First Day with ESS VT2-600 Supercharger

Bob86GN · 01-13-2011, 07:46 PM

I got my car back today from it's holiday trip to IND for an ESS VT2-600 supercharger installation as part of their package program including transportation and installation of the kit. So I figured I would post some first impressions.

A little bit about me and cars, I am an engineer and built a 1986 Buick Grand National that runs in the high 10s. It has dynoed over 550HP at the wheels. It has been a super touchey, fickle beast but can pull the front wheels on drag radials if tuned properly. I did all the assembly myself and take great pride in my skills and attention to detail.

Enter the M3. I have wanted an M3 for as long as I can remember and was finally able to get one in 2009. After I got it, I was a little bit disappointed with the acceleration. Not crazy but expecting more for 420HP. I started researching SC kits, tunes, strokers, etc but was VERY hesitant to do anything to the M3 for fear of loosing what it was, a quick, dependable, great handling car. After a couple "incidents" with faster cars, I began to really get the urge to do something.

After numerous discussions with Ilia, I decided to turn the crank on the 600HP kit. I contemplated doing the installation myself but the one thing I have less of than ever is time. So I got on board for the full installation package. While the car was there it also got an Eisenmann Race muffler, a new custom front bumper and a Brembo BBK. I got the car back today.

I prepared myself for disappointment.

I anticipated it having an issue, a tip in stumble, maybe a hard start, something to be just a little off as a sacrifice for the additional power. The driver started it up in the trailer and it sounded great.

He backed it up, I checked it out and away he went. I drove around the block and when I put it in reverse the passenger mirror did not dip.

I figured, here it is, the first programming bug. I knew it was too good to be true.

Parked the car and went in and had dinner. Came out and opened the hood. Installation was fantastic, everything about the car was cleaner and more vibrant than it was when it left for IND. Soft fingered the starter button and it didn't start right away, my heart sank.

I knew it was too good to be true. I hit the button again and it fired right up. To be honest I was nervous. I took it out to get gas and told my wife jokingly to keep her phone on in case I broke down.

Off I went to get some gas. Normal driving was exactly like stock. I tried hard to do stuff that would make it somehow unhappy in regular driving (taking it out of gear at 4000rpm and coasting, upshifts and downshifts, low rpm driving) and could not make it act anything other than stock.

It, in a word, was perfect. I babied it all the way to the gas station. Filled it up, hit the start button and it was just like normal. I move the mirror button to the drivers side to adjust my mirror, put it in reverse and the mirror dipped, I remembered that the mirror does not dip if the switch is on the passenger side mirror. No programming error, user error.

I pulled out and decided to just give it a little and see what it was like. The effortless push that is now available is awe inspiring. The car feels like it lost 1,000lbs of weight. The acceleration is instant but also linear. It is completely tractable and drivable. What Ilia said was true, drive it below 4000rpm and you will not have any idea it is supercharged. From 4 to 8000rpm is a complete blur. The motor revs faster than any car I have ever driven with the supercharger. It is almost impossible to shift fast enough in first gear. The sound is incredible, the effortless power is phenomenal.

I was concerned about having some I guys I never met come pick up my car and take it away and work on it.

The process was awesome. The guys (Nate and Ilia) were very responsive and available. No question I asked, and I asked a bunch of them, did they not have a reasonable well thought out answer for. The car came back cleaner and better than it left and the installation appears to be perfect.

I am sure I will update this once I get to air it out a little but so far every concern or apprehension I had were unfounded.

Very impressed, very thankful and very happy

maaicher · 01-13-2011, 07:55 PM

Congrats, looking forward to hearing more about your experience as you get to drive the car more

chd2 · 01-13-2011, 07:56 PM

I can't wait to do mine, looking at the same kit! Glad to hear your experience was good, I was also worried about it turning fickle, much like a soupy 930 I used to have.

gixxer_kidd · 01-13-2011, 08:20 PM

thanks for sharing your experience. looking forward to hear more once you put more miles on it. enjoy the new found power!

ajvee · 01-13-2011, 08:33 PM

congrats! do you anticipate any issues with driving it in the winter with the added power?

