Supercharger and modifications for a 2000 740i

[AzN_M5]

I was just curious whether or not the 2000 E38 740i sport can handle the ESS Supercharger. I've heard a lot of talk about automatic transmissions not being able to handle the ESS very well.

If the car in fact cannot handle the supercharger than here is the other route I was going to take. I just want to get some opinions on these particular modifications. Most of which would still go on even w/ a supercharger.

Here is the list:

Engine:
Racing Dynamics Exhaust
Dinan Cold Air Intake (not sure on carbon fiber or aluminum)
Dinan Stage II software
Dinan Stage 4/5 Transmission software
Dinan Auto. Transmission download
SS X-pipe or custom straight pipes
Headers (haven't found any yet, but I'm sure they exist for a 7)

Suspension/ Brakes/ Handling in general:
Racing Dynamics Competition springs (drops the car 40mm)
Brembo cross-drilled rotors both rear and front
Bavarian auto front stress bar (shock tower brace)
Possible Dinan stage 1 suspension system

Exterior:
Racing Dynamics Rear Apron (goes with the exhaust)
Racing Dynamics Front Spoiler
Racing Dynamics Side skirts
Racing Dynamics Roof spoiler
Wheels: stock Chrome 18'' M-parallels
Tires: Bridgestone S-O3 Pole positions

Aside from everyone's opinion and advice, what else can I add to that list to increase the hp and torque?

[umnitza]

Oh...Simeon, where are you;)

[MDabney]

I had the same question last year around this time when I was also considering the ESS SC. The answer that I got from various sources was a resounding yes, my 2000 E38's tranny could handle the ESS SC but I decided to pass at the time due to other fiscal needs.

As for your other mods, they seems fine but I'm more partial to the ones pictured in my signature and on my cardomain site. I would especially recommend the Eisenmann "High Performance" Exhaust over the RD exhaust, but that's just me. :D

Good luck.

- Mike D.

[segal3]

mmmm....Eisenmann.... lol :D

Excellent choice Mike :clap:

~Matt Segal

[99bmw740il]

which eis exhaust u have, the race or street

[MDabney]

I have the Eisenmann "High Performance" model and absolutely love it... it's the middle model between the "Sport" and "Race" models... I have a few install pics on my site through my sig pic below.

Matt (Segal3) recently ordered the "Race" model for his 7...

[Bimmerhead]

AzN_M5,

I can offer some advice on the subject having spend vast sums modifying my '97 740iL.
Click Here for my 740iL's web Page (http://members.cardomain.com/bimmerhead)

A 2000 740i has the ZF5HP24 transmission. According to my research into the matter, the ZF5HP24 is just able to handle the 390 - 400 bhp that ESS claims it's PDBDll system generates. This means that sustained "drivers school" type use may cause a transmission fault code, but street use should be OK.

Having first installed the ESS PDBDll in my car I can say that it delivers the power promised. While my use of this system on race tracks was too much for it, I do recommend the ESS system because their ECU programming was spot on. Power was smooth and factorylike in delivery.

For my money, I would contact ESS and insist upon their E38 system using the Vortech V2SQ system because it is gear driven and not belt driven. This may mean waiting a few months but the wait will pay off big with reliability. I managed to break 2 internal belts on my PDBDll unit. Still keep in mind that anyone can install a SC, but it is the ECU programming that seperates the men from the boys.

The next thing to do for torque is to contact VACMotorsports (http://www.vacmotorsports.com/) for a 3.46:1 ratio differential. This will dramatically improve the torque your car delivers to the rear wheels. If you do go to a 3.46:1 diff expect your top speed to drop to 140 ~ 135 or so. On the other hand the launch will be vastly improved over stock. VAC Motorsports converts and remanufactures differentials for "catalogue tuners" around the country. While I have promised not to reveal who they sell to, I will say that some of the big names use VAC Motorsports for their differential work. I have on occaision assisted in preparing these units for shipment and therefore know this first hand.

Good luck.

Regards,

[AzN_M5]

Well first off, I really appreciate the advice.

Anyway, the supercharger that ESS offers for the 2000 E38 uses the Vortech V2SQ system. So that's not a problem. However, I'm not quite sure what you're saying about the system. Basically, if I have one installed does this mean I can't really "push" the car anymore? This is one of those things where I don't want the modification to make me "baby" the car. I don't want to abuse the car, but I still want to drive the car hard. You know what I mean? I emailed ESS the other day, and I'll post again when they give me a response.

