VF Engineering Superchargers

New, lower pricing!  New E9X M3 applications!

With our experience with modifying BMWs in our Upper Saddle River, NJ facility, we are constantly impressed by the level of quality of the supercharger kit offered by VF Engineering.  The mutual respect of our respective companies have allowed us to proudly become an authorized regional installation facility for this product.  We have already seen a number of improvements to this kit since its introduction and feel that it is the most complete kit available for this vehicle.  Like Rogue Engineering, VF continually improves it's product throughout it's lifecycle.  With feedback from installation facilities such as Rogue Engineering, VF can continually improve its product for enthusiasts.

E46 M3 Supercharger Kits

VFE with custom anodized supercharger bracket (black) and satin finish charger

VFE E46 M3 Stage 2, Black Ano Bracket, Phoenix Yellow

VFE E46 M3 Stage 2, Silver Grey

VFE E46 M3 Stage 2, SMG, during installation

Installation of the kit is 100% reversible, if removal is desired.

Installation Services
Installations at Rogue Engineering are definitely atypical compared to "other" shops.   Since the work performed on vehicles represent how we would work on our own cars, when installing a supercharger kit of this nature, we do not install "by the hour" nor do we cut corners.  We work on the vehicles until they have completely satisfied our requirements, or it doesn't leave our facility.  Because of this obsessive nature, our typical install requires the car to be in our facility at least 4-5 working days.

Please note that installation labor prices quote by phone are for kits purchased directly from Rogue Engineering.  Labor rates and prices for SMG equipped vehicles and supercharger kits not purchased directly from Rogue Engineering are subject to higher pricing.  Prices do not include shop supplies, materials and incidentals.

What about other superchargers on the market?
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 Mustang MD500AWD and in-house Dynojet 224XLC dynamometers with and without engine load. All kits are setup at 6 psi and create as much, if not more, power than similar products running greater levels of boost.

Software flash technology and latest BMW file versions have all been employed to provide the cleanest and the most reliable method of software installation. VF 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 drivability 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 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.
• No modifications to the bumper or under panel as all VF components are designed to fit within the confines of the factory panels

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

Do I need anything else?
For those with stock cars, nearly doubling the power on and M3 without consequence is not realistic.  Many customers quickly realize that the stock brakes are not enough to haul the M3 down from speed.  Some consider upgraded pads, while most know that upgraded braking systems (such as a big brake kit) is required.

Some customers have elected to keep the stock exhaust manifolds and catalysts with their Stage 2 upgrade during the initial installation.  While they are giving up some power, they give some time for their wallets to recover to save up for the headers and catalysts to be installed later down the road.  No additional programming is required.

Although not required, suspension is also a huge improvement on the E46 M3 (with or without the supercharger).   Other upgrades such as 3.91 or 4.10 gear ratios also makes for an excellent improvement in drivability.  Lightweight flywheels with weights LESS than 10 pounds is not recommended, as it has been shown to affect the vehicles ability to maintain a consistent, factory-like idle and throttle response.  We have more success with stock or our F/I PCS system.

• Headers/Cats - VF's test cars did not require the headers/cats to be upgraded for stage 1. Adding an aftermarket header may not necessarily improve engine performance but may become necessary due to, reduced life expectancy of stock cats with increased power levels.
  
  Pressure testing by VF engineers accross the cat and between the cylinder head and cat has shown sufficiently low readings with upto 8psi of intake manifold pressure. Arduous or track driving may require a clutch upgrade, but VF testing for stage 1 has been performed with BMW stock clutch and the full stock exhaust system. Sports cats are compatible providing that, the quality of the Cat material and cell density is sufficiently high. Depending on the extent of wear, stock cats may eventually need upgrading.
  
  Upto date (12/23/07) Stage 2 testing has been carried out with aftermarket headers and European OEM M3 catalytic convertors. VF is not responsible for the reduced life expectancy of your stock catalytic convertors. VF does not endorse altering the ECU diagnostics and software to remove "Catalytic inefficiency" DTC codes caused by certain aftermarket headers.
  
  ECU tuning/recalibration with forced induction systems that retain the Mass Air Flow (MAF) is extremely complex. VF retains the MAF in its E46M3 systems and does not disconnect the MAF to operate the vehicle in "speed density/safety" mode also know as "Alpha-N". Disconnecting the MAF on the M3 will prevent the ECU from seeing "real-time" air flow readings and the ECU then relies on the Throttle Position Sensor for an interpolated value. VF engineers went one step further by replacing the M3s MAF to a more reliable Hitachi MAF. This MAF has a track record for reliability and consistency in the aftermarket on upto 800hp systems. With real time fuel trimming from MAF metering, the ECU calibration performed by GIAC allows the car to function as a stock vehicle would.
  

• Suggested tool - "Key-USB" from www.ross-tech.com This OBD2 scan tool operates from a PC laptop and puts you in control of monitoring your OBD2 system and fuel trims. It does not have the ability to clear adaptations but will allow you keep check of your ECUs operation.
  

• Gauges are highly recommended for all stages of power upgrades to allow the driver to monitor max boost and air fuel ratio. Cold weather can yield greater boost levels which can be dangerous - keep an eye on this by installing a boost gauge. "Wide Open Throttle" air fuel mixtures change based on the adaptation of the ECU. Use a "wide band" dedicated oxygen sensor kit to monitor your air fuel mixture.
  

• Octane ratings play a large effect on the performance of your engine. Always use minimum 91 octane. Where possible higher octanes will yield greater power output and safer ignition. Race Track use exerts increased load and demand on your engine. The use of 100 octane minimum is recommended for track use.

What about me?  I have an  convertible!
We have supercharged a few E46 M3 convertibles with much success.  A point of concern is the inherit cowl shake in the vehicle, and how it would be affected with nearly double the power.  Fortunately, by changing the suspension to a better performing system, the vehicle not only rides better than stock, but the power of the supercharger does not seem to affect the cowl shake as negatively as one would believe.  Have your cake, and eat it, too.

Why Rogue Engineering?
If you're the kind of owner that obsesses over every detail, the VFE is your only real choice of supercharger system and Rogue Engineering is the ONLY place to bring it.  We have installed kits for customers who 2.5 hours away, because of our expertise in the VF systems.  In the end, it's not about a number, or a price, it's about your happiness with the decision with the kit.  It is for this reason why Rogue Engineering proudly recommends VFE for the BMW.

If you have questions about the VFE system, feel free to contact us during business hours M-F 9am-5pm at 201.783.8600.