ESS VT2-500 Supercharger Kit Installed! Impressions, pictures, video.

[Beedub]

Omg that cable tie holding the boost pipework up!!!!! Holy shit!!!!!!

What im gods earth were they doing.

When i get to work ill post properly

edit:

iphone im now convinced that the shop that did your install are complete cowboys........ that strap is the actualy support for the complete lower boost pipework without rigidity on that it will be flapping around, FFS what the fuck were they doing connecting it with a cable tie??????

btw mine is properly connected as it should be.... and mounted to the ARB bracket.

[iPhoneEngineer]

Did two more recorded runs today. 2nd gear at redline at the bottom of the hill, still 5PSI. At the top of the hill, a bit under 5PSI--looks like 4.5PSI--in 2nd, and at about ~7,250 only 4PSI even. The difference is about what is to be expected from the altitude difference, but at an absolute altitude of only 2,200 ft above sea level at the highest, it's a pretty poor figure.

Does anyone happen to know if the mounting bolt that is being held up with zip ties screws into a port that is actually connected to the interior of the pipe? I assumed that it probably wasn't...but if it is, it could definitely be leaking there since the bolt is not fully torqued. I'm not sure if that could leak an entire 2PSI+ of output from such a big supercharger, but I guess it's possible...

[ZStig]

no the mounting bracket is just that

[iPhoneEngineer]

Originally Posted by Roffle Waffle

no the mounting bracket is just that

You mean yours is held up with a zip tie too?! Beedub, any chance you have a picture which includes the mounting of that pipe? It's underneath the S/C unit.

[Beedub]

Originally Posted by iPhoneEngineer

You mean yours is held up with a zip tie too?! Beedub, any chance you have a picture which includes the mounting of that pipe? It's underneath the S/C unit.

Yes i know exactly where it is, its actually completly visible looking through the wheel.....

Mine is 100% connected properly. And bolted to the pipe one end, the other to the arb mount....
I cant imagine the movement ur pipes must go through in high loads siutations.....

Ill grab an iphone pic later :-)

What the hell were ur shop doing no way should anything be secured by a cable tie...... Words fail me, terrible practice imo... I would be furious.....

Im guessing the pipework is positioned in a wierd way, which caused this to not fit properly, instead of refitting the pipework or lengthening the bracket they secured it with a tie..... Horrific practice for a reputable shop.



Mine is definatly connected as it should be, i will try and get a pic later, difficult in my small garage.....

One thing i will say if something as simple as this is overlooked, how can u be assured ur install was done correctly????

[Beedub]

Please excuse poor grammer im posting via iphone.

Btw re the boost im now stumped????

[ZStig]

when was the last time it was dynoed? I'm stumped too

[Beedub]

Originally Posted by Roffle Waffle

when was the last time it was dynoed? I'm stumped too

well if youve check ALL boost pipework, youve checked the BPV, BOV, honestly...... theirs only one item left isnt their realistically??

the supercharger itself.

byron

[iPhoneEngineer]

Originally Posted by Beedub

well if youve check ALL boost pipework, youve checked the BPV, BOV, honestly...... theirs only one item left isnt their realistically??

the supercharger itself.

byron

Well, as I mentioned, I closely examined the compressor blades and it looks perfect. I am not sure what else could be wrong with it that loses 2-3PSI, lol.

I am still wondering if that bolt held up by zip ties connects to the inside of the pipe. If it does, because it is not tight, I'm sure it is leaking at least a significant amount of boost and it may be the entire problem.

Regarding pipe movement, that was a concern of mine as well because my driving conditions are particularly demanding and rigorous. The road between my house and civilization is more windy than 10 laps around Laguna Seca .

[iPhoneEngineer]

Originally Posted by Roffle Waffle

when was the last time it was dynoed? I'm stumped too

Roffle, first--what does that mount look like on your car?

The car was dyno'd on a Dynapack on August 14th and put down only 389RWHP, with catless headers. Expecting north of 425 minimum. This is pretty consistent with low boost that the dyno also recorded, but no leak can be found.

I am still somewhat suspicious of the BPV because it seems like it is the only possibility, though ESS is "110% certain" it isn't the problem. The car was never boost-tested with the BOV, because that BOV was not actually suitable for the kit and had to be modified to even bolt on, then broke the vacuum line stem by hitting the hood on a boost-test drive.

[Beedub]

Originally Posted by iPhoneEngineer

Roffle, first--what does that mount look like on your car?

The car was dyno'd on a Dynapack on August 14th and put down only 389RWHP, with catless headers. Expecting north of 425 minimum. This is pretty consistent with low boost that the dyno also recorded, but no leak can be found.

