VF engineering Supercharger vs Ess Supercharger

Derrick · 02-09-2006, 11:50 PM

Ok boys and girls here is the question of all questions.Which do I i buy on Friday? Yes it's true boys the SUPERCHARGER is on its way,only thing is which one to go with? I am having mixed feelings about these 2 superchargers do to the fact that there are different set ups on both.............................................

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ESS TUNING........
1996-1997 540i VT1 7PSI Supercharger System (108-80)
The VT1 supercharger system for "96-"97 540i/iA is based upon the world renown Vortech V2SQ main supercharger unit which gives exceptional power gains and unmatched durability along with civilized everyday driveability. The system maintains all OBD-II functions and is 49 State Emissions Legal. It is backed by a comprehensive 2 year, unlimited mileage warranty. The system installs in 14-16 hours using normal hand tools and no irreversible modifications to the car is necessary.
-407HP (7PSI)
-CNC aluminum crank pulley.
-Fully automatic belt tensioning.
-8 larger Bosch injectors.
-New ESS ECU software w/removed top speed governor and 6650RPM limit.
-Bosch Mass AirFlow sensor calibration unit.
-Vortech V2SQ (Super Quiet) Supercharger unit
-Supercharger oil pressure system for oil supply to the supercharger unit (100% bolt-on)
-Supercharger oil return system (100% bolt-on, no oil pan modifications required)
-CNC machined, hard anodized 20mm certal-aluminum main bracket for extreme rigidity.
-CNC hard anodized support/ABS control unit brackets and hardware.
-ESS bumper mounted CAI w/K&N high flow air filter.
-Casted intake assembly with ultra strength silicone sleeve connections and stainless steel hose clamps.
-Mandrel bent discharge assembly made from 304 quality stainless steel and finished in black powder coat.
-Detailed step-by-step installation instructions, fully illustrated.
-Heavy Duty drive belt system.
-Oil breather assembly designed for boost.
-CNC machined, anodized fan spacer.
-2yr./unlimited mileage warranty.
-100% Maintenance free operation.
-100% Bolt-on installation.
Part number: 108-80
Boost pressure: 7 PSI
Horsepower: 407 DIN (Stock 282/286)
Torque: 572 NM (Stock 420)
0 - 60: Man : 4,8 sec, Aut: 5,1 sec
Installation time : 14-16 hour.............................................. ...cost $6733 usd

E39 540 Stock vs supercharged

VF ENGINEERING .........
GIAC custom tuned stage 1 software
RPM limiter increased to 7000 rpm
Soft rev limiters and top speed governor removed
Vortech V2 Super Quiet SC trim polished supercharger
3 year unlimited mileage limited product warranty
VF- CNC machined 6061 aluminum bracket system
OEM BMW idler pullies
OEM High flow fuel injectors VF- Custom molded polypropylene ducting VF- Custom tuned supercharger intake Bosch overrun bypass valve system Custom crank case ventilation system
4 ply silicon couplers with OEM screw clamps
VF- CNC oil fittings with high pressure OEM oil lines
Additional OEM serpentine belt
Bolt on crank pulley and OEM belt tensioner
K&N induction filter with cold air intake and optional air box
Comprehensive installation CD Rom
Compatible with automatic transmission (pis specify)
Precision Made in California, USA

--cost $6000usd------------OK boys work your magic,and start researching this matter for me.And secondly,who the hell am i going to get to install this thing.

Quack · 02-09-2006, 11:55 PM

I personally would get the ESS, it has more potential to get more HP but might blow your tranny

Paul540/m3 · 02-10-2006, 11:00 AM

Unless you are befing up you tranny Derrick, then more petential is not an issue b/c the bmw auto trannies can't handle that much power. That being said I have heard ESS has had a couple of issues with their software kind of making me think twice about them just because they are located in Europe.
VF on the other hand has been making kits for VW's, Audi's ETC. for a long time and realy knwo what they are doing. To boot they are partnered with GIAC for the software, and those guys have been doing software for ages. I have no heard a bad thing yet about the VF system, and it is cheaper. Also VF si coming out with (may already ahve been released) a Stage 2 kit for the 540's. If you buy the Stage 1 kit it is upgradable to stage 2, which is also another plus.(not sure if ESS offers this but I'm sure their kit is not too hard to upgrade) Another option would be to look into ASA kits, I don't beleive thay are lsited on their site btu I have heard if you call them then they are available.

