VF Engineering V3 Supercharger Service

Rogue Engineering has successfully installed many VF Engineering superchargers for the E46 M3 at our facility.  We enjoy the small details of the installation, and find it a pleasure each and every time we turn the key and fire up the car with another 150-200rwhp increase.

In May 2006, VFE upgraded their kits with Vortech's V-3 centrifugal supercharger.  The V-3 supercharger features an internally lubricated transmission, which allows for supercharger installation and operation without oil lines which means a cleaner, neater, installation.

The recommended service interval on the V-3 supercharger is 2,500 miles initially, and then 7,500 miles thereafter.  Changing the supercharger fluid is extremely easy, as we are going to demonstrate and document here.  Perform these steps at your own risk.  Rogue Engineering, VF Engineering, and Vortech Engineering take no liability for those performing this or similar tasks on your own vehicle with these steps.  

Step 1.  Identify your Supercharger

The V-3 supercharger has a plaque which indicates the model clearly on the supercharger itself.  Make sure it says "V-3 SC"

Step 2.  Find the Hose

Normally, the service hose for the supercharger is coiled, and zip-tied to the bottom during shipping.  Most leave it in this configuration.  We at Rogue Engineering actually cut the zip-ties and uncoil the hose so that it can be located easily.  Find the hose and pull it up over the headlight.

Step 3.  Remove the Vent Plug from Supercharger

Using a 3/16" allen key, loosen and remove the vent plug from the supercharger.  Be sure to keep the copper crush washer as this will be reused.

Step 4.  Get the Oil Out

Loosen the plug on the bottom of the drain service hose with a 13mm and 15mm (it's too tight for a 14mm to fit).  Using a clear plastic bag, remove the plug and let the hose hang in the bag (having a helper is handy).

IMPORTANT!  Make sure low air pressure is used (20psi max), and in a steady, slow rate.  A high "burst" of compressed air can over over pressurize the supercharger, causing seals to pop or prematurely leak.  Using an air compressor and blow gun (with rubber tip), pressurize the hole.  The supercharger oil will discharge into the bag until only air comes out.  This old oil will not be used. 

When only air comes out, plug the bottom of the service hose with the plug you removed.  Tighten with the 13mm and 15mm wrenches until tight.  Don't worry, it has a tapered seat so no crush washers are required when reinstalling it.

Step 5.  Fill the Charger

The charger takes approximately 3 oz. of fluid.  ONLY used Vortech synthetic supercharger fluid, supplied with the kit, or from Vortech directly.  Use of any other fluid may damage the supercharger and void any warranties!

With the fill plug still off, fill the charger with fluid.  Using a 3/16" allen key, you can remove the lower plug (actually a dipstick) to see the level of how much fluid has been added.  Add enough so that the entire end of the dipstick is covered.  There is also a copper washer on the dipstick, so keep that handy.

Step 6.  Done!

Once the fluid has been filled sufficiently, tighten both plugs with a 3/16" allen key.  Tuck the service hose away for future access.  In our case, we normally let the hose follow the intake pipe, down to the filter as it is neatly stored next to it.  There is no need to zip-tie or secure it as it does not move.

Last updated 1/21/09 by Ben Liaw