I am still somewhat suspicious of the BPV because it seems like it is the only possibility, though ESS is "110% certain" it isn't the problem. The car was never boost-tested with the BOV, because that BOV was not actually suitable for the kit and had to be modified to even bolt on, then broke the vacuum line stem by hitting the hood on a boost-test drive.

that bolt doesnt go through to the inside of the pipework???? your leak isnt their for sure, it wont help your boost pipework swinging around though.....

your down a significant amount of boost you REALLY need a proper shop where you are, you tuners are letting you down imo......
i genuinely feel that is something missing form this somewhere.... the supercharger makes mecanical boost, its definatly pumping out 7psi +, your pipework is leaking that charge somehow......

byron

[ZStig]

I also have a temporary mount there, albeit its a metal bracket, but I was told that it may have movement until a better bracket is made this week. I don't always hit 8psi in 2nd, sometimes only 6psi. It MIGHT be because of this, but like I said, I'm getting the install fine tuned this week. There is a bit of trial and error with this complex install it seems

[iPhoneEngineer]

Regarding the gear for testing--as I mentioned, at 2,200ft in 3rd gear at 7,250RPM I'm getting only 4PSI, so I think it's pretty clear I have a boost issue even if only 6PSI is normal for 2nd gear. That said, obviously the top of 2nd gear is the only remotely easily accessible boost test so I would like to know what to expect there. Beedub: what boost do you see at the top of 2nd? How about 1st; is it less due to the delay of air propagating through the boost pipework and IC?

Anyway, ESS got back to me this afternoon with only a few options remaining:

1) Bring the car back to Aleks for re-inspection. I need to talk to Aleks and see how this would go. Unfortunately I don't think he would find a leak either; I've truly scrutinized the couplers for hours.
2) ESS has offered to send my a smaller S/C pulley to compensate. This would increase the parasitic load of the S/C (making the transition to engine-drive deceleration more abrupt, which is a major drag for my driving conditions) as well as the wear on the S/C unit, and is generally a hack, but may be my best option...
3) Bring the car to ESS in AZ. At least I'm close enough to make this a remotely sane possibility, but I really don't have the time nor do I want to put the miles on the car / pay for shipping a 3,200lb object hundreds of miles.

I guess I have nothing further to say but that I can't help but second-guess my decision to purchase the VT2-500. What a clusterfuck.

[ZStig]

Always start with the easiest solutions first....


1.get a cheap party smoke machine, and run some smoke into your intake (with bumper off). You may find the leak yourself
2. then have Alekshop take another look at it, but I'd also have them upgrade the iffy clamps with T-bolt clamps. Also make a permanent bracket for that intercooler pipe down low
3. IF all else fails, take Friday off from work, and drive to arizona

[iPhoneEngineer]

Originally Posted by Roffle Waffle

Always start with the easiest solutions first....


1.get a cheap party smoke machine, and run some smoke into your intake (with bumper off). You may find the leak yourself
2. then have Alekshop take another look at it, but I'd also have them upgrade the iffy clamps with T-bolt clamps. Also make a permanent bracket for that intercooler pipe down low
3. IF all else fails, take Friday off from work, and drive to arizona

HG Motorsports in San Diego already did the smoke test. I think AJ's right--the smoke test won't even reveal something that only leaks under boost, anyway, which is most likely the problem at this stage. Aleks has been looking for a proper smoke tester for his shop but doesn't have one yet.

I will probably be bringing the car to Aleks, but this is difficult in its own right (it's my only car and I have a job, obviously). His shop is about an hour away from home too. Good point about T-Bolt clamps, and yes the mount in particular really has to be fixed. I expect him to fix the mount for free, but will pay him to change the S/C fluid at the same time and hopefully clock the blower. Beedub: what did you have to change about the pipework/couplers to successfully clock your blower? Do you have pictures of the new orientation of the S/C output and the pipes it leads to?

Ugh, driving to AZ. It wouldn't just be Friday off work--they need enough time to diagnose and fix the car, obviously. Epic pain in the ass. I hope they offer to ship the car for me at some point. I expect better than this from an organization that calls their installers "ESS Dealers".

[ZStig]

the most epic pain in the ass I've ever had was with a 318ti to m3 engine/tranny/ecu/suspension/brake swap. It took 3 months of headaches, and that was just to get the car STARTED. Try to look on the very small bright side, which is that other than deceleration, the car's drive-able every day and is only 2psi short of the goal

I don't know what else to tell ya

[johanness]

I'd have had it out to ESS after the first round, but that's me. Option 3 all the way. Best of luck. Sucks and truly hope they (someone) iron out the issues.

[iPhoneEngineer]

Originally Posted by Roffle Waffle

the most epic pain in the ass I've ever had was with a 318ti to m3 engine/tranny/ecu/suspension/brake swap. It took 3 months of headaches, and that was just to get the car STARTED. Try to look on the very small bright side, which is that other than deceleration, the car's drive-able every day and is only 2psi short of the goal

I don't know what else to tell ya

I know what you mean, and that's a fair point...I had plenty of problems that left my 1988 Supra inoperable, and they were at least as frustrating. What makes this situation different is that I've spent over $12k in addition to the time (headers install, etc) to realize the kit, and here an orderly diagnosis has completely failed to solve the boost issue.

