**Some advice on supercharging...PLEASE READ**

Some advice on supercharging…

I'm assuming you have a couple of kits you are already considering and have some knowlege on the type of gains and pricing. This is just some general but important things I wish I knew before I purchased my kit.

When choosing a kit, ask the tuner to see both before and after dyno charts for your specific model. When I say your specific model I mean if you have a 330ci manual, then talk to someone who has a 330ci manual, not someone with a 328ci step or 325I manual. These cars are similar but definitely not exact. Software will be different for each model. If the tuner says they don't have any or can't provide them, then I would ask, how the hell can they claim any gains if it was never tested. They should be able to email you actual charts. If it's on a dynojet you can ask for the "raw data". You can goto www.dynojet.com and download the viewer for free. Make sure you see HP, Torque and Airfuel readings. I can't think of a good reason why any tuner with a quality kit not being able to provide this information….unless there's something to hide.

Ask how many miles have been put on their prototypes, how many kits have they sold, what problems have they had. If you care about passing emissions, then ask if the kit is smog legal. If they tell you they are still in development and you want to be a test subject they go ahead but if they tell you the kit is completed, then I would ask the tuner to provide or find atleast 3 people who have your specific model. Ask these guys how they like their kit, if they have any problems etc. Unless you're living in a cave, everyone is online nowadays.

Please note that just because a tuner had great results on the E36 kits doesn't mean their E46 kits are good. Also, just because a tuner is new to the scene or unknown does not necessarily mean they aren't capable of developing a quality kit.

Once you decide to purchase a kit, you should definitely get your car dynoed before and after kit installation. Try to use the same dyno. Make sure you get an Air Fuel reading. I used to think that the most important thing was your HP rating but that doesn't mean a thing if your Air Fuel is off. You can be eating M3s for breakfast but how long will your engine last? You could be causing major damage to your engine and not even know it. Look at the Air Fuel as a mamogram for women. You may not feel any thing is wrong but this is the only way to know for sure. When you get your dyno printout, be sure to ask them to email you the chart or raw data also. It's both easier to post on line and reprint if you need to. There's no reason why they shouldn't be able to email you your chart. You can email just about anything.

I would also suggest charging your kit with a credit card. If you have any issues you can always dispute the charge.

That's all I can think of for now.

Nelson

great write up!

Originally posted by JetBlackE46


Make sure you get an Air Fuel reading. I used to think that the most important thing was your HP rating but that doesn't mean a thing if your Air Fuel is off.
Nelson

Its a must!!!! When you posted yours a couple of days ago I wanted to warn you but since I'm no expert I just suggested you post on the other board thought you could get a good answer over at bimmerforums. Have you talked to RMS about new software? I would demand that they work on your car until it is putting out good power and is safe to drive. Unfortunately you are not the first to complain about RMS. Sorry to hear about it.

if i supercharge my car, which one would make my car perform the best meaning making my 0-60 time go under 6 secs? ESS claims my car can do 5.7 if i get their SC.. i have a 325ci stick

arthur,

i've been told that i should be getting a software update in a few weeks...i've been told this a couple of times over the last couple of months...still waiting.


isaccly,

i assume both kits (rms & ess) gives similar gains since they both use the vortech charger...find someone who has the kit on their 325ci stick and ask how they like it. i don't remember seeing anyone with that specific kit on the boards....

thanks for the insite! \

Nelson,

Great write up! This is a great service to the members who are thinking of SC'ng. I have emailed you several times last week. I am just surprised that the SC setup only netted 50 HP. For the amount of money spent, I woould expect my 323 to go faster than a 330. Have you actually raced against any 330 w/mods?

Reg

This is good advice. I assume you are speaking from experience since (if i'm not mistaken) you were posting about problems that you've had.

Hopefully we can all learn from your experiences

I saved this to a Word document and will reference it when I'm ready to buy my kit. Thank you for the write up.

please point out any flaws or side effects that a SC might have had. What is the best way to maintain it so that our engines will last for years?

sin,

another stock 323ci stick on the same dyno had 160rwhp

i dynoed at 226rwhp. (323ci stick)

a slightly modified 330i stick dynoed at 208rwhp if i remember right.

ken,

i'm no engine expert but from what i hear running lean could blow your engine or slowly burn a hole in a piston or something. don't quote me on that..

if someone does know, please inform us. i'll keep you guys posted if i learn anything new.

[quote]Originally posted by JetBlackE46
[b]sin,

another stock 323ci stick on the same dyno had 160rwhp

i dynoed at 226rwhp. (323ci stick)

a slightly modified 330i stick dynoed at 208rwhp if i remember right.

ken,

I have a STEP. I wonder how well it will perform. I think you told me in a prior email that SC'ng and STEP does not mix?? I will be going to SEMA and I'll ask the RMS guys. Will AA be there?

Originally posted by B
thanks for the insite! \

DITTO

That's a really imformative post there. Thanks for posting.

Nelson: sorry to hear about your software :sad: But it took me 6 months for RMS to tuned my car right

ken,

i'm no engine expert but from what i hear running lean could blow your engine or slowly burn a hole in a piston or something. don't quote me on that..

if someone does know, please inform us. i'll keep you guys posted if i learn anything new.

When the engine is running lean, the temperature of the burn process is higher. The leaner it runs, the higher the temperature (untill a certain point ofcourse). This will harm your valves and piston the most.

please point out any flaws or side effects that a SC might have had. What is the best way to maintain it so that our engines will last for years?

The engine is not the only concern, you should also remember that your power transferring parts (clutch, gearbox, axles etc.) are not designed for those power and torque ratings.
The ideal thing would be to replace your parts with M3 stuff.
Also Brakes, suspension, chassis etc...in the long run...

Nice bro, always seem to hear scary things about RMS.
Makes me lean towards the ACS C30 kit more and more for my 330 steptronic (295 bhp and 280 lb/ft)...now if only it was CARB legal!!!!!! SOFTWARE IS KEY, IT SHOULD BE FINISHED BEFORE THE KIT IS EVEN OFFERED FOR SALE!!!
PS, I believe RMS pulled all their sc kits for steptronics last I read.

Originally posted by Juha 323Ci

When the engine is running lean, the temperature of the burn process is higher. The leaner it runs, the higher the temperature (untill a certain point ofcourse). This will harm your valves and piston the most.

Actually, this is not entirely true. Lean combustion actually produces lower temperatures than stoichiometric (ideal) combustion. The problem with lean combustion is that it leaves free oxygen available in the combustion chamber which attacks (oxidizes) your valves and pistons at the elevated temperatures inside the combustion chamber. The leaner you run, the more oxygen you leave free, the more damage you cause.

Originally posted by 330 kompressor
Nelson: sorry to hear about your software :sad: But it took me 6 months for RMS to tuned my car right

330 kompressor,

how's your car running? any dyno results you can post?

did you get your pulley changed? i heard they are recalling them.

I really appreciate ALL the info.
Thanks