All in all I would probably buy the VF jsut because if I had any problems they are not only closer( US) but they speak English as well lol

Good Luck man and I envy you for having to make such a hard decision

Derrick · 02-10-2006, 11:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Paul540/m3

Unless you are befing up you tranny Derrick, then more petential is not an issue b/c the bmw auto trannies can't handle that much power. That being said I have heard ESS has had a couple of issues with their software kind of making me think twice about them just because they are located in Europe.
VF on the other hand has been making kits for VW's, Audi's ETC. for a long time and realy knwo what they are doing. To boot they are partnered with GIAC for the software, and those guys have been doing software for ages. I have no heard a bad thing yet about the VF system, and it is cheaper. Also VF si coming out with (may already ahve been released) a Stage 2 kit for the 540's. If you buy the Stage 1 kit it is upgradable to stage 2, which is also another plus.(not sure if ESS offers this but I'm sure their kit is not too hard to upgrade) Another option would be to look into ASA kits, I don't beleive thay are lsited on their site btu I have heard if you call them then they are available.

All in all I would probably buy the VF jsut because if I had any problems they are not only closer( US) but they speak English as well lol

Good Luck man and I envy you for having to make such a hard decision

Thanks Paul,well all i can say is i am going to be one happy guy(I HOPE)when this is all completed.But just to pick your brain for a second.Who do you know in Toronto that can install this thing properly?I am going to go to cederbraie volkswagon, to ask them if they can send me in any direction.Reason is that they supply this product in Canada.

Paul540/m3 · 02-10-2006, 11:27 AM

I would check with the usual suspects, being:
-Charlie ( I beleive he could do it but not sure how familiar he is with FI)
-Mantis Racing
-Raven/Bavarian
-Munich Motors ( not a pretty shop but mike really knows his stuff)
-RMP ( Also not sure how familiar Rocco is with FI, but I have heard good things in general)

These are just some of the shops that come to mind, but I would give them all a call and see how familiar they are with these types of applications.

BTW- why don't you talk to your buddy Courtney at Fiorrano, I'm sure if he couldn't do it he could suggest someone, he seems to be on the money with everything I ask him lol

O.S. · 02-10-2006, 06:09 PM

you owe us a ride when it is supercharged ....

I am thinking of putting in a s/c myself in hopefully not very distant future ... I am very curious how the low end improves ...

Derrick · 02-10-2006, 10:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by O.S.

you owe us a ride when it is supercharged ....

I am thinking of putting in a s/c myself in hopefully not very distant future ... I am very curious how the low end improves ...

No problem,I was in Florida and drove in my cousins 540i 6 speed s/c and let me tell you this,holy S**T,mad fast, his buddy has a stock m5 and we gave him some serious problems.

O.S. · 02-11-2006, 10:31 AM

sounds fantastic!!!

330ci05 · 02-11-2006, 10:35 AM

EA is also a good shop for FI/upgrades

O.S. · 03-17-2006, 03:30 PM

Derrick,

so how did the SCd 540 compared against a stock M5?

VF clams that SCd 540 has more torque and more HP then stock M5

just325iS · 03-17-2006, 04:34 PM

I must warn you that the V2S has a lot of reliability problems. I keep blowing my seals. I have the supercharger for two season now and this is the third season and this is the second time I have to rebuilt it. I'm in the process of taking it apart and rebuilding it myself. The turn around time to send it to Vortec is way too long and they want too much. I'm going to try to see if I could use for durable gaskets and stuff. Will Be posting the rebuilt process so keep an eye out. I'm pretty sure you're going to need the info one day.

In the mean time, enjoy the boost. Hopefully I will too........soon.

O.S. · 03-17-2006, 07:27 PM

thanks man .... we are all interested

Derrick · 03-17-2006, 08:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by O.S.

Derrick,

so how did the SCd 540 compared against a stock M5?

VF clams that SCd 540 has more torque and more HP then stock M5

Well we pulled on my cousins friend pretty good,about a cars length.But i am not sure if the other guy was slowing down due to an upcomming light.My car should be finished by Monday,but have to break it in first before really testing it.Break in is 1000kms,stay in between 4000... 5000rpm.This is going to kill me.About the V2 charger reliability issues....it has a three year warranty in place.

O.S. · 03-17-2006, 09:08 PM

who's doing the job? and
how much did you end up spending? if you don't mind me asking

Derrick · 03-17-2006, 10:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by O.S.

who's doing the job? and
how much did you end up spending? if you don't mind me asking

Charger was 6000USD,install was from a buddy of mine, so no the normal rate,but i know usually its about a 900-1100.