Page updated 5-Sep-2006
No special tools or modifications required.
8-10 Hours fitting time, fully reversible.
VF-Engineering chose to supercharge
the BMW Z3 2.3 and 2.5 to improve throttle response and mid-to-top end power with
the centrifugal Vortech supercharger. Maintaining the the
original BMW quality, smoothness and reliability were the key factors
in the VF design. This is where the GIAC software comes into
full play. VF has harnessed reliability of Vortech superchargers
and quality of GIAC custom software with their 10 years of supercharging
experience and worldwide OEM supply contacts to create the ultimate
supercharger system for the ultimate driver's car.
All key components are 100%
made in California. This system has been fully road tested and
dyno tuned on both the GIAC Mustang MD500AWD and in-house Dynojet
224XLC dynamometers with and without engine load. All stage 1
kits are setup at 6 psi and create as much, if not more, power
than similar products running greater levels of
boost.
VF engineers spent over 12 months
software testing the BMW Bosch and Siemens ECUs and resolved stalling
and MAF issues faced by other supercharger systems. Software
flash technology and latest BMW file versions have all been employed
to provide the cleanest and the most reliable method of
software installation. GIAC engineers extensively re-wrote the
ECU software using their own binary, assembly and disassembly
algorithms written from scratch. Testing the software included
extensive road and dyno test cycles, with acceleration and deceleration
tests for driveability smoothness and ECU fuel management. All
test cars were put through long term full throttle testing in
conditions varying from wet cold climates to hot dry Arizona
desert temperature for safe-optimal air fuel ratios and knock
activity monitoring. Competently-written ECU software
has allowed VF to fully explore the potential of the BMW engine,
making over 40% more power in most applications.
VF chose to mount the Vortech
supercharger with an in-house CNC machined aluminum bracket
system. The unit is positioned in line with the original serpentine
belt which is replaced with a longer OEM belt. The key to this
design is that the OEM active-spring belt tensioner remains fully
functional and eliminates belt slip or the need to manually tension
the belt. The supercharger air ducts are custom molded in-house
from plastic to give an OEM appearance, quality and
fit. The incorporated Bosch boost overrun system
is designed for smooth off-throttle cruising and deceleration
with clean emissions. The crankcase ventilation system
is designed to cope with positive pressure and high flow OEM
injectors are supplied to fit as direct replacements without modification
to the injector rail. A removable plastic air
box is provided with the K&N induction filter for those who
use their vehicles in persistently wet climates.The VF supercharger
system remains fully OBD2 compliant and is supported by a 3 year
unlimited mileage warranty on the product only. Installation
can be performed in approximately 8 hours and is non-intrusive,
allowing it to be fully reversible.
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Above left: BMW Z3 2.3/2.5 supercharger kit. Precision
machined CNC bracket with chrome-moly support brace. All held in place
with metric high tensile hardware. Bracket is mounted in-line with
accessories and uses OEM belt tensioner for optimal efficiency.
Above right: (a) Superior design belt drive with almost 80% belt wrap of
supercharger pulley. (b) Custom plastic molded ducting
is used on all VF kits for ultimate quality and fitment. (c)
One piece discharge duct includes idle stabilizer and bypass spouts. (d)
CNC machined billet aluminum for superior strength and optical effect.
(e) Front mounted high quality water radiator for stage2 aftercooler kit.
(f) Simple by design, the VF kit fits neatly under your hood.
Every aspect of this kit has
been fully engineered for high quality fitment and highly demanding
performance and expectation. VF's in-house horizontal, turning
and milling CNC's and plastic molding plant, GIAC's industry
reputation and track record, and Vortech's reliability have
been fully exploited to create a product with internationally
un-rivaled material technology, quality, and performance.
Not all vehicles respond identically to
engine modifications which is why it is important to consider
the "delta", or relative power increase, measured on the same dyno
before and after modification. Power gains shown by VF have been
found to be accurate on test vehicles on 91 octane at sea level,
with stock setups (i.e. throttle body, exhaust system, etc.). The GIAC software
adapts just as the OEM software and a slight increase in performance may
be expected from the use of higher quality fuels such as 93 octane.
Power gains may vary according to factors such as altitude or vehicle
condition. Automatic vehicles are compatible but due to the nature of
the transmission, dyno measurements are not made.
Stage
1 is set up to create 6psi manifold pressure at peak
boost. VF engineers tested and found 6psi to be the optimal
induction charge limit without aftercooling. |
Stage
2 is in development with boost having been upgraded
by 2-3psi and the stock manifold being replaced with an
air-to-water integrated chargecooler manifold. Air/water
cooling requires less lengthy pipework than an intercooler
and provides more consistent aftercooling effect. The stage
2 upgrade package is being designed as an add-on kit to
the stage 1. |