ucsbwsr

Not sure I follow your question, can you please clarify?
Not sure what you mean with Stage 2+, what mods do you have?

David doesn't have time to tinker like I do so straight 91 pump is likely what he will run, although he has seen my JB4 + tablet setup and likes it, running this would make it easier for someone to datalog and experiment with E85. I am sure once he experiences the performance benefits of ethanol he would be more inclined to add some.

In general I would recommend running E85 over meth if you can, that is my personal opinion, there clearly are benefits to meth but recently guys pushing 500+whp and meth have ran into some serious engine problems due to improper distribution which is the downfall and danger of meth (again IMO). For more conservative tuning and hotter climates it is a great option.

The Hexons feel very strong on David's car (FBO, JB4 Map 5, 91 oct) honestly stronger than I was expecting, especially considering how much weight his E61 lugs around. The stock turbo vs hybrid debate for someone not gung-ho on performance is interesting, reliability will always be an important factor whether oem or hybrid. If you opt for hybrids and run them at more conservative boost levels then they will last longer but why upgrade turbos and run them below their potential? It comes down to what is important to you and what your goals are. Personally I would go for something like Hexons RR550s or Vargas Stage 1. A modest investment but not much more than you would be paying for a new set of oem turbos, increased performance, and reliability SHOULD be equal or better than stock depending how you treat them.

Evan

ucsbwsr

David blew the CP-UP coupler off while in Vegas. The one supplied by ER was rather short and when looking at their current FMIC kit it looks like they now supply it with a 3" humped coupler.

Pretty sure David received this FMIC as a sponsorship so I called ER and the person who was supposed to call me back never did so I went over to HPS and purchased one of their 4" humped couplers, the added 1" of length and hump should offer some flex and keep this from happening again. I replaced the clamps too for good measure.

Evan

During repair


Old vs. New

Lotus99

Thanks. I've got an E93, so she's almost as heavy as an E61. Stage 2+ is Cobb speak, sorry, forgot about that. I've got DP's, a FMIC and a K&N filter on my 335. I only put about 6000 miles a year on that car, so aiming for longevity I don't think would be a big concern.

Suspension wise, I've put M3 control arms on the front and KW V2's. Debating whether to add sway bars too or not. Or tackle other stuff. Lots seem to say when going up to the upgraded turbo power levels, I should get an LSD as well. Would you say it should be mandatory? That's another few thousand dollars too otherwise...

I've gotten most of my info over the years from E90post, and there, it seemed that RB Turbo started the upgrades, then VTT joined (though lately have gotten a lot of bad publicity it seems due to high failure rates, and bad customer service? ), and now Hexon is on the scene and Pure I heard is coming too.

I don't know how many stages Vargas has anymore. They only have one type on their site, for $3000 a pair (same as RB's), but at one point, they were talking about stage 2 turbos they had released, so I don't know what is what...

You seem to be good with the VTT brand? You didn't mention the RB's?

Lastly, getting back to my question about approximate power levels, how much of a bump do you think one would get going from stock turbos to upgraded ones, on 94 octane, and to upgrades on E30 map? Just trying to see if it's worth the cost in getting the upgrades in the first place, since I'll be paying to have them installed as well...

ucsbwsr

I have no experience on the LSD side of things as I have AWD put all my power down! lol But in all seriousness the LSD is becoming a "necessary" mod for higher-hp RWD guys which makes complete sense. If may be able to find a deal on the forums or even eBay if you are persistent.

Add N54Tech and Bimmerboost to your forums to frequent, E90post has a larger audience but I find the quality of information to be much higher on those forums, especially N54Tech.

I have no loyalty to any brand, both Rob and Tony have been great to work/communicate with and although I have no personal experience with their turbos I have installed or currently use their other products with satisfactory results. Hexon turbos were a better option for me considering my goals and priorities, I have no regrets with the Hexons and they are performing better than I had hoped.

Regarding power levels with your setup, it really depends on how it is tuned, I would search the forums for dynos with similar mods/fuel to see what people are making.

Evan

Lotus99

Thanks Evan, I'll keep all that stuff in mind. This modding stuff is a total slippery slope... LOL. I can see how to add the turbos, I'll need to do an LSD and other stuff too... Though I'd end up with a 550+ crank HP monster, which isn't too bad!

801535

"Flashed the transmission with the SAT File."

I have an e61 awd. Can you tell me what is the benefits on this? Thanks.

ucsbwsr

Google "BMW E60 SAT Flash"