supercharging

[supergripen]

AA in miami actualy has got a 330i steptronic that is damn near as fast as an M3 to the tune of 0.2 of a second to 100kph and nearly as fast to the 1/4 mile as well.a manual WILL be as fast if not faster.

 

[supergripen]

very close to taking the plunge to FI my Selene..anyone got any ideas on where shud i get my SC kit installed here in malaysia?? went through plenty of BMW FI forums and most of the problems they had with their SC'd rides are due to improper installation.
now that worries me a lot cuz i have no idea whatsoever on where /whom shud i trust to install the kit.
adam,can u pm me ur thoughts on Obit?? i heard the ASAtronic that comes with the kit is a piece of crap and it doesn't really work..

 

[adliz]

hi bro,

obit, unichip or smt are all of similar platform i was told.. i believe smt and unichip can be done locally.. can try to pm fabian (smt) and tom (unichip) if u need feedbacks re the two.

i went with obit for a few reasons:

1) 'readily-available' mappings for m54 engines
2) able to assist sc'd m54 engines with fueling (as long as u have matching injectors)
3) can always get the piggyback 're-flashed', for FREE!
4) 'updates' ie plenty of bmw's in spore running and tweaking their settings continuously. hence better mappings for us as time goes on..

my AFR immediately improved from 12.8 to 11.2.. reflected on cooler oil temp and exhaust gas temp.. power wise? definitely faster, somehow..

 

[supergripen]

Originally posted by adliz@Jan 14 2006, 01:37 AM
hi bro,

obit, unichip or smt are all of similar platform i was told.. i believe smt and unichip can be done locally.. can try to pm fabian (smt) and tom (unichip) if u need feedbacks re the two.

i went with obit for a few reasons:

1) 'readily-available' mappings for m54 engines
2) able to assist sc'd m54 engines with fueling (as long as u have matching injectors)
3) can always get the piggyback 're-flashed', for FREE!
4) 'updates' ie plenty of bmw's in spore running and tweaking their settings continuously. hence better mappings for us as time goes on..

my AFR immediately improved from 12.8 to 11.2.. reflected on cooler oil temp and exhaust gas temp.. power wise? definitely faster, somehow..

ok thanx bro..so these are basically piggybacks huh?? are there places that can reflash bimmer ECUs without using piggybacks?? i heard Links does a good job on those using a programme that they have but if i'm not mistaken Links mainly does Japs so i'm a bit unsure if they have experience with FI'd bimmers.came across Links while doing research on Imprezas.i guess this is gonna be extra cost on top of the cost of the SC kit,any ideas how much these piggyback systems cost??
..i know AAs kit are more complete with software but very expensive here(Stuttgart)

also i know that Technik in the US has got software for the SK1 and has gotten rave reviews but i can't find anyone here in malaysia who's got it.
btw do u plan to SC ur m3?? i hear AA has got a terrific kit for the M3..pricey but worth every penny..

oh yeah,almost forgot.where did u install ur SC??

 

[supergripen]

:lazy: bump..

 

[adliz]

soli didnt saw ur post..

Links doing ecu reflashes? i'm not too sure bout this, but for bmws, almost definitely NO..

piggys n tuning cost anywhere between rm1000 to rm1800.. but bear in mind u almost defnitely gonna need extra/bigger injectors and fuel regulator to provide matching fuelling.. stuttgart got AA, rm30k right? i think u'd be better off getting the ASA kit, and use the extra bucks to upgrade other parts.. unless u can find 2nd hand kit from the states..

but again, AA and Technic admitted that they wudnt touch our ecu mapping as they say there MIGHT be some slight variations in the mapping and engine parts (zhp (sports cam), smg, etc).. maybe they just cant be bothered..

sc for m3? tempting.. but at usd 9k, pengsan la wanna buy that kit!! sayang oso if the s54 'pecah', crazy !! ill cry man!! maybe in 2 yrs time when the car looks outdated and becomes common, then maybe la... oh, i did my installation at a workshop in cheras..