That said, I did have a blast driving home from work today. I've determined that the new spark plugs have at least helped limit the hesitation usefully, and the Z4 M Coupe w/ Pilot Super Sports is just such an absurdly capable beast on these roads it is hard not to enjoy the car. Overall the problems with the tune have been more of a downer than not making the expected peak power, so I hope the second headers swap and sensor relocation can get done soon. It better fix the issue though, lol! :roll eyes:

About taking the car to ESS...it's well over a 1,500 mile round trip, over 12 hours drive time each way. There's really no guarantee how quickly the issue would be discovered and the work complete, if at all. It would indeed be ideal to have ESS inspect it, but I can't make the trip in the next month or two regardless. If it comes down to that I'll try to make sure the OEM Euro headers are in first in case I'm still having tune issues...

[Beedub]

Originally Posted by iPhoneEngineer

Regarding the gear for testing--as I mentioned, at 2,200ft in 3rd gear at 7,250RPM I'm getting only 4PSI, so I think it's pretty clear I have a boost issue even if only 6PSI is normal for 2nd gear. That said, obviously the top of 2nd gear is the only remotely easily accessible boost test so I would like to know what to expect there. Beedub: what boost do you see at the top of 2nd? How about 1st; is it less due to the delay of air propagating through the boost pipework and IC?

Anyway, ESS got back to me this afternoon with only a few options remaining:

1) Bring the car back to Aleks for re-inspection. I need to talk to Aleks and see how this would go. Unfortunately I don't think he would find a leak either; I've truly scrutinized the couplers for hours.
2) ESS has offered to send my a smaller S/C pulley to compensate. This would increase the parasitic load of the S/C (making the transition to engine-drive deceleration more abrupt, which is a major drag for my driving conditions) as well as the wear on the S/C unit, and is generally a hack, but may be my best option...
3) Bring the car to ESS in AZ. At least I'm close enough to make this a remotely sane possibility, but I really don't have the time nor do I want to put the miles on the car / pay for shipping a 3,200lb object hundreds of miles.

I guess I have nothing further to say but that I can't help but second-guess my decision to purchase the VT2-500. What a clusterfuck.

i see full boost in every gear.......then again i havent maxed 4th yet, but in 1/2/3 i see full boost???

[Beedub]

Originally Posted by Roffle Waffle

Always start with the easiest solutions first....


1.get a cheap party smoke machine, and run some smoke into your intake (with bumper off). You may find the leak yourself
2. then have Alekshop take another look at it, but I'd also have them upgrade the iffy clamps with T-bolt clamps. Also make a permanent bracket for that intercooler pipe down low
3. IF all else fails, take Friday off from work, and drive to arizona

yup i noticed that too the clips in your kit ARE NOT ess supplied ;-)
i dont know why but you have some cheap ass clips and ess definatly dont supply these with their kits, they supply high quality "zebra" branded ones not ideal but far far far better than the ones your kit is using ........ wonder what happened their??

[Beedub]

Originally Posted by johanness

I'd have had it out to ESS after the first round, but that's me. Option 3 all the way. Best of luck. Sucks and truly hope they (someone) iron out the issues.

agree with this one im afraid BUT its not ess's fault that alekshop have imo done a poor job, and yes im now saying theyve done a poor install, after seeing their cable tie holding the i/c bracket, quite frankly i dont expect this from a backstreet garage let alone a car "tuner".

[Beedub]

Originally Posted by iPhoneEngineer

I know what you mean, and that's a fair point...I had plenty of problems that left my 1988 Supra inoperable, and they were at least as frustrating. What makes this situation different is that I've spent over $12k in addition to the time (headers install, etc) to realize the kit, and here an orderly diagnosis has completely failed to solve the boost issue.

That said, I did have a blast driving home from work today. I've determined that the new spark plugs have at least helped limit the hesitation usefully, and the Z4 M Coupe w/ Pilot Super Sports is just such an absurdly capable beast on these roads it is hard not to enjoy the car. Overall the problems with the tune have been more of a downer than not making the expected peak power, so I hope the second headers swap and sensor relocation can get done soon. It better fix the issue though, lol! :roll eyes:

About taking the car to ESS...it's well over a 1,500 mile round trip, over 12 hours drive time each way. There's really no guarantee how quickly the issue would be discovered and the work complete, if at all. It would indeed be ideal to have ESS inspect it, but I can't make the trip in the next month or two regardless. If it comes down to that I'll try to make sure the OEM Euro headers are in first in case I'm still having tune issues...

scott this car MUST go to ESS the tuners in your area are letting you down and are just pussy footing around and quite frankly its a letdown for you... Ess will take this car inhand and absolutly sort it for you BUT honestly, i feel they should cover shipping your car..... simple and you cover your own hire car...... i think they should do that imo, and the ESS dealers need proper training to install their kits, ALL OF THE DEALERS....

the vt2 should have transformed your experience, not left you feeling like this, i for one am horrified for you, unnfortunatly your running parts that ess have told us wont work and i feel you must revert back to the euro headers and basically i personally think the kit needs to COMPLETLY come off the car, and be reinstalled leaving no stone unturned, until you do this your car wont function properly.......

This car must go to ESS.