do you have emission laws where you are??? here in toronto we do and they are bitch's about it.just a bit worried that it wont pass after the mod.

You will definitely fail emission after the mod if you don't tack on an aftermarket cat and O2 sensor. But then it may somewhat defeats the purpose of the mod since the added HP won't be as dramatic with a cat tacked back on.

A supercharger would be VERY nice! But, as you've indicated, I'm worry about the tranny, especially being the weakest link in the drive train. I would definitely consider a supercharger if mine had a 5/6 speed manual.

This sure is very tempting...

ESS SuperChargerProduct Description $ 5350.00
The ESS M54B30 TS1 series system is equipped with a Lysholm Twin Screw supercharger which has several advantages over the centrifugal compressors used in earlier ESS M52TU/M54 systems. It creates a higher boost-pressure at lower engine rpm, thus significantly increasing bottom and mid range torque. Lag time during shifts and on-off throttling are reduced to a minimum and the throttle response is incredible. The twin screw principle is also highly energy efficient, which contributes to the extreme power and torque output of the ESS TS Series systems. The system also utilizes a throttle body type butterfly air bypass valve to reduce SC parasitic drag and increase fuel economy during cruising conditions. The entire ESS TS system consumes less than 2hp during cruising and it is very energy and heat efficient.

The overall system efficiency, torque delivery, power production and room for higher power stages is considerably higher than that of any competitor. The Twin Screw supercharger is the only product on the market today to combine both a positive displacement design for maximum low-end torque and highly efficient top-end horsepower output. Also emission levels at high speed and boost are lower than with other turbo and supercharging systems.

The redesigned ESS MS43/45 engine control software is perfectly calibrated for the TS supercharged engine providing optimum ignition timing under all conditions, recalibrated EGas for quicker throttle response, recalibrated VANOS control and perfectly optimized fuel delivery supplied by the 6 larger Bosch fuel injectors included with the kit. The software also features a 6800RPM rev limit and removed top speed governor.

Power development is 100% smooth and the car behaves just like stock until you demand raw power. Then, the car completely transforms, providing brutal acceleration normally reserved for big displacement performance cars.

The system maintains all OBD-II functions and it is backed by a comprehensive 2 year, unlimited mileage warranty program. The system installs in 6-8 hours using normal hand tools and no irreversible modifications to the car is necessary.

System components:

-Custom ESS Spec Lysholm 1.6L Twin Screw supercharger unit.
-High strength, dual-layer cast aluminum alloy ESS intake manifold.
-Uni-belt SC drive system with additional OEM quality idler pulleys.
-6 larger Bosch fuel injectors.
-Throttle body style butterfly bypass system for superior fuel economy during cruising and optimal throttle response under all conditions.
-Perfectly optimized, dyno tweaked MS43/45 ECU software.
-CNC hard anodized brackets and hardware.
-Cast aluminium SC intake system with crankcase fume reduction system designed for boost.
-High temperature, custom made silicone hoses with clamps throughout the system.
-Detailed, step-by-step installation manual
-Heavy-Duty drive belt.
-All required installation hardware included
-2yr./unlimited mileage warranty.

ESS TS Series superchargers gives you the best of both worlds with instant boost, true industry-leading torque AND throttle response, while the ultra high efficiency of the twin-screw gives you maximum top end power. The TS1 is fully upgradeable to TS2 and TS3 and comes with the chambers for the Laminova based liquid intercoolers machined in, so if you ever decide to upgrade to TS2 or TS3 it can be easily retrofitted as part of the upgrade package.

ESS TS Series superchargers with it's Lysholm supercharger technology and CAD designed intake runners creates boost the instant the throttle is touched usually reaching full boost by ~2200 rpm – long before a centrifugal supercharger commonly even creates 1psi of boost, resulting in breathtaking low-mid range acceleration and it also removes the need to rev the engine high to get good acceleration.

Correction factor for drivetrain loss is 15% above RWHP as seen in dynograph (RWHP/0.85)

Part number: 115-11
Boost pressure: 7 PSI
Horsepower: 320 SAE/325 DIN (ZHP vehicles +10HP)
Torque: 302 lf-ft/410 Nm
Installation time : 5-7 hours

Wally,
I'm getting ready to take the plunge and follow your footsteps and put on some e46 headers on the 3.0. :thumbup:

I had a few questions for you on your set up. Does you CEL come on at all now that the cats are gone? I'm not so much worried about emissions as I am bugged by a check engine light. We don't have emissions here in my part of Northern Utah.

I also see you went with an oem style exhaust manifold gasket versus the non-heat shielded one normally provided with the kit. Is that a better choice or just preference? Less heat on the valve cover gasket and etc?

Do you think that the current cat back exhaust could easily be modified in such a way that you could easily reverse it if necessary? Seems like I read that there was only an inch difference b/w the header and exhaust. Perhaps just some spacers made up? If you have a pic of that junction that would be rad.

Did you ever put some aftermarket cats back on it?

Lastly..... Please remove the pic of your M5...... Dammit all! I have to wipe the drool from my keyboard every time I see it in your signature! JK I'm jealous. I hope you love it. I may be getting an e60 for the wife, but not the M5 yet. ;)

Are these still sold on eBay for $100-200?
I can't seem to find much