VF Engineering Stage 1 Supercharger System 6.0psi BMW E46 M3 01-06

Horsepower: 333 to 480 (Gain of 147 HP)
Torque: 262 to 330 (Gain of 68 ft/lbs)

VF-Engineering chose to supercharge the BMW E46 M3 to add to already superior throttle response and give wild mid-to-top end power (sport mode) with the centrifugal Vortech supercharger.

Maintaining 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.

In late 2004, VF purchased a 2005 model M3 (black M3 shown above) and chose to create and test its complete aftercooled Stage 1 kit. A production manufactured aluminum manifold with integrated air-to-water heat exchanger (charge cooler) is provided for added value and greater performance compared to similar air/air systems. 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 while creating cooler intake temperatures for more powerful and reliable ignition.

All key components are 100% made in California. Supporting components such as flow matched injectors, radiators and water pumps are all aquired from German OEMs. 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. Competantly 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 sytem 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 12-14 hours and is non-intrusive, allowing it to be fully reversible.

Some other facts about the VF kit versus the competition:

- The Vortech supercharger is a much larger unit and therefore has a superior flow rate over the competition.
- The Vortech unit [centrifugal] runs at approximately half the impeller speed when compared to a typical planetary unit at like-for-like boost levels.
- The Vortech unit is capable of creating up to 20psi [application dependent] and therefore has greater potential for higher power levels.
- The Vortech unit does not need its own separate oil cooling system with reservoir and extra radiator.
- Vortech units have been on the market for over 15 years in the US, many many times longer than the competition.
- VF's air/water cooling system is far superior to any air/air intercooler which is why VF makes 460whp on 91 octane without water/meth injection.
- VF's Stage2 makes the same power as the competitor kit but with less boost and less octane. VF only needs 8psi and 91 octane.

With the basic details and facts laid out as above, there is every reason to buy a VF kit for your E46 M3.

Stage 1:
5.0-5.5 psi
chargecooler manifold system
OEM cooling system
Vortech V2SQ-SC trim
Type-R Bypass system
Stg1 fuel injectors
Stg1 GIAC ECU flash
400whp on 91 octane

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. VF does not guarantee that all engines will make the same power numbers. 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. VF installs its systems in house as means of continuous product monitoring. All vehicles are dyno'd pre-install and the stock E46 M3 typically delivers 265-275whp on 91 octane. VF-Engineering is not responsible for pre-existing or consequential wear and tear of your vehicle. It is an assumed owner responsibility to ensure your car is adequately upgraded to support power enhancements.

VF's testing of EGT and wide band O2 was performed from sensors installed in the OEM header. Technicians logged individual cylinder exhaust gas temperatures as well as Air/Fuel ratio in each exhaust bank (pre-catalytic converter).

Specs:
GIAC custom tuned stage 1 software
Top speed governor removed
Vortech V2 Super Quite SC trim polished supercharger
3 year unlimited mileage limited product warranty
Replacement chargecooler manifold
Bosch water pump with VF water reservoir system
VF- CNC machined 6061 aluminum bracket system
OEM BMW idler pullies
Stage 1 OEM High flow spray pattern matched fuel injectors
VF- Custom molded polypropylene ducting
VF- Custom tuned supercharger intake
High flow 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
Replacement OEM serpentine belt
K&N induction filter with cold air intake
Comprehensive installation CD-ROM
Precision Made in California, USA