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 M Coupe and M Roadster 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 have 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.
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.
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Above left: BMW Z3 S50 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: Superior design belt drive with almost 80% belt wrap
of supercharger pulley - Custom plastic molded ducting is used
on all VF kits for ultimate quality and fitment - One piece discharge
duct includes idle stabilizer and bypass spouts - CNC machined
billet aluminum for superior strength and optical effect.
- Front mounted high quality water radiator for aftercooler kit.
- Simple by design, the VF kit fits neatly under your hood.
The US model S50/S52 engines responds extremely
well to the introduction of positive pressure. Strong acceleration
and smooth power are all exaggerated to a point where one wants to
push the car in all gears. European models have not been tested.
Stage
1 for the S54 (E46 M3 engine) is being developed on
a VF in-house 2005 model E46 M3. This kit has been designed
as a single stage including a complete aftercooled kit
comprising of a production manufactured aluminum manifold
with integrated air-to-water heat exchanger (charge cooler).
Typically used in European Rally cars, air/water cooling
is the ultimate in aftercooler technology for on-and-off
the race track. Air/water cooling provides superior cooling
ability over air/air, without lengthy ducting and giving
cooler intake temperatures for more powerful ignition.
This kit is still in development and estimated for release
in Spring 06. |
Stage
2 for the S54 (E46 M3 engine) is currently in development. |
All information is correct at time of going live
online. VF-Engineering reserves the right to alter specifications
and prices at its will of the above prototype product at any time
up to and after the production model is launched.