 

[supergripen]

thanx Adam..yeah,actually Link only does Japs la,using Ecutek.

i'm getting Technik's SK1 but with 5.5psi pulley..after much research i found out that the stepbox can only take 305bhp and 360Nm(Alpina's spec) max after which it'll slowly self destruct..in theory anyways.so the 6.5psi pulley is out for the moment..

i'm also looking at swapping for a 5speed manual(6speed too expensive methinks)but that'll come much later depending on how the stepbox fares.with manual,i'll be able to go stage2 340-350bhp..yummy!! see how my piggybank develops..hehe.i haven't even found a place brave\knowledgable enuff to do a step to manual tranny swap yet!!! but according to Mike Benvo(E46Fanatics),its not that complicated..he's done it.

btw,can u PM me the address and contact person of the w'shop that u used to install ur setup..umm,do you recommend them in the first place?? do they know what they are doing with regards to SCs?? install very important wooo.. thanx bro

 

[f8.]

guys, the manual tranny swap involves an ecu swap as well? ie the ecu is diff for auto and manual cars?

i'd think you need bigger injectors because piggybacks are really only able to trim injection times. they can increase injection time only up to the absolute max the stock map contains ie at max load and max torque rpm.

but this brings the next question, if swapping out to manual tranny requires ecu swap etc, why not go fully programmable? ie standalone.

 

[supergripen]

Originally posted by f8.@Feb 6 2006, 11:44 AM
guys, the manual tranny swap involves an ecu swap as well? ie the ecu is diff for auto and manual cars?

i'd think you need bigger injectors because piggybacks are really only able to trim injection times. they can increase injection time only up to the absolute max the stock map contains ie at max load and max torque rpm.

but this brings the next question, if swapping out to manual tranny requires ecu swap etc, why not go fully programmable? ie standalone.

well,i've asked this question before but no one here seems to have any ideas.all i get are jokes.. so no help here.
talked to Mike Benvo at E46Fanatics and according to him,the tranny swap is pretty simple(relatively la).apart from the actual tranny,driveshaft,paddles plus all the linkages you probably need to reprogramme the DME.(but according to some mech i spoke to here,the ECU and ABS module needs to be changed as they are different.)Mike says that he didn't change his..even the ABS is still the same.i'm at a loss here..
so for the moment,i'll stick to my steptronic(A5S325Z 5HP19)also note that the step has longer ratios compared to a manual(overdrive instead of directdrive)giving a longer pull throughout the gears and maybe putting less stress to the drivetrain as well not to mention higher top speed at a given RPM..see how long it lasts with the SK1.speaking of which,Technik's SK1 comes with ASAtronic and not their software which is for US models only..they also come with bigger Bosch injectors and Technik's own bigger intercooler.as far as piggybacks/standalones are concerned,unless ASAtronic is not able to handle 5.5psi,i'll stick to it.we'll see how it develops and play along..if i don't have to do anything else,then i won't.we'll see..

 

[f8.]

supergripen,

i do not know the specifics of technic's products nor bmw's gearboxes-perhaps i should keep quiet.

but you should be aware that the thing that destroys the autobox is torque and not horsepower. and whilst torque is related to boost, there is no guarantee that at whatever the next pulley's psi rating your engine will definitely make that torque which will blow the box.

also, the supercharger will make boost in proportion to the square of your engine rpm. that 5.5psi they quote is valid only at a certain rpm. you need to ask what rpm do their kit make that boost on a 325/328?

because you will find that if you retain your stock cams, then there is a possibility that at redline when it makes peak boost, the torque may well be less than it is at your stock peak torque rpm or somewhere further up before redline.

but anyways, since you already collected the kit, the more pertinent question is to maximise your investment. and in my view, the rm15k or so you pay for say a motec m800 will not only give its own returns, it will also start to squeeze more returns out of your earlier investment on your supercharger kit.

the only key to it apart from cost is a good tuner. because technic won't be able to give an optimal off the shelf map. in fact, there is no such thing as an optimal good for all off the shelf chip.

