M42club.com - Home of the BMW E30/E36 318i/iS

DISCUSSION => Engine + Driveline => Topic started by: hesgone2fast on March 19, 2007, 04:55:36 PM

Title: Downing Atlanta Supercharger (DASC)
Post by: hesgone2fast on March 19, 2007, 04:55:36 PM
Has anyone tried to contact DA lately? Because I have been sending them emails for a week now with no reply... I live in Spain, and a call overseas might be kindda expensive.If someone could call them to ask if they sell it for the E30, I would really appretiate it. I want to buy a kit for my E30, does anyone know if itīs allready available?
 Thanks a lot guys.
Title: Downing Atlanta Supercharger (DASC)
Post by: doucy2 on March 19, 2007, 05:32:39 PM
no they dont do one not the the e30 m42, they do one for the e36 though, however i am not positive on these conclusions.
Title: Downing Atlanta Supercharger (DASC)
Post by: mdiddy on March 19, 2007, 07:02:11 PM
the downing e36 kit WILL fit the e30 grassroots did it.
Title: Downing Atlanta Supercharger (DASC)
Post by: 1991318is on March 19, 2007, 08:36:42 PM
doesn't their add in Bimmer and Roundel show a e30 m42? I was under the impression that I had read they built one for the e30 m42.
Title: Downing Atlanta Supercharger (DASC)
Post by: RP Kennedy on March 19, 2007, 09:02:20 PM
Not only did they build a kit for the E30 M42, it was detailed in Grassroots Motorsports in 3 or 4 issues last summer and discussed / copied on this very site!  Let's stick with the facts hombres.
Title: Downing Atlanta Supercharger (DASC)
Post by: Tonyb on March 19, 2007, 09:27:44 PM
Anyone know how much $$$
Title: Dasc
Post by: 1991 E30 M42 on March 19, 2007, 10:40:16 PM
Shocker has a Supercharger on his E30, but I'm not sure if its DA or not.
Title: Downing Atlanta Supercharger (DASC)
Post by: fabe on March 19, 2007, 11:05:39 PM
Quote from: 1991 E30 M42;21737
Shocker has a Supercharger on his E30, but I'm not sure if its DA or not.



That looks like a custom set up rather than the DASC...
Title: Downing Atlanta Supercharger (DASC)
Post by: hesgone2fast on March 20, 2007, 01:20:31 AM
thanks guys. what grassroots did was modify the kit form the e36, the biggest problem they had was the serpentine belt system versus the v-belt system on the e30. I have a full system of serpentine belt system, taken out of an e36. so I should not have a problem with that. But my main problem would be not having knocking sensors as the e36. I also know that the DASC leaves a lean mixture on the engine. So if I improve the mixture through remapping, would I still have knocking?
 By the way, DA website is not working for me since last night, does it work for you?
http://www.understeer.com sells a diferent supercharger system than DA, thatīs the system on the picture above.
Title: Downing Atlanta Supercharger (DASC)
Post by: Tonyb on March 20, 2007, 01:30:47 AM
That looks like a standard belt on the s/c pulley?
Title: Downing Atlanta Supercharger (DASC)
Post by: Shocker on March 20, 2007, 06:43:32 AM
Quote from: Tonyb;21753
That looks like a standard belt on the s/c pulley?


Yes it is.  If done correctly it works fine.
Title: Downing Atlanta Supercharger (DASC)
Post by: stuartgallafant on March 20, 2007, 07:02:39 AM
Quote from: 1991 E30 M42;21737
Shocker has a Supercharger on his E30, but I'm not sure if its DA or not.


this is an eaton m52 s'charger, used on 2.0-3.0 litre engines. i have an eaton m40 s'charger from the MINI Cooper S sitting in my shed that i was gonna use

this one in the pic, does not seem to have any intercooler. if i had a 'charged engine, i would want to use an IC. maybe this guy is using laminova's?
Title: Downing Atlanta Supercharger (DASC)
Post by: hesgone2fast on March 20, 2007, 06:08:26 PM
I would like Shocker to write his opinion on his kit, and if he has had any detonation problems.
 An intercooler would be way too difficult to install on a supercharger system, due to the limited space and the position of the manifold. besides a supercharger only raises the intake temperature by 60-70F  compared to a turbo is nothing.
Title: Downing Atlanta Supercharger (DASC)
Post by: Shocker on March 20, 2007, 08:42:38 PM
Quote from: hesgone2fast;21849
I would like Shocker to write his opinion on his kit, and if he has had any detonation problems.
 An intercooler would be way too difficult to install on a supercharger system, due to the limited space and the position of the manifold. besides a supercharger only raises the intake temperature by 60-70F  compared to a turbo is nothing.


