Building 500hp

Alekseylis · 04-10-2022, 03:36 PM

Hi folks,
After lurking on the forum for some time learned a lot, and got a build underway at a local shop over the next few days.
Wanted to share excitement of significant build and happy to get any advice from the pros here, on current state and next steps.

What I drive:
2008 135i - N54, 6-speed, cabrio.

Currently on the car:

- Catless
- JB4
- VRSF Chargepipe + Tial BOV
- Cone intakes
- Maintenance up to date (Walnut blasting, etc..)

Getting installed:

- VTT Stage 2 (625hp max rating)
- VRSF High flow inlets
- VRSF 2" Outlets
- VRSF 7.5" Race intercooler
- Stage 2 Fuelit / Walbro low pressure fuel pump
- 2 -step colder 97506 plugs, Bosch coils
- Gaskets, fluids, PCV valve...

Thinking of running map 5 for a while, eventually doing a custom tune.

Cheers!

BMWdmk · 04-10-2022, 08:24 PM

I'd go stage 3 fuel it pump just in case you do push for more power down the line.

Up to a certain power level the dual mass flywheel will give you issues... may want to get that upgraded as well as clutch since you're there

Only two suggestion I got otherwise looks like solid parts-gathering.

scratchgolf135 · 04-11-2022, 07:37 AM

Second the clutch. I bought my car with 84k last year and as soon as I went JB4 and MHD BEF on e85 I started slipping badly and that was stock turbos and inlets so not even FBO.

Alekseylis · 04-11-2022, 07:42 AM

Thanks for the recommendation... Was thinking this might be an issue.
Budget is running short for this round, thinking of taking it easy this summer feeling it out and do this as the next round of upgrades. Possibly combined with LSD upgrade.

ShocknAwe · 04-11-2022, 11:47 PM

With those mods you'll need a custom tune up front. I recommend ditching the KB4 and going standalone MHD custom pump gas first from reputable tuner. North of 450 whp you'll need at least the IS clutch. I recommend the Xclutch organic twin disk.

You'll also need suspension fully worked out and a proper LSD.

Have fun!

Alekseylis · 04-12-2022, 07:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ShocknAwe

With those mods you'll need a custom tune up front. I recommend ditching the KB4 and going standalone MHD custom pump gas first from reputable tuner. North of 450 whp you'll need at least the IS clutch. I recommend the Xclutch organic twin disk.

You'll also need suspension fully worked out and a proper LSD.

Have fun!

I like JB4, for the Auto-Tune, and ease of use. MHD is more precise, but is it flexible? Going to do more research on this. Thanks for the advice!

ShocknAwe · 04-13-2022, 01:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alekseylis

I like JB4, for the Auto-Tune, and ease of use. MHD is more precise, but is it flexible? Going to do more research on this. Thanks for the advice!

I ran a JB4 for years. Did JB4+BEF for years which is a great combo. You'll need a custom BEF at a minimum if you want to install and run those inlets+turbos.

Today in 2022 though I really recommend MHD and standalone flash tuning. Youll need a custom flash for your mods either way, and the DME is quite unlocked at this point negating the need for a JB4.

YMMV, take it from me though been there done that.

Alekseylis · 04-15-2022, 04:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ShocknAwe

I ran a JB4 for years. Did JB4+BEF for years which is a great combo. You'll need a custom BEF at a minimum if you want to install and run those inlets+turbos.

Today in 2022 though I really recommend MHD and standalone flash tuning. Youll need a custom flash for your mods either way, and the DME is quite unlocked at this point negating the need for a JB4.

YMMV, take it from me though been there done that.

Hmm would you recommend doing a flash myself, or looking for someone to help with that?
Did a quick research, nothing complicated but also don't expect I'll be doing it frequently...
Never did this sort of thing, so unsure what's the best way to go about it.

ShocknAwe · 04-15-2022, 04:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alekseylis

Hmm would you recommend doing a flash myself, or looking for someone to help with that?
Did a quick research, nothing complicated but also don't expect I'll be doing it frequently...
Never did this sort of thing, so unsure what's the best way to go about it.

If you want to keep the JB4 reach out to Twisted Tuning for a back end flash.

iminhell1 · 04-15-2022, 05:59 PM

AFC-II is early 90's tech ... dated and does not have a place in todays technology. The goal of any system is to reduce complexity and parts involved to achieve a goal. Why use 2 computer hacks when once can accomplish the goal.

Alekseylis · 04-15-2022, 08:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by iminhell1

AFC-II is early 90's tech ... dated and does not have a place in todays technology. The goal of any system is to reduce complexity and parts involved to achieve a goal. Why use 2 computer hacks when once can accomplish the goal.

