him it's stock besides the supercharger. I told him "yes, even the exhaust".

My car did not disappoint in the least! I was EXTREMELY PLEASED!!!!!

First run = 424.44 RWHP, 322.58 Tq.

Second run = 422.95 RWHP, 320.64 Tq.

Third run = 428.95 RWHP, 321 tq. I'll take that as a 429 RWHP, 321 tq! :rulaiz:

I can't wait to add race headers/cats, and upgrade it to the 550!

I'll get the email later today with the charts, but I got a paper printout and I snapped the sheets because I know my numbers wouldn't mean squat to most without proof.

A few pictures, dyno charts, and a brief video. Bummer, I left the camera on the tripod then later realized I could've taken a video of the monitor with the readouts. Next time!

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b162/GJGM3/Gs%20Cars/IMG_3196.jpg

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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XBSOeb7uaWg

[GJGM3]

Update on "SAE" data versus "STD". Still excellent numbers.

AJ - this is a really good dyno shop. $75 for 3 pulls and a great group of guys. See how the VT compares using the same dyno. I'm thinking you'll put down some good numbers too.

Original Numbers on "STD" graph

Run 1: 424.44 RWHP, 322.58 TQ.
Run 2: 422.95 RWHP, 320.64 TQ.
Run 3: 428.95 RWHP, 321.00 TQ.

SAE Numbers

Run 1: 415.83 RWHP, 316.03 TQ.
Run 2: 414.43 RWHP, 314.18 TQ.
Run 3: 420.27 RWHP, 314.51 TQ.

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b162/GJGM3/Gs%20Cars/GJGM3DynoChart.jpg