335d - VAC Motorsports Diesel Power Module for the US cars - BMW 3-Series (E90 E92) Forum

Jim E. · 11-05-2009, 02:39 PM

So I finally broke down and had the VAC Motorsports Diesel Control Module installed and dyno'ed.

http://www.vacmotorsports.com/catalo...mw-diesels.htm

I was skeptical when I called VAC and told them that I would do it if they put my car on the dyno and did before and after runs. Aaron and Steve were nice guys and very accommodating. In fact, Aaron told me if I did not like the results I didn't have to buy it.

I also told him that I highly doubted their hp gain figure on their site but would be happy with a 15% increase across the board.

The results are attached.

Basically my peak wheel torque is around 450 ft-lbs @ ~1600 rpm's and fairly flat down to 425 wheel torque @ 2400 rpm's. 450 wheel torque is around 520 ft-lbs at the crank assuming around a 16% loss factor. I really don't know what the loss factor is for an automatic tranny but heard it can range from 15% to 25%. Anyone have any insight on this?

In terms of wheel hp the base peak was 225 hp @ 4K (~260 hp) and jumped to nearly 260 hp at the same rpm. (~300 hp crank)

Notice how the hp stayed up in the upper 4K rpm.

Overall when tooling around town the car feels the same. When you hit it then it jumped into another category from the stock setup. I'm still getting used to it so I think it might be a bit premature to give a full seat of the pants description. But it definitely put a smile on my face!

Note, according to Steve at VAC, they can reprogram this module for more gains but have it set to the most conservative setting until they get more feedback. He said it's as easy as unplugging the module, sending it to them and getting it back.

As a reference point, BMW's figures at the crank are: 265hp @ 4200 rpm and 425ft-lbs @ 1750-2250 rpm.

Dyno runs were on Dynapacks. Runs were made in fifth gear and the dynapacks were adjusted to about a 2.45 rear ratio (.87 x 2.81). Ambient temp was around 58-60 degrees F. Water temp was around 190 degrees F.

Cheers,
Jim

faz · 11-05-2009, 02:46 PM

These are great numbers for the price.

maswastage · 11-05-2009, 02:50 PM

Wait...they finally have a chip tune for US diesels? I think I just jizzed meself.

Just to confirm I'm reading your numbers correctly, you had 225whp stock and 260whp after the tune? I was expecting a little more, like 240 stock and 280 tuned. Or maybe were Dynapacks the ones that typically read slightly lower?

Jim E. · 11-05-2009, 02:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by maswastage

Wait...they finally have a chip tune for US diesels? I think I just jizzed meself.

Just to confirm I'm reading your numbers correctly, you had 225whp stock and 260whp after the tune? I was expecting a little more, like 240 stock and 280 tuned. Or maybe were Dynapacks the ones that typically read slightly lower?

I was told that dynapacks tend to read higher but keep in mind that VAC specifically told me they have programmed very conservative settings until they get more feedback. Their goal however is not to put out the highest output product regardless. they wanted to maintain a balance of reliability and power gains.

It's a good start for now.

Jim E. · 11-05-2009, 03:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by faz

These are great numbers for the price.

Not bad especially when I was able to get 40mpg on the hwy going back home!

Twilight1 · 11-05-2009, 04:19 PM

Alright, Jim! It's funny, today I e-mailed Imran at Evolve asking when his re map will be available. 520 ft-lbs is plenty considering the tranny has a limit at around 500, from what I've read.

Do you know how this differs from a re-map? Be sure to keep us informed on your driving impressions.

Ron1n · 11-05-2009, 06:01 PM

This is EXCELLENT to hear.

They'll have a future customer in me VERY soon.

coolchu001 · 11-05-2009, 06:19 PM

Can this be self installed?? as in easily plug in play, similar to the JB3?

Quote:

450 wheel hp is around 520 ft-lbs at the crank assuming around a 16% loss factor.

I really hope you meant HP ;-)

Jim E. · 11-05-2009, 06:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Twilight1

Alright,Jim! It's funny, today I e-mailed Imran at Evolve asking when his re map will be available. 520 ft-lbs is plenty considering the tranny has a limit at around 500, from what I've read.

Do you know how this differs from a re-map? Be sure to keep us informed on your driving impressions.

I've been on Imran's list since June or so. :-)

I was under the impression that the tranny limit in the 335 is 700NM. It's still a mystery to me.

I'm not sure about the difference between a tuning module and a re-map. I'd love to know what the parameters are. I was told that the tuning module adjusts boost and fuel pressure at the rail but I cannot be sure.

Jim E. · 11-05-2009, 06:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by coolchu001

Can this be self installed?? as in easily plug in play, similar to the JB3?

I really hope you meant HP ;-)

Sorry I had a brain spasm! LOL!

Twilight1 · 11-05-2009, 06:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim E.

I've been on Imran's list since June or so. :-)

I was under the impression that the tranny limit in the 335 is 700NM. It's still a mystery to me.

700NM is 516 ft-lbs. And I think you're correct with the 700 limit. I'm sure it's a very stout transmission. I can't wait to hear your impressions. Now, when is the LSD coming ?

Jim E. · 11-05-2009, 06:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Twilight1

700NM is 516 ft-lbs. And I think you're correct with the 700 limit. I'm sure it's a very stout transmission. I can't wait to hear your impressions. Now, when is the LSD coming ?

Dude, are you reading my mind or what???