Yeah, agreed. Simplicity is the way to go. So are you suggesting going with MHD only and ditching JB4, or the other way around?

ShocknAwe · 04-15-2022, 09:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alekseylis

Yeah, agreed. Simplicity is the way to go. So are you suggesting going with MHD only and ditching JB4, or the other way around?

One can not simply ditch the DME unless using a syvecs. Ditch the JB4.

Alekseylis · 04-16-2022, 06:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ShocknAwe

One can not simply ditch the DME unless using a syvecs. Ditch the JB4.

Got it. MHD it is...
Thanks!

twinturbovan · 04-17-2022, 03:52 AM

I have a 2009 BMW 135i E88 I dynoed at 468rwhp and 610 ft lbs trq. You should be over 500rwhp with those mods but ditch JB and go with MHD and Custom Tune.

Alekseylis · 04-17-2022, 07:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by twinturbovan

I have a 2009 BMW 135i E88 I dynoed at 468rwhp and 610 ft lbs trq. You should be over 500rwhp with those mods but ditch JB and go with MHD and Custom Tune.

Yeah, sounds like that's the way to go. Been reading up on that.
Will be ditching JB4. Need to find a tuner... On to search more threads.

Alekseylis · 04-20-2022, 05:58 AM

Just finished all the hardware upgrades.
And of corse had to replace a leaking water pump in the process, and re-patch cracked valve cover. Not unusual for N54...

Only area of concern during the job is mounting fat intercooler. 7.5 Race is a chonky boi - required a lot of trimming, and weights quite a bit. Still mounts on two factory bolts (not intended for this much weight). Hope they'll hold, did a quick search didn't find any reports of them breaking...

Photo of the mounts:

Alekseylis · 04-20-2022, 08:40 AM

Picked up MHD WiFi module from https://e9xontario.com
Will be breaking in turbos this weekend, and hope to start tuning next week if all goes well!

Alekseylis · 05-30-2022, 11:52 AM

Updates from this weekend:
- TMAP sensor swap to unlock boost over 20PSI as per this video from Vehicular DIY:

. Rewired plug, for a cleaner install.

- Back-end flash
- JB4 adjustments (firmware update, custom settings)
- Logging sessions runs

Car hit 24PSI boost, and it appears to be too much power for the 255s in the back. Running Firestone Firehawk Indy 500s.
Wasn't able to do a WOT runs in 3rd gear. Kept losing traction over 4k RPMs.

Considering running a more conservative boost for now until I figure out how to proceed with Drivetrain mods in the next steps.

turbo v6 · 07-08-2022, 12:04 PM

Update? Was it worth the $ and time?

Alekseylis · 10-26-2022, 09:40 AM

Driving this car now puts a smile on my face every time.
It's hard to cruise, just want to get off gas to hear burble+flutter and spool when you get back on the gas.
You could get same power for $5K less, but I feel that this build is reliable and got some overhead that I can push for.

04-10-2022, 03:36 PM	#1
Alekseylis Enlisted Member 9 Rep 37 Posts Drives: BMW 135i (E88) Join Date: Nov 2020 Location: Toronto iTrader: (0)	Building 500hp Hi folks, After lurking on the forum for some time learned a lot, and got a build underway at a local shop over the next few days. Wanted to share excitement of significant build and happy to get any advice from the pros here, on current state and next steps. What I drive: 2008 135i - N54, 6-speed, cabrio. Currently on the car: - Catless - JB4 - VRSF Chargepipe + Tial BOV - Cone intakes - Maintenance up to date (Walnut blasting, etc..) Getting installed: - VTT Stage 2 (625hp max rating) - VRSF High flow inlets - VRSF 2" Outlets - VRSF 7.5" Race intercooler - Stage 2 Fuelit / Walbro low pressure fuel pump - 2 -step colder 97506 plugs, Bosch coils - Gaskets, fluids, PCV valve... Thinking of running map 5 for a while, eventually doing a custom tune. Cheers! Attached Images
	Appreciate 1 tracer bullet2410.00 Tweet Quote

04-10-2022, 08:24 PM	#2
BMWdmk Rollin 3rd 106 Rep 1,232 Posts Drives: Something fast Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Chino Hills iTrader: (15)	I'd go stage 3 fuel it pump just in case you do push for more power down the line. Up to a certain power level the dual mass flywheel will give you issues... may want to get that upgraded as well as clutch since you're there Only two suggestion I got otherwise looks like solid parts-gathering.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

04-11-2022, 07:37 AM	#3
scratchgolf135 First Lieutenant 277 Rep 371 Posts Drives: alpine white 135i Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Fishers, IN iTrader: (0)	Second the clutch. I bought my car with 84k last year and as soon as I went JB4 and MHD BEF on e85 I started slipping badly and that was stock turbos and inlets so not even FBO.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