As for the slip differential, how much would it be? And how much would it cost for installation?

Thanks again for the help!


Chris

[Bimmerhead]

AzN_M5,

Here is a copy of a letter I received directly from ZF having to do with the powerhandling capacity of the ZF5HP24 transmission.
http://images.cardomain.com/installs/140000-140999/140822_15_full.jpg


According to this letter the ZF5HP24 will handle 420NM of torque. Because my intention was to go beyond 400 bhp, I opted for a manual conversion. Also at the time ESS didn't have a Vortech for the E38. I would ask ESS what the NM output is for their system. Generally there is some margin in the ZF spec for power input. I would not recommend exceeding the 420 NM by more than say 20 %.


At the moment, VAC Motorsports is going to install a 10 ~ 12 boost Vortech w/ an Air/Water intercooler. We are not going with ESS because we are exceeding their system spec in terms of boost level, cams & the like. We are realizing an internal weight savings of over 125 grams per cylinder x 8 cylinders or over a kilogram of mass, just with the forged pistons & conn rods.

Speaking to Tony Salloum & Paul Milano yesterday afternoon, we decided to send out for cam re-grind and their estimate, assuming the boost hits the mark as we intend, is @ 500 hp AT THE REAR WHEELS.

I don't know how to act.

Good luck with your project.

Regards,

[AzN_M5]

Here is the response ESS sent me concerning the supercharger.

"We matched the power curve to fit the 5HP24 transmission and we have not had any durability problems with this kit combined with this transmission at all. Power output is similar to the 540 specs. found here :

http://www.esstuning.com/systems/108-82x.html

(End of message)."

Now as for other mods added to the 400 hp boost, basically I'll add everything in my list that isn't effected by the Supercharger.

Oh and the output of the ESS Supercharger is 590 NM

Aside from ESS, what exactly is VAC motorsport doing to your car? Whatever it is to get 500 hp at the rw, how much will it cost for the parts and install? And what are you doing with your old ESS SC?


-Chris

[Bimmerhead]

Originally posted by AzN_M5
Here is the response ESS sent me concerning the supercharger.

"We matched the power curve to fit the 5HP24 transmission and we have not had any durability problems with this kit combined with this transmission at all. Power output is similar to the 540 specs. found here :

http://www.esstuning.com/systems/108-82x.html

(End of message)."

Now as for other mods added to the 400 hp boost, basically I'll add everything in my list that isn't effected by the Supercharger.

Oh and the output of the ESS Supercharger is 590 NM

Aside from ESS, what exactly is VAC motorsport doing to your car? Whatever it is to get 500 hp at the rw, how much will it cost for the parts and install? And what are you doing with your old ESS SC?


-Chris



Chris,

http://images.cardomain.com/installs/140000-140999/140822_152_full.jpg

http://images.cardomain.com/installs/140000-140999/140822_150_full.jpg




VAC is effectively building me a race motor....
pistons
conn rods
cams
bored .040 over
10 ~ 12 lbs boost SC w/ intercooler

the works!

Cost??? Estimates are well into 5 digits. :bawl

[MDabney]

Chris,

That's the *same* response I got from ESS last year when I asked about tranny compatability.

- Mike D.


Originally posted by Bimmerhead
... Cost??? Estimates are well into 5 digits. :bawl

Simeon,

I'm gonna tell your wifey... I'm gonna tell your wifey... she is gonna go shopping... :D

[Bimmerhead]

Thanks Mike.

She has already clocked me for new livinng room furniture, so please don't give her anymore ideas.

Regards,

[Johann]

Hey Mike D --> RE: Eisenmann Exhaust? How does it sound? Can you post a sound clip?

[Tranceshark]

Thanks Mike.

She has already clocked me for new livinng room furniture, so please don't give her anymore ideas.

Regards,

I kinda hear some bells ringing there.... :devillook

Oh, Sim... What have you done? Another wicked fast Long 7? :coolflash

So maybe the hit was in for something good after all?!?!

P.S.: My twin turbo should be arriving today :buttrock !!!!


- Chris, please consider that the supercharger will deliver torque differently from the original engine. Although 420NM are okay with the tranny, it will be stressing. Especially if you are running with high revs (high torque on the tranny for long time - uphill pulls and so on - ) - Consider a manual swap. Or get a 740i M6 factory. If you´d like to, I can help you out finding one and getting it over to you. Shouldn´t be too much of a problem. Then keep the one for everyday use and build a racer out of the other car...