E85 Super charger kit advice needed

[Court1987]

Hi,

I am looking to install a supercharger on my E85 3.0i

Any suggestions on how I could install this and still keep the reliability of the engine?

example of kits i'm looking at below.

https://vfengineering.com/products/supercharger-bmw-z4-e85-m54?srsltid=AfmBOoorkzIIK2ms2yXL0NaWH38xEmoEtoNpdFs5SvpyKDzGiDpjH25a&variant=14440015003700

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/384428269534?chn=ps&_ul=GB&_trkparms=ispr%3D1&amdata=enc%3A1BtlSUs8VRAeV6NWR7M50lw18&norover=1&mkevt=1&mkrid=710-134428-41853-0&mkcid=2&mkscid=101&itemid=384428269534&targetid=2340006583143&device=c&mktype=pla&googleloc=9045458&poi=&campaignid=21399623186&mkgroupid=166262482213&rlsatarget=aud-1415330310908la-2340006583143&abcId=9448294&merchantid=6995734&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjw28W2BhC7ARIsAPerrcLIDmuGQLvnavRFFeGwke6kNVJqpq0pjPO1lDLHSF2dvhPjSml-eyoaAn4zEALw_wcB

 

[mmm-five]

Reliability will depend on how hard you drive it, and how frequently you service it.

I'd halve the normal oil/inspection service schedule at a minimum, and maybe keep a keener eye on temps.

Both kits are known quantities, and you'll probably find people on here (or other forums) that have them...and the ebay one (Infinitas kit) was part of a forum group buy a few years ago.

 

[B21]

Echoing mmm-five…plus using an ester based multi grade maybe the 5w-40 such as Fuchs Pro-Race or Redline equivalent…

An intercooler would help matters along with a decent oil cooler..

Good news unlike turbos superchargers don’t over stress the engine with mid range torque…oh..new clutch ?

 

[Z4supercharged]

Hi,

I am looking to install a supercharger on my E85 3.0i

Any suggestions on how I could install this and still keep the reliability of the engine?

example of kits i'm looking at below.

https://vfengineering.com/products/supercharger-bmw-z4-e85-m54?srsltid=AfmBOoorkzIIK2ms2yXL0NaWH38xEmoEtoNpdFs5SvpyKDzGiDpjH25a&variant=14440015003700

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/384428269534?chn=ps&_ul=GB&_trkparms=ispr%3D1&amdata=enc%3A1BtlSUs8VRAeV6NWR7M50lw18&norover=1&mkevt=1&mkrid=710-134428-41853-0&mkcid=2&mkscid=101&itemid=384428269534&targetid=2340006583143&device=c&mktype=pla&googleloc=9045458&poi=&campaignid=21399623186&mkgroupid=166262482213&rlsatarget=aud-1415330310908la-2340006583143&abcId=9448294&merchantid=6995734&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjw28W2BhC7ARIsAPerrcLIDmuGQLvnavRFFeGwke6kNVJqpq0pjPO1lDLHSF2dvhPjSml-eyoaAn4zEALw_wcB

If you want more power stock connection rod will be weakest point. 500nm and they are limit over that bend. Cheap upgrade is m50b25nv connection rod 135mm lenght(this upgrade should be handle about 600hp).If you can do changing by yourself, it cost about 200-300€. Remember change new bearing also.

 

[Shawn_Trn]

Hi,

All depends what gains do you expect. If you will just install SC kit (and get approx 300-330 HP) or want to get more and replace clutch/rods/pistons/exhaust. etc. etc and get above 400 HP, like Racemode did in Poland:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=Kwn2Y-HoDMA

You can find VF kits output charts, however did not see any for GPower (the one from Ebay). Both of the kits are without intercooler, so pretty easy install (not even removing the front bumper).
I have ESS kit (not available anymore) for more then 8 years , just remember to change oil regularly + spark plugs (every 30 K km) and of course wait for engine to heat up and cool down (after a drive).

However I would strongly recommend to start the car improvement with BIG BRAKES before installing SC.

 

[mac27040]

I have the VF engineering kit, installed myself 10 years ago and still fine. I had to remove front bumper and headlights along with fan, and radiator, including moving the front cross member out to get to install the longer alternator bolt, you might get away with lifting the engine. Also worth upgrading the engine mounts. depending on the pipework the send you, my intake from MAF to supercharger runs under the supercharger, the E46 goes over the top corner but either way you have to cut off the lugs that stick out that hold the original airbox rubber from the chassis. I have now altered the supercharger pulley size from the 3.6" down to 3.25" and takes it from 6psi to 9-10psi.

