Hopefully they make a VT2 ;)
Hopefully they make a VT2 ;)
Why does no one go for the Technique Tuning turbo kit?
http://www.techniquetuning.com/e46zhpman.html
With a thicker head gasket and more boost you're looking at similar numbers with room to grow
GT30 can be similar to a T3/T4 depending on the A/R you select. GT30 are ball bearing turbos and have less resistance to spool. They also are water and oil cooled. It would perform far better than an T3/T4 and spool up faster. :)
but back on topic,
ESS TS2 is a lovely kit and one of the most stealthiest kits you can buy for the car. IMO, if I were to boost the M54, I would do it this way simple because of customer support from ESS.
My TS2 now has 65k miles without any issues. Yea that ICV hose can be
a pain post installation. I was doing the OFHG, and the process of wrestling it out, knocked the ICV hose out. Boy, that is a pain to get back in. The OFHG is another fun job once the TS2 is installed. Key step, remove the S/C pulley and slide the OFH out forward.
To the TS2 / S54 comparison, the TS2 has a lot more low end torque. It really is perfect daily driver setup. The S54 is a thoroughbred screamer built for the track. The two are very different personalities.
I went with the TS2 for several reasons:
* Stealthy install. The engine bay looks stock. Great for sleeper mode :)
* Great linear, instant power. no need to tune out turbo-lag, its very drive-able. In fact, it drives just like stock except there is more juice when you lean into the throttle. Very linear power curve.
* ESS has a great reputation with these kits. Many have put over 50k miles on them without a single problem. 2 year warranty. The kit is built with high quality components and customer service has been excellent.
I just found out that ESS has updated the recommended oil for the TS1 and TS2 kit since Castrol 10w-60 TWS is no longer made. I'll update my install notes post once I get the part number.
Also, while they dont' include an oil catch can with the kit, they do say that it is a good idea just to ensure you can keep the laminova cores cleaner. Time to do some shopping for a good affordable catch can kit.