 

[supergripen]

yup,torque.its a fine line to thread between having lots of torque and having too much,especially in a step.

as it is even without headers,cams and what not the 5.5psi kit gives quite a bit of torque..just below the tranny's limit.so i'm going about it as careful as possible..

and i haven't got the kit yet..sorting out some issues first but it'll definitely come :yes:

 

[dave]

Hi Bro,
Here your neighbour did this convertion from auto to manual with S'C, only bypass AT module, the rest remain. & only gearbox check light on, it's easy to do it by removing the bulb.
Cheers

 

[Alvin]

You can try to talk with Obermaier. They have done S54 conversions plus auto to manual conversions. Think they have to most experience for such mods. Just drop by & chat with them. No cost.

You should upgrade your injectors with FI. You can either go with a slightly larger Bosch injectors. Just need to get the part no correct. Easily bought in US. Have bought a few sets myself for some people here or just upgrade to the S54 injectors.

Your tranny will definately find difficulties to handle the additional torque. I believe that the torque converter in the 328 is simmiler to the 330 but need to check. Those after market conversions like Alpina or Hartge normally have a different converter to handle the power. Best way is to chg to manual. I have tried a E39 535V8 SC. there is slippage plus sometimes difficult to engage gear hence slow gear change.

Glad to see that we have a fellow modder here in the club. Not many petrol heads left here. Good luck. If you need any help just PM me for my contact.

 

[dave]

Hi Bro,
For the 328 & 330 torque convertor are diffference, we did the manual convertion by using a E34 M5 UUC clutch & UUC flywheel.

 

[supergripen]

Originally posted by dave@Feb 6 2006, 05:32 PM
Hi Bro,
        Here your neighbour did this convertion from auto to manual with S'C, only bypass AT module, the rest remain. & only gearbox check light on, it's easy to do it by removing the bulb.
Cheers

does the same apply to e46s as well?? i see that u've added another 'i' to ur 530.. just like Technik's car(330ii).cool..btw,what final drive are u using? 3.46? manuals are normally direct drive hence a higher rpm for a given speed compared to a manual,unless u change the final drive.if i can get a manual i'll definitely go for the 6.5psi kit.. 325bhp! :yes!:

Alvin,can u forward me Obermaier's address and contact number?? thanx bro..

oh yeah Dave,u know where in Singapore can i find Brembo cross-drilled discs(320mm)? mine's already cracked and needs replacing.

 

[dave]

Sorry Bro,
That convertion was done on my buddie's e46. and running a 3.07 final drive. Hope he can make it on friday.
Cheers

 

[adliz]

i had 3.46 on my sc.. no doubt the acc is faster and drives better in sepang.. but top speed is highly compromised.. u can only reach 230km/h vs 240+km/h (original spec for smg 3.15)

i know someone who is looking to swap his 325i coupe 5speed manual for an auto.. u can save a lot by only paying for the labour.. i've pm'd u the contact details for both the workshops (cheras and obermaier)

 

[f8.]

330ii? twin rail of 12 injectors in total? wow!

actually, is it hard to find a manual tranny for the m52b25? and are the bell housings similar whether its an m50/52/54?

i know this is a supercharging thread and i know you've decided and paid dear money supergripen but its interesting to read that the sc severly limited top speed in adliz's case.

why was this so?

i know the sc presents a large drag to the engine particularly at high revs, read somewhere that the jaguar xjs with its supercharged v8 actually makes 470hp or so at the crank but the sc takes up to 70hp at that peak hp rpm to result in max power for that engine being 400hp.

maybe underdriving the sc has additional gains at red line apart from just saving your torque converter. for one the centrifugal compressor if it was sized for good mid end punch will struggle to provide enough air at the highest rpm since boost cannot be kept constant.

 

[ALBundy]

f8, Adliz'z top speed is limited due to the rear differential ratio. One ex-committee with an E34 525 manual was also only able to hit 230km/hr with similar diff ratio.

 

[f8.]

Originally posted by ALBundy@Feb 7 2006, 11:10 AM
f8, Adliz'z top speed is limited due to the rear differential ratio. One ex-committee with an E34 525 manual was also only able to hit 230km/hr with similar diff ratio.

ops! i didn't not read carefully and thought they were talking about the sc drive instead of final drive. my bad!

sorry guys, but thanks!