I already have the diff but just need to send it out to Wavetrack. Can't wait!

Insider · 11-05-2009, 07:20 PM

What's the boost pressure on the diesel with this chip?

Jim E. · 11-05-2009, 07:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Insider

What's the boost pressure on the diesel with this chip?

I really don't know. You'd have to call Steve at VAC Motorsports.

Twilight1 · 11-08-2009, 10:36 AM

Jim,

Any other thoughts now that you have a few miles on the Module?

bavarian19 · 11-08-2009, 10:46 AM

Ron1n · 11-09-2009, 03:04 PM

I'm interested in hearing more feedback now as well. I've already set the money aside..just want to hear some more.

MartinS · 11-10-2009, 08:21 AM

Here is mine (euro):

Ron1n · 11-10-2009, 10:23 AM

I hate you for being able to get that car in a coupe. >.<

Twilight1 · 11-12-2009, 06:40 PM

OK, Jim ,it's been a week. We need some more info.

It's also time for the LSD!

Funny story... My wife accused me of re mapping the car because of the added response from the cold air. All cars benefit from the denser air but it seems these diesels really react to the lower air temps.

Ron1n · 11-12-2009, 07:14 PM

Do share, Twilight.

What you got goin on?

Twilight1 · 11-12-2009, 07:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ron1n

Do share, Twilight.

What you got goin on?

Just commenting on how the car responds to colder weather. Feels like a 20 hp boost.

11-05-2009, 04:19 PM	#6
Twilight1 Second Lieutenant Drives: 335D Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: MI Posts: 220 iTrader: (0) Garage List 2009 335d [0.00]	Alright, Jim! It's funny, today I e-mailed Imran at Evolve asking when his re map will be available. 520 ft-lbs is plenty considering the tranny has a limit at around 500, from what I've read. Do you know how this differs from a re-map? Be sure to keep us informed on your driving impressions. Last edited by Twilight1; 11-05-2009 at 06:22 PM.

11-05-2009, 06:01 PM	#7
Ron1n Speed Demon Drives: '10 335d E90 Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: The 858 Posts: 3,242 iTrader: (4) Garage List 2010 335d [5.00]	This is EXCELLENT to hear. They'll have a future customer in me VERY soon. __________________

11-05-2009, 07:20 PM	#13
Insider Captain Drives: 2007 335i Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: 4,500 feet above sea level Posts: 710 iTrader: (0)	What's the boost pressure on the diesel with this chip? __________________ http://www.insiderpicks.com - The world's best stock picks.

11-09-2009, 03:04 PM	#17
Ron1n Speed Demon Drives: '10 335d E90 Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: The 858 Posts: 3,242 iTrader: (4) Garage List 2010 335d [5.00]	I'm interested in hearing more feedback now as well. I've already set the money aside..just want to hear some more. __________________

11-10-2009, 08:21 AM	#18
MartinS Diesel power! 354hp/684nm Drives: E92 335d & E93 M3 & F10 535d Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Denmark Posts: 368 iTrader: (1) Garage List 2007 335d Coupé E92 [4.50]	Here is mine (euro): __________________ 335d Coupe \| Wetterauer remap: 354hp/684nm \| KW V3 \| 8.5 & 10x20" iForged Fabulous (summer) - 8.5 & 9.5x19 (winter) \| Shadowline \| M-tech \| M3 mirrors/seats/spoiler \| 45% tint \| Black grill M3 Convertible \| 20" BBS LM dbk \| ALL options (German)

11-05-2009, 02:46 PM	#2
faz Second Lieutenant Drives: 07 328i sedan, 11 535i 6MT Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Sunnyvale, ca Posts: 236 iTrader: (0)	These are great numbers for the price.

11-05-2009, 02:50 PM	#3
maswastage Resident Diesel Junkie Drives: 2010 AW 335d Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Maryland Posts: 1,069 iTrader: (0)	Wait...they finally have a chip tune for US diesels? I think I just jizzed meself. Just to confirm I'm reading your numbers correctly, you had 225whp stock and 260whp after the tune? I was expecting a little more, like 240 stock and 280 tuned. Or maybe were Dynapacks the ones that typically read slightly lower?

11-08-2009, 10:36 AM	#15
Twilight1 Second Lieutenant Drives: 335D Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: MI Posts: 220 iTrader: (0) Garage List 2009 335d [0.00]	Jim, Any other thoughts now that you have a few miles on the Module?

11-08-2009, 10:46 AM	#16
bavarian19 General Drives: Car Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: VA Posts: 18,659 iTrader: (22)

11-10-2009, 10:23 AM	#19
Ron1n Speed Demon Drives: '10 335d E90 Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: The 858 Posts: 3,242 iTrader: (4) Garage List 2010 335d [5.00]	I hate you for being able to get that car in a coupe. >.< __________________

11-12-2009, 06:40 PM	#20
Twilight1 Second Lieutenant Drives: 335D Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: MI Posts: 220 iTrader: (0) Garage List 2009 335d [0.00]	OK, Jim ,it's been a week. We need some more info. It's also time for the LSD! Funny story... My wife accused me of re mapping the car because of the added response from the cold air. All cars benefit from the denser air but it seems these diesels really react to the lower air temps.

11-12-2009, 07:14 PM	#21
Ron1n Speed Demon Drives: '10 335d E90 Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: The 858 Posts: 3,242 iTrader: (4) Garage List 2010 335d [5.00]	Do share, Twilight. What you got goin on? __________________

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