 

[DaveP]

Has anyone ever run one of these kits on track?

It seems like it's really not suited because of the inability to install an intercooler, but I just wondered whether anyone had any data on intake temps they could share.

 

[Shawn_Trn]

Has anyone ever run one of these kits on track?

It seems like it's really not suited because of the inability to install an intercooler, but I just wondered whether anyone had any data on intake temps they could share.

I did not try on track, however drove on e.g. Grossglockner/ Road 44 in Czech/ Slonne Pass (so demanding narrow roads with many 180 degrees bends) and no problem at all (of course you need to wait for SC to cool down, approx 1 -2 min depending on how long you were driving).

You can add special intake tube to take air from the grill directly to air filter, it will help to deliver fresh /cold air.
Intercooler was an option on ESS TUNING kits, you may search for TS2 version (however on their website is not available anymore).

 

[DaveP]

Has anyone ever run one of these kits on track?

It seems like it's really not suited because of the inability to install an intercooler, but I just wondered whether anyone had any data on intake temps they could share.

I did not try on track, however drove on e.g. Grossglockner/ Road 44 in Czech/ Slonne Pass (so demanding narrow roads with many 180 degrees bends) and no problem at all (of course you need to wait for SC to cool down, approx 1 -2 min depending on how long you were driving).

You can add special intake tube to take air from the grill directly to air filter, it will help to deliver fresh /cold air.
Intercooler was an option on ESS TUNING kits, you may search for TS2 version (however on their website is not available anymore).

At which point I've spent £7k plus fitting on a car I paid £4k for, and I've still only got the same amount of power as a Z4M (albeit with more torque and more unreliability issues on a 100k engine).

Perhaps I'm barking up the wrong tree.

 

[Shawn_Trn]

At which point I've spent £7k plus fitting on a car I paid £4k for, and I've still only got the same amount of power as a Z4M (albeit with more torque and more unreliability issues on a 100k engine).

Perhaps I'm barking up the wrong tree.

Can you expand what you mean ?

If you want to compare to Z4M add to M maintenance costs which are 300% higher then standard 3.0i and still you get issues like bearing rods or water pump or Vanos, not to mention high fuel consumption (don't get me wrong M is a great car). Plus purchasing M version (at least in Poland standard 3.0i is approx 10-15 K pounds , as M version costs 30-45 K pounds. So even adding SC (approx 4 K for kit + 1 K for installation) you are still much below the M price.

I would say SC is reasonable alternative for people who do not want M version (or cannot afford) but standard 3.0i or 3.0si is not sufficient in terms of power.

 

[B21]

At which point I've spent £7k plus fitting on a car I paid £4k for, and I've still only got the same amount of power as a Z4M (albeit with more torque and more unreliability issues on a 100k engine).

Perhaps I'm barking up the wrong tree.

Can you expand what you mean ?

If you want to compare to Z4M add to M maintenance costs which are 300% higher then standard 3.0i and still you get issues like bearing rods or water pump or Vanos, not to mention high fuel consumption (don't get me wrong M is a great car). Plus purchasing M version (at least in Poland standard 3.0i is approx 10-15 K pounds , as M version costs 30-45 K pounds. So even adding SC (approx 4 K for kit + 1 K for installation) you are still much below the M price.

I would say SC is reasonable alternative for people who do not want M version (or cannot afford) but standard 3.0i or 3.0si is not sufficient in terms of power.

National market pricing may drive a decision..given in UK how cheap Z4Ms are now I suspect that logic is negated…

Personally I think a supercharged N52 sounds nice in an E85..but it’s more a labour of love I suspect..

 

[Shawn_Trn]

National market pricing may drive a decision..given in UK how cheap Z4Ms are now I suspect that logic is negated…

Personally I think a supercharged N52 sounds nice in an E85..but it’s more a labour of love I suspect..

Even better sounds Z4M with SC

 

[B21]

National market pricing may drive a decision..given in UK how cheap Z4Ms are now I suspect that logic is negated…

Personally I think a supercharged N52 sounds nice in an E85..but it’s more a labour of love I suspect..

Even better sounds Z4M with SC

That seems over the top…I couldn’t condone such behaviour