SoTempted · 01-13-2011, 08:43 PM

Subscribed to hear later impressions!

zhangzeyuandss · 01-13-2011, 09:56 PM

Great enjoy your car.. IND are the best

GOLFFRR · 01-13-2011, 10:04 PM

congrats like others above have stated i am def interested to see how you feel down the road

also i am really jealous!

E90///M3` · 01-13-2011, 10:12 PM

i honestly believe you won't find any issues... enjoy it!

biglare · 01-13-2011, 10:29 PM

Congrats!

Enjoy the car and be safe out there! It is so easy to do 120mph and not even realize it! The car gets there soooo fast!

///M 4 Life · 01-14-2011, 05:28 AM

Wow great write up! Thanks so much. Congrats!

Kyoshi71 · 01-14-2011, 05:37 AM

IND's reputation seems to be flawless. Great write-up. Best of luck with the mod and I look forward to seeing a few high-quality videos! I mean, you are an engineer.

Mahmood07 · 01-14-2011, 06:16 AM

Wait, let me get this straight... You just got your car back after a long wait with a new 600HP supercharger in it and you decided to park it and take the time to have dinner first! You have some serious patience my friend

. Great write up!

chris s · 01-14-2011, 09:20 AM

Great write-up!!! Please update the thread once you've gotten a little more seat time! Enjoy!

1cleanm6 · 01-14-2011, 10:05 AM

i rally hate you supercharged guys!

lol

I want one so bad but its like a downpayment for a place

Nate@IND · 01-14-2011, 11:04 AM

What no photos

Congrats on the VT2-600 Bob! Great review.

sales@ESSTuning · 01-14-2011, 02:39 PM

Glad you like your kit

3XTR3M3 · 01-14-2011, 03:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nate@IND

What no photos

Congrats on the VT2-600 Bob! Great review.

IND aka The Sex Factory

Bob86GN · 01-14-2011, 05:09 PM

Day 2 as a daily driver...super impressive. I could not wait to drive to work this morning.
I think the thing that impresses me the most is how unobtrusive the unit is in operation. I could give the keys to the car to anyone and if they did not mat it right away they would have no idea it was supercharged. I guess the word I am looking for is refined, the kit maintains a very high level of refinement.

WCM3 · 01-14-2011, 06:13 PM

Great review!

So I'm in West Chester..do you offer strangers rides? hah.. I've been wanting to feel what a supercharged e9x m3 is like.

Bob86GN · 01-14-2011, 06:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WCM3

Great review!

So I'm in West Chester..do you offer strangers rides? hah.. I've been wanting to feel what a supercharged e9x m3 is like.

PM sent

gemini330zhp · 01-14-2011, 06:27 PM

Congrats on the new kit and nice review!!!! I was about to say where are the pics of this car. All Nate had to do is show the engine!!!!!!

