VF Engineering Supercharger System BMW M3 (E46)

With a heavy focus on sound engineering, VF offers the total package with reliability and power

VF-Engineering starts with their name: they have engineered this kit for the venerable E46 M3 from A-to-Z, allowing you to supercharge your bad Bavrian to performance levels you never imagined. Add to the already superior throttle response with  wild power gains thanks to VFs enhanced ECU tuining, high quality parts, and the Vortech centrifugal supercharger...

Maintaining the original BMW quality, smoothness and reliability were the key factors in the VF design.
VF has harnessed the reliability of Vortech V-series superchargers with their 10 years of supercharging experience and worldwide OEM supply contacts, and create the ultimate supercharger system for the ultimate driver's car....
In late 2004, VF purchased a 2005 model M3 and chose to create and test a complete "Stage 1" kit.
A production manufactured aluminum manifold with the option for integrated air-to-water heat exchanger (charge cooler) was custom developed for greater performance and clean looks under the hood. Compared to similar air/air systems, the air to water is more expensive; typically used in European Rally cars, air/water cooling is the ultimate in aftercooler technology for on and off the race track. For added value, VF includes this as part of there kit at no additional cost to you. Air/water cooling provides superior cooling ability over air/air without lengthy ducting while creating cooler intake temperatures for more powerful and reliable ignition. The engine continues to drive and feel like an "M Car" while offering much more power with similar linear delivery, crucial to keep the cars excellent qualities intact.

For even more power... The E46 M3 Stage 2 kit [released in Feb 08] offers even greater performance via extra boost from a smaller supercharger pulley, replacement stiffer serpentine belt tensioner and upgraded custom stage 2 software ECU flash with larger stage 2 fuel injectors and MAF upgrade. This kit requires the use of high-performance cats to extract amazing power reliably for your stock S54 engine. The development E46 M3 car was setup with high flow headers and high flow Euro M3 cats. This allowed excellent flow through the engine and power levels of 580HP!

All key components are 100% made in California. Supporting components such as flow matched injectors, radiators and water pumps are all acquired 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 stage 1 kits are setup at 6 psi and create as much, if not more, power than similar products running greater levels of boost.
VF engineers spent over 12 months software testing the BMW Bosch and Siemens ECUs and resolved stalling and MAF issues faced by other supercharger systems. Software flash technology and latest BMW file versions have all been employed to provide the cleanest and the most reliable method of software installation. 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 chooses the Vortech supercharger, mounting it 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.

Some facts about the VF kit versus the competition:

1. The Vortech supercharger is a much larger unit and therefore has a superior flow rate over the competition.
2. The Vortech unit [centrifugal] runs at approximately half the impeller speed when compared to a typical planetary unit at like-for-like boost levels.
3. The Vortech unit is capable of creating up to 20psi [application dependent] and therefore has greater potential for higher power levels.
4. The self-contained Vortech unit does not need its own separate oil cooling system with reservoir and extra radiator.
5. Vortech units have been on the market for over 15 years in the US, many many times longer than the competition.
6. 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.
7. 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.

The VF supercharger system remains fully OBD2 compliant and is supported by a 1 year unlimited mileage warranty (on the kit only). Installation can be performed by most competent technicians in a true 12-16 hours and is non-intrusive, allowing it to be fully reversible. Drag racing and aggressive back to back peak rpm shifting with the higher stage levels will likely require a clutch upgrade. 100 octane fuel recommended when used on the race track. A pre-cat wideband air/fuel ratio monitoring gauge is recommended. 

• There are now 4 levels of bolt on supercharger kits available, to fit all power levels and budgets- Each kit is upgradeable to the next as you grow:

VF420 Supercharger System
Setup for 4.0-4.5 psi V3-SC trim supercharger system (non aftercooled). Replacement cast intake manifold prepared for aftercooler cartridge. Everything needed is included, as well as a custom ECU flash. Easy to upgrade to stage 1 'VF480'. Great for those on a budget!
Expect power in the 350whp range on 91 octane (AKI) pump gas

VF480 Supercharger System,  aftercooled
Setup for 5.5-6.0 psi, V3-SC trim supercharger along with VF's air/water cooled cartridge (aftercooler) inside their cast intake manifold. A High flow fuel system with VF Stage 1 injectors and custom ECU flash. Once again, an easy upgrade to stage VF570 is available.
Expect power in the 400whp range on 91 octane (AKI) pump gas

VF570 Supercharger System,  aftercooled
Setup for 8.5-9.0 PSI, V3-SC trim supercharger along with VF's air/water cooled cartridge (aftercooler) inside their cast intake manifold. OEM spring tensioner upgrade, High flow direct replacement Bosch fuel injectors, MAF-less conversion with custom ECU Software to accommodate this. Optional sport Cats downstream from header available.
*Regular use in cold weather (when air is most dense) requires a boost gauge and AFR gauge monitoring.
Expect power in the 470whp range on 91 octane (AKI) pump gas, along with the use of performance headers (not included, add above)

VAC710 Supercharger & Engine System,  Collaboration with VAC - Aftercooled high boost w/ built motor A.K.A. highest HP S/C kit available!
Setup for high boost, V3-SCI trim supercharger along with VF's air/water cooled cartridge (aftercooler) inside their cast intake manifold. OEM spring tensioner upgrade, complete high flow fuel system and dual-pumps, MAF-less conversion with custom ECU Software to accommodate this. (header is required). Please ask about options...

Not all vehicles respond identically to engine modifications which is why it is important to consider the "delta", or relative power increase, measured on the same dyno before and after modification. Power gains shown by VF have been found to be accurate on test vehicles on 91 octane at sea level. VF does not guarantee that all engines will make the same power numbers. The custom software adapts just as the OEM software and a slight increase in performance may be expected from the use of higher quality fuels such as 93 octane. Power gains may vary according to factors such as altitude or vehicle condition. VF installs its systems in house as means of continuous product monitoring. All vehicles are dyno'd pre-install and the stock E46 M3 typically delivers 265-275whp on 91 octane. VF-Engineering is not responsible for pre-existing or consequential wear and tear of your vehicle. It is an assumed owner responsibility to ensure your car is adequately upgraded to support power enhancements.
VF's testing of EGT and wide band O2 was performed from sensors installed in the OEM header. Technicians logged individual cylinder exhaust gas temperatures as well as Air/Fuel ratio in each exhaust bank (pre-catalytic converter).