supercharged
09-16-2002, 06:12 AM
Hi all,
Finally I got it supercharged, with all the little problems went on in the past few weeks.
ESS took 3 weeks to deliver the kit to me, originally they promised 2 weeks. The waiting, is like when I waited my delivery of the 330.
The kit arrived 3 weeks ago and without the larger injectors needed because ESS was back ordered. Anyway they said I can install the kit and add the injectors later.
I had certified BMW technician did the installation job. Took more than 8 hours for them to complete it. I think it takes a pretty advanced technicians who know BMW engines well to do a good job. I tried doing it myself but it was too difficult. There's a few cutting of plastics and drilling, and the manual is not detailed at all. Later I sent my ECU to ESS, and waited another 2 weeks until it got back to me (with the injectors). The ECU should be back much earlier (48 hr turnover time and added the transportation, but my parcel got messed up in transportation and got delayed for a week).
I had the injectors replaced and ECU back into my car last Saturday. The car started without a problem at all, and at idle engine is as smooth as before, there is a little whine from supercharger, and the volume increase when you depress the petal. the noise from supercharge is most audible at 2000-3000, above that, it got lost in the noise from engine and outside environment. The whine sounds like interference in radio and very tolerable.
The performance of the car increased a lot, it really pulls at above 3500 and up. And maybe just my mistake but I feel that the exhaust note became louder. I wonder if my step gearbox will last long? (and feel sorry that I cannot get a manual in the place I live)
The increase in acceleration is also very apparent in speed from 50-80mph, if you engage in the right gear.
Overall I feel that the power increase is satisfactory, but certainly not enough at the below 3000 rpm range. I cannot tell the difference between "before and after" performance at that range. Maybe that's because the boost level is low? I plan to add a boost gauge to monitor the boost pressure at all rpm range, but wonder where I can conceal it in the cabin. Anyone know where to get gauge housing as A pillar for the 330 model?
ESS told me that they are developing an aftercooler kit, and will be available at the end of the year or next spring. I think it worths a try. Say that it can increase another 35hp. Also, plan to change my stock exhaust to TSE. I heard lots of positive comments here about it.
Just a short question: Will 330 step handle 400hp at the crank? I think the engine can, according to technician at ESS, but how about transmission?
Appreciate any feedback.
Chin
Finally I got it supercharged, with all the little problems went on in the past few weeks.
ESS took 3 weeks to deliver the kit to me, originally they promised 2 weeks. The waiting, is like when I waited my delivery of the 330.
The kit arrived 3 weeks ago and without the larger injectors needed because ESS was back ordered. Anyway they said I can install the kit and add the injectors later.
I had certified BMW technician did the installation job. Took more than 8 hours for them to complete it. I think it takes a pretty advanced technicians who know BMW engines well to do a good job. I tried doing it myself but it was too difficult. There's a few cutting of plastics and drilling, and the manual is not detailed at all. Later I sent my ECU to ESS, and waited another 2 weeks until it got back to me (with the injectors). The ECU should be back much earlier (48 hr turnover time and added the transportation, but my parcel got messed up in transportation and got delayed for a week).
I had the injectors replaced and ECU back into my car last Saturday. The car started without a problem at all, and at idle engine is as smooth as before, there is a little whine from supercharger, and the volume increase when you depress the petal. the noise from supercharge is most audible at 2000-3000, above that, it got lost in the noise from engine and outside environment. The whine sounds like interference in radio and very tolerable.
The performance of the car increased a lot, it really pulls at above 3500 and up. And maybe just my mistake but I feel that the exhaust note became louder. I wonder if my step gearbox will last long? (and feel sorry that I cannot get a manual in the place I live)
The increase in acceleration is also very apparent in speed from 50-80mph, if you engage in the right gear.
Overall I feel that the power increase is satisfactory, but certainly not enough at the below 3000 rpm range. I cannot tell the difference between "before and after" performance at that range. Maybe that's because the boost level is low? I plan to add a boost gauge to monitor the boost pressure at all rpm range, but wonder where I can conceal it in the cabin. Anyone know where to get gauge housing as A pillar for the 330 model?
ESS told me that they are developing an aftercooler kit, and will be available at the end of the year or next spring. I think it worths a try. Say that it can increase another 35hp. Also, plan to change my stock exhaust to TSE. I heard lots of positive comments here about it.
Just a short question: Will 330 step handle 400hp at the crank? I think the engine can, according to technician at ESS, but how about transmission?
Appreciate any feedback.
Chin