01-13-2011, 07:46 PM	#1
Bob86GN Private First Class 7 Rep 147 Posts Drives: 2022 F93 M8 Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Worcester, PA iTrader: (0)	First Day with ESS VT2-600 Supercharger I got my car back today from it's holiday trip to IND for an ESS VT2-600 supercharger installation as part of their package program including transportation and installation of the kit. So I figured I would post some first impressions. A little bit about me and cars, I am an engineer and built a 1986 Buick Grand National that runs in the high 10s. It has dynoed over 550HP at the wheels. It has been a super touchey, fickle beast but can pull the front wheels on drag radials if tuned properly. I did all the assembly myself and take great pride in my skills and attention to detail. Enter the M3. I have wanted an M3 for as long as I can remember and was finally able to get one in 2009. After I got it, I was a little bit disappointed with the acceleration. Not crazy but expecting more for 420HP. I started researching SC kits, tunes, strokers, etc but was VERY hesitant to do anything to the M3 for fear of loosing what it was, a quick, dependable, great handling car. After a couple "incidents" with faster cars, I began to really get the urge to do something. After numerous discussions with Ilia, I decided to turn the crank on the 600HP kit. I contemplated doing the installation myself but the one thing I have less of than ever is time. So I got on board for the full installation package. While the car was there it also got an Eisenmann Race muffler, a new custom front bumper and a Brembo BBK. I got the car back today. I prepared myself for disappointment. I anticipated it having an issue, a tip in stumble, maybe a hard start, something to be just a little off as a sacrifice for the additional power. The driver started it up in the trailer and it sounded great. He backed it up, I checked it out and away he went. I drove around the block and when I put it in reverse the passenger mirror did not dip. I figured, here it is, the first programming bug. I knew it was too good to be true. Parked the car and went in and had dinner. Came out and opened the hood. Installation was fantastic, everything about the car was cleaner and more vibrant than it was when it left for IND. Soft fingered the starter button and it didn't start right away, my heart sank. I knew it was too good to be true. I hit the button again and it fired right up. To be honest I was nervous. I took it out to get gas and told my wife jokingly to keep her phone on in case I broke down. Off I went to get some gas. Normal driving was exactly like stock. I tried hard to do stuff that would make it somehow unhappy in regular driving (taking it out of gear at 4000rpm and coasting, upshifts and downshifts, low rpm driving) and could not make it act anything other than stock. It, in a word, was perfect. I babied it all the way to the gas station. Filled it up, hit the start button and it was just like normal. I move the mirror button to the drivers side to adjust my mirror, put it in reverse and the mirror dipped, I remembered that the mirror does not dip if the switch is on the passenger side mirror. No programming error, user error. I pulled out and decided to just give it a little and see what it was like. The effortless push that is now available is awe inspiring. The car feels like it lost 1,000lbs of weight. The acceleration is instant but also linear. It is completely tractable and drivable. What Ilia said was true, drive it below 4000rpm and you will not have any idea it is supercharged. From 4 to 8000rpm is a complete blur. The motor revs faster than any car I have ever driven with the supercharger. It is almost impossible to shift fast enough in first gear. The sound is incredible, the effortless power is phenomenal. I was concerned about having some I guys I never met come pick up my car and take it away and work on it. The process was awesome. The guys (Nate and Ilia) were very responsive and available. No question I asked, and I asked a bunch of them, did they not have a reasonable well thought out answer for. The car came back cleaner and better than it left and the installation appears to be perfect. I am sure I will update this once I get to air it out a little but so far every concern or apprehension I had were unfounded. Very impressed, very thankful and very happy __________________ 2022 F93 M8 - Barcelona Blue 2019 991.2 TTS - Night Blue 2011 F-150 SuperCrew (Winter Transportation) 1986 Buick Grand National (10.8 @ 122mph) 1987 Buick Grand National (stockish)