04-11-2022, 07:42 AM	#4
Alekseylis Enlisted Member 9 Rep 37 Posts Drives: BMW 135i (E88) Join Date: Nov 2020 Location: Toronto iTrader: (0)	Thanks for the recommendation... Was thinking this might be an issue. Budget is running short for this round, thinking of taking it easy this summer feeling it out and do this as the next round of upgrades. Possibly combined with LSD upgrade.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

04-11-2022, 11:47 PM	#5
ShocknAwe 1Addict 3233 Rep 7,894 Posts Drives: E82 Mutt, M57 Truck Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Charleston iTrader: (22)	With those mods you'll need a custom tune up front. I recommend ditching the KB4 and going standalone MHD custom pump gas first from reputable tuner. North of 450 whp you'll need at least the IS clutch. I recommend the Xclutch organic twin disk. You'll also need suspension fully worked out and a proper LSD. Have fun! __________________ 2010 135i 6MT Jet Black N54/3 FE82 Mutt \| BUILD THREAD \| GARAGE SALE
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04-15-2022, 05:59 PM	#10
iminhell1 C2H5OH 3915 Rep 2,144 Posts Drives: 2010 SG 135i auto Join Date: May 2015 Location: Darwin, MN iTrader: (1)	AFC-II is early 90's tech ... dated and does not have a place in todays technology. The goal of any system is to reduce complexity and parts involved to achieve a goal. Why use 2 computer hacks when once can accomplish the goal.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

04-17-2022, 03:52 AM	#14
twinturbovan Second Lieutenant 205 Rep 223 Posts Drives: 2009 BMW 135i M Sport Vert Join Date: Jun 2019 Location: San Antonio, TX iTrader: (0)	I have a 2009 BMW 135i E88 I dynoed at 468rwhp and 610 ft lbs trq. You should be over 500rwhp with those mods but ditch JB and go with MHD and Custom Tune.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

04-20-2022, 05:58 AM	#16
Alekseylis Enlisted Member 9 Rep 37 Posts Drives: BMW 135i (E88) Join Date: Nov 2020 Location: Toronto iTrader: (0)	Just finished all the hardware upgrades. And of corse had to replace a leaking water pump in the process, and re-patch cracked valve cover. Not unusual for N54... Only area of concern during the job is mounting fat intercooler. 7.5 Race is a chonky boi - required a lot of trimming, and weights quite a bit. Still mounts on two factory bolts (not intended for this much weight). Hope they'll hold, did a quick search didn't find any reports of them breaking... Photo of the mounts: Attached Images Last edited by Alekseylis; 04-20-2022 at 05:59 AM.. Reason: Typo correction
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04-20-2022, 08:40 AM	#17
Alekseylis Enlisted Member 9 Rep 37 Posts Drives: BMW 135i (E88) Join Date: Nov 2020 Location: Toronto iTrader: (0)	Picked up MHD WiFi module from https://e9xontario.com Will be breaking in turbos this weekend, and hope to start tuning next week if all goes well! Attached Images
	Appreciate 0 Quote

05-30-2022, 11:52 AM	#18
Alekseylis Enlisted Member 9 Rep 37 Posts Drives: BMW 135i (E88) Join Date: Nov 2020 Location: Toronto iTrader: (0)	Updates from this weekend: - TMAP sensor swap to unlock boost over 20PSI as per this video from Vehicular DIY: . Rewired plug, for a cleaner install. - Back-end flash - JB4 adjustments (firmware update, custom settings) - Logging sessions runs Car hit 24PSI boost, and it appears to be too much power for the 255s in the back. Running Firestone Firehawk Indy 500s. Wasn't able to do a WOT runs in 3rd gear. Kept losing traction over 4k RPMs. Considering running a more conservative boost for now until I figure out how to proceed with Drivetrain mods in the next steps. Attached Images
	Appreciate 0 Quote

07-08-2022, 12:04 PM	#19
turbo v6 Private First Class 39 Rep 155 Posts Drives: 135i N55, 230i Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: Central FL iTrader: (1)	Update? Was it worth the $ and time?
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-26-2022, 09:40 AM	#20
Alekseylis Enlisted Member 9 Rep 37 Posts Drives: BMW 135i (E88) Join Date: Nov 2020 Location: Toronto iTrader: (0)	Driving this car now puts a smile on my face every time. It's hard to cruise, just want to get off gas to hear burble+flutter and spool when you get back on the gas. You could get same power for $5K less, but I feel that this build is reliable and got some overhead that I can push for.
	Appreciate 0 Quote