Diagram showing VF-Engineering's S65 V8 supercharger manifold

[Sticky]

Thought this was interesting showing what the manifold looks like dissected:

[Sered]

I enjoyed it too, I've got one of those coming in next Wednesday

[Sticky]

I enjoyed it too, I've got one of those coming in next Wednesday

I don't think we have anyone with VF. What made you choose them?

[Sered]

I don't think we have anyone with VF. What made you choose them?

I bought it used with very low miles for less than half of its cost new. Deal was too good to pass up.

[Sticky]

I bought it used with very low miles for less than half of its cost new. Deal was too good to pass up.

Sounds like it! Well let's see how you like it.

[SYZ]

I have the VF540 kit installed and will be upgrading soon to the 620. Enjoy it while the temps are cool!

[Sticky]

I have the VF540 kit installed and will be upgrading soon to the 620. Enjoy it while the temps are cool!

Ah we have two of you now!

[Andrew@activeautowerke]

Tons of them for sale on the other forums.

[Sticky]

I don't really know what to say about their solution. I mean VAC shows it performs well as really any Vortech based system will but there isn't anything that differentiates it from everyone else.

[Andrew@activeautowerke]

I don't really know what to say about their solution. I mean VAC shows it performs well as really any Vortech based system will but there isn't anything that differentiates it from everyone else.

Most wont tell the real story until they sell their kit.

[Sticky]

Well VF's history is checkered so to speak but everyone has had teething issues.

[LostMarine]

Most wont tell the real story until they sell their kit and switch to another.

fixed for ya

[Andrew@activeautowerke]

fixed for ya

I wouldn't be surprised if a high percentage of owners just give up on supercharging if they had a bad experience.

[SYZ]

I wouldn't be surprised if a high percentage of owners just give up on supercharging if they had a bad experience.

It's already expensive to boost this car; can't imagine doing it twice with brand new kits.

My VF experience has been okay. I've never had a problem with CEL or limp modes but I can certainly feel the car dumping fuel and pulling timing up top when conditions aren't ideal. It gives it a wavy powerband feel; not smooth at all. If it happens, its usually in 3rd- not ideal if you're trying to pull on someone. I will chalk it up to the non-intercooled design and conservative timing and fuel that must be programmed in a kit like that. I am upgrading to the intercooled version here shortly. I expect that issue will be resolved afterward as I have been told the intercooled version is a much "smoother" kit.

[Sered]

I've actually gotten into contact with Garth at Underground Tuning, it looks like I may be able to get this thing tuned that way. Looking into all options at the moment.

FWIW, supercharger kits are not hard. Hardware-wise these kits are nowhere near the asking price. And the only ways they're able to pull that off is A) BMW tax is just accepted in this community and B) The tuning market is 100% closed. If something as simple as a Cobb popped up, there'd be a dramatic shift. The whole community for all this super expensive hardware that literally costs 50% less when on the Coyote platform is supported on the tuning market being closed.

[Sticky]

I've actually gotten into contact with Garth at Underground Tuning, it looks like I may be able to get this thing tuned that way. Looking into all options at the moment.

FWIW, supercharger kits are not hard. Hardware-wise these kits are nowhere near the asking price. And the only ways they're able to pull that off is A) BMW tax is just accepted in this community and B) The tuning market is 100% closed. If something as simple as a Cobb popped up, there'd be a dramatic shift. The whole community for all this super expensive hardware that literally costs 50% less when on the Coyote platform is supported on the tuning market being closed.

You're right. It's the freaking tuning codes to make it all work that are guarded like nuclear secrets. Those codes get out, profit is gone.

[LostMarine]

i agree and disagree with all the points made here, but ill tell you one thing.. when you have a kit that exceeds your expectations, the hassle of changing, and price for a complete setup, is instantly forgotten when the car does what you were told it will do, everytime, and better than you thought

[SYZ]

i agree and disagree with all the points made here, but ill tell you one thing.. when you have a kit that exceeds your expectations, the hassle of changing, and price for a complete setup, is instantly forgotten when the car does what you were told it will do, everytime, and better than you thought

If I had that kind of money, I'd be more inclined to do it. But so far, the VF kit has been good for me. I'm not 100% satisfied (thus the reason for upgrading), but not entirely disappointed either. I did reach out for an alternative tuning option at one point as I thought there could be some improvement upon the top end smoothness. Later, I emailed VF about it and they did respond to my complaint with a revised map (haven't bothered installing it), so they have been a good company with positive customer service in my eyes. I'll reserve my final opinion of the kit when I install the cooler upgrade I just ordered this morning.

[Sered]

I already found out how the dme is being programmed and it's very cheap to do. It's the tables that are unknown. One leak is all it takes. The mss54 dme was cracked, there's no reason the mss60 can't be.

[Sticky]

I already found out how the dme is being programmed and it's very cheap to do. It's the tables that are unknown. One leak is all it takes. The mss54 dme was cracked, there's no reason the mss60 can't be.

It just requires a leak of the keys.

[LostMarine]

If I had that kind of money, I'd be more inclined to do it. But so far, the VF kit has been good for me. I'm not 100% satisfied (thus the reason for upgrading), but not entirely disappointed either. I did reach out for an alternative tuning option at one point as I thought there could be some improvement upon the top end smoothness. Later, I emailed VF about it and they did respond to my complaint with a revised map (haven't bothered installing it), so they have been a good company with positive customer service in my eyes. I'll reserve my final opinion of the kit when I install the cooler upgrade I just ordered this morning.

Thats good,hope it all works out.

but like i said, once its exceeding, its forgotten. im not saying its not pricey or annoying to switch, but it is what it is.. I know several people PM me on FB asking about what i sold my old kit for and how the new kit is etc etc... some people give up an nothing wrong with that, its just a car, but i love this car and its staying until i get a TTG, and then becomes the DD

[Sered]

It just requires a leak of the keys.

No keys that I can see. these units handle all the keys and checksums. It's the table locations for all the items to tune the s65. Fuel, timing, banks, etc. If you crack the mss60 tables, you crack the mss65 tables most likely.

[Sticky]

No keys that I can see. these units handle all the keys and checksums. It's the table locations for all the items to tune the s65. Fuel, timing, banks, etc. If you crack the mss60 tables, you crack the mss65 tables most likely.

Ok...

[Sered]

Most of these ECU flashers come with BDM JTAG setups, so I could do memory traces on a live car and see where the memory is being read. A lot of work It's too bad someone won't publish an XDF for the community :/