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01-13-2011, 07:55 PM	#2
maaicher Captain 62 Rep 791 Posts Drives: 2008 BMW M3 Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: San Diego, CA iTrader: (10)	Congrats, looking forward to hearing more about your experience as you get to drive the car more __________________ SOLD Current 2008 Space Grey E92 M3 * JRZ RS Pro * TE37SL * AP Racing * Sparco Evo * Akrapovic Slip On * Studio RSR Cage * SOLD 2003.5 E46 M3 * Apex ARC8 * MCS 2-Way * Stop-Tech C43 * Recaro Profi XL * SOLD 2008 Jet Black E92 M3 * HRE C20 19in Wheels * KW Clubsport * Huper Ceramic Tint * Stop-Tech Trophy BBK * Gintani SC & Gintani Custom Exhaust * Vertice Front Bumper * Arkym Diffuser *
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01-13-2011, 07:56 PM	#3
chd2 Driver 3 Rep 119 Posts Drives: 09 E92 M3 DCT Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Seabrook, TX iTrader: (0)	I can't wait to do mine, looking at the same kit! Glad to hear your experience was good, I was also worried about it turning fickle, much like a soupy 930 I used to have.
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01-13-2011, 08:20 PM	#4
gixxer_kidd Major 83 Rep 1,461 Posts Drives: e92 m3 Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Northern VA iTrader: (18) Garage List 2008 m3 [10.00]	thanks for sharing your experience. looking forward to hear more once you put more miles on it. enjoy the new found power!
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01-13-2011, 08:33 PM	#5
ajvee Major 119 Rep 1,451 Posts Drives: None Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: None iTrader: (13)	congrats! do you anticipate any issues with driving it in the winter with the added power?
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01-13-2011, 08:43 PM	#6
SoTempted Captain 20 Rep 766 Posts Drives: Incompetently Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Clovis, NM iTrader: (4)	Subscribed to hear later impressions!
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01-13-2011, 09:56 PM	#7
zhangzeyuandss Captain 62 Rep 939 Posts Drives: e92 m3, 911 GTS manual,F80,G80 Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Houston, Tx iTrader: (9)	Great enjoy your car.. IND are the best __________________ 2011.5 mineral white e92 zcp 6mt m3
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01-13-2011, 10:04 PM	#8
GOLFFRR 10817 Rep 27,600 Posts Drives: GOLFFRR cart Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: we sell BMWs to "ALL" US states iTrader: (4)	congrats like others above have stated i am def interested to see how you feel down the road also i am really jealous! __________________ BEFORE YOU BUY YOUR NEXT BMW, EMAIL OUR GUY KOTE FIRST! Kote M Sales:Kotem@bmwofcamarillo.com Cell:805-368-9101 vipfinance@bmwofcamarillo.com for warranties!
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01-13-2011, 10:12 PM	#9
E90///M3` Major General 141 Rep 5,264 Posts Drives: 2008 E90M3 Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Daly City -4- Work///Camarillo is Home iTrader: (3) Garage List 2008 BMW E90 M3 [7.60]	i honestly believe you won't find any issues... enjoy it! __________________ - Jason P :Have: 08 E90M3, Varis VRS Front Lip, LS3, ESS Supercharger, Arqray Exhaust, Neez Wheels :Want: VRS Carbon GT Wing & Cooling Bonnet, LCI Taillights :Videos: EnvyRidesTV, GPR 1, GPR 2, GPR 3, ///MFEST
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01-13-2011, 10:29 PM	#10
biglare Bulldog 482 Rep 3,355 Posts Drives: BMW & Porsche Join Date: May 2008 Location: ? iTrader: (3)	Congrats! Enjoy the car and be safe out there! It is so easy to do 120mph and not even realize it! The car gets there soooo fast! __________________ Prev: Individual F80 M3 - Fjord Blue/Silverstone(interior) \| Fashion Grey(exterior) GTS
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01-14-2011, 05:28 AM	#11
///M 4 Life Captain 32 Rep 858 Posts Drives: 2014 ///M6 CP Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Central Jersey iTrader: (0)	Wow great write up! Thanks so much. Congrats!
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01-14-2011, 05:37 AM	#12
Kyoshi71 Colonel 93 Rep 2,528 Posts Drives: 2010 M3 Coupe Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: New York iTrader: (0)	IND's reputation seems to be flawless. Great write-up. Best of luck with the mod and I look forward to seeing a few high-quality videos! I mean, you are an engineer. __________________ "But resist we much; we must; and we will much; about that be committed." ~Rev. Al Sharpton 2010 E92 M3\|Silverstone II\|M-DCT\|NCSW\|2MT\|ZCW\|ZPP\|ZTP\|302\|507\|Gas Guzzler Tax
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01-14-2011, 06:16 AM	#13
Mahmood07 Captain 86 Rep 856 Posts Drives: E92 M3 + F85 X5M Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Boston->San Diego->Bahrain iTrader: (0)	Wait, let me get this straight... You just got your car back after a long wait with a new 600HP supercharger in it and you decided to park it and take the time to have dinner first! You have some serious patience my friend . Great write up! __________________ ///M3 Mods: \| Eisenmann Race Exhaust \| Primary Cats Delete (TTP) \| ESS Tune \| 19" Advan RS \| Eibach Springs \| MS Air Filter \| BMW Perf. Spoiler \| BMW Perf. Splitters \| Euro LCI Tail lights \| Angel iBright v.3.0 \| 20% Tint \| Matte black Kidney Grills \| CF Side Gills \| Painted Reflectors \| Black M3 emblem
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01-14-2011, 09:20 AM	#14
chris s Major General 1250 Rep 6,912 Posts Drives: 2022 Dravit G80 M3 Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: New York iTrader: (12)	Great write-up!!! Please update the thread once you've gotten a little more seat time! Enjoy! __________________ 2022 Dravit/Fiona M3cx - Dinan midpipe w/VC, NW Carbonhaus CF, AST Springs, FC Spacers...more to come! 2016 Indi F80 M3 - SMB\|Amaro \| Mode Carbon \| ESS \| Akra EVO \| KW HAS...SOLD 2012 MR e92 M3 DCT, ESS SC, Brembo BBK, BBS FI... GONE but not forgotten! 2008 AW e92 M3 6MT, ESS SC, BBS LM's...SOLD!
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01-14-2011, 10:05 AM	#15
1cleanm6 Brigadier General 441 Rep 3,668 Posts Drives: M5 comp/Range/i3S Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Earth iTrader: (7)	i rally hate you supercharged guys! lol I want one so bad but its like a downpayment for a place
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01-14-2011, 11:04 AM	#16
Nate@IND BimmerPost Supporting Vendor 2868 Rep 11,374 Posts Drives: BMW Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Chicago iTrader: (19)	What no photos Congrats on the VT2-600 Bob! Great review. __________________ IND DISTRIBUTION \| 866-963-4520 • FACEBOOK • INSTAGRAM • FLICKR
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01-14-2011, 02:39 PM	#17
sales@ESSTuning 391 Rep 3,149 Posts Drives: ESS M3 / M4 Join Date: May 2007 Location: AZ iTrader: (6)	Glad you like your kit
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01-14-2011, 05:09 PM	#19
Bob86GN Private First Class 7 Rep 147 Posts Drives: 2022 F93 M8 Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Worcester, PA iTrader: (0)	Day 2 as a daily driver...super impressive. I could not wait to drive to work this morning. I think the thing that impresses me the most is how unobtrusive the unit is in operation. I could give the keys to the car to anyone and if they did not mat it right away they would have no idea it was supercharged. I guess the word I am looking for is refined, the kit maintains a very high level of refinement. __________________ 2022 F93 M8 - Barcelona Blue 2019 991.2 TTS - Night Blue 2011 F-150 SuperCrew (Winter Transportation) 1986 Buick Grand National (10.8 @ 122mph) 1987 Buick Grand National (stockish)
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01-14-2011, 06:13 PM	#20
WCM3 Î canŧ főcus mŷ attėntĭon 72 Rep 1,406 Posts Drives: 13 Rubicon Join Date: May 2008 Location: Morgantown, Pa iTrader: (7)	Great review! So I'm in West Chester..do you offer strangers rides? hah.. I've been wanting to feel what a supercharged e9x m3 is like. __________________ 2011 M3 Coupe - Individual Fire Orange/Black Novillo Extended Leather, 6MT, Mode Carbon, Eisenmann Race, BBS CH-R, BC Coil-overs (Sold) 1995 M3 Coupe - Avus/Hurricane, AEM EMS, Precision Turbo, Boostlogic, H&R, Fikse FM/5, MaxVelocity, Maximum PSI, 20% Tint, etc etc..(Sold) 2009 M3 Coupe - AW/Fox Red, 6MT, Carbon Roof, Shadow Trim, etc (Sold)
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01-14-2011, 06:27 PM	#22
gemini330zhp Major 34 Rep 1,180 Posts Drives: 2008 M3 E90 Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: BergenCo NewJersey iTrader: (0)	Congrats on the new kit and nice review!!!! I was about to say where are the pics of this car. All Nate had to do is show the engine!!!!!! __________________ 2008 Jet Black E90 M3 6SPD no sunroof and 18s to my specs
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