Well since you will never find someone to make this kit id say go with the Downing Atlanta Kit, then all you have to do is swap over to the e36 pulley system and get a remote brake reservoir from the 2002 which I have on my car and whatever else GRM did.  As for detonation I have an audible knock sensor on my engine so I know when it happens.  I’m running stock timing right now but I’m running 100 LL octane only because I can get it cheaper then 92.  (My dad has an airplane)   but I do need Adjustable timing because I won’t boost past the middle of 4th gear it starts knocking at 12PSI on stock motor.
Title: Downing Atlanta Supercharger (DASC)
Post by: gundy318 on March 20, 2007, 09:10:17 PM
Quote from: RP Kennedy;21719
Not only did they build a kit for the E30 M42, it was detailed in Grassroots Motorsports in 3 or 4 issues last summer and discussed / copied on this very site!  Let's stick with the facts hombres.


could somebody repost that issue on this thread?
Title: Downing Atlanta Supercharger (DASC)
Post by: Shocker on March 20, 2007, 09:23:14 PM
Quote from: gundy318;21863
could somebody repost that issue on this thread?



Heres a pdf.

GRM S/C (http://oak.cats.ohiou.edu/~kramere/downloads/GRM_bimmer_2.pdf)

If that dosen't work

http://www.m42club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=629&highlight=supercharger (http://www.m42club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=629&highlight=supercharger)
Title: Downing Atlanta Supercharger (DASC)
Post by: stuartgallafant on March 21, 2007, 05:20:31 AM
shocker, how have you installed a knock sensor, what does it actually do and how are you using it to help control your engine???

sorry for all the questions, im just really intrigued!!

do you not think that 60-70F is high?
Title: Downing Atlanta Supercharger (DASC)
Post by: FL318is on March 21, 2007, 09:27:49 AM
I emailed them and got a reply.  The M42 SC is in the final stages of developement and not yet completely ready for the market place.  I was surprised based on the ad in Roundel.  The price is not yet determined.
Title: Downing Atlanta Supercharger (DASC)
Post by: Alpine003 on March 21, 2007, 09:48:38 AM
Quote from: stuartgallafant;21881
shocker, how have you installed a knock sensor, what does it actually do and how are you using it to help control your engine???

sorry for all the questions, im just really intrigued!!

do you not think that 60-70F is high?


There's a diy method: http://autospeed.drive.com.au/cms/article.html?&A=0353

Or you can get an LED based unit like J&S knock sensor unit.
http://www.jandssafeguard.com/
Title: Downing Atlanta Supercharger (DASC)
Post by: 1991318is on March 21, 2007, 12:02:06 PM
Quote from: FL318is;21895
I emailed them and got a reply.  The M42 SC is in the final stages of developement and not yet completely ready for the market place.  I was surprised based on the ad in Roundel.  The price is not yet determined.

So am I. I figured since it was advertised in there they had it... Especially in a magazine like roundel.
Title: Downing Atlanta Supercharger (DASC)
Post by: DustenT on March 21, 2007, 03:37:04 PM
It's an m62 Eaton supercharger.  And the only kit that Chris at Understeer.com sells is the Downing Atlanta Kit.
http://www.understeer.com/onlinestore-engine.shtml

There are/were a couple hack companies that tried really hard to make a kit, but they are all garbage.  The DASC kit is by far the best kit on the market for m42/m44.
Title: Downing Atlanta Supercharger (DASC)
Post by: Shocker on March 21, 2007, 09:55:08 PM
Quote from: stuartgallafant;21881
shocker, how have you installed a knock sensor, what does it actually do and how are you using it to help control your engine???

sorry for all the questions, im just really intrigued!!

do you not think that 60-70F is high?


The knock sensor is from a friend of mines Nissan 240 project… no idea what it came off of but works it’s a stand alone unit that tells me when I need to back off the timing. and no 60-70F isn’t that much more a turbo with intercooler will probably add the same amount if not more but depends on the PSI.
Title: Downing Atlanta Supercharger (DASC)
Post by: hesgone2fast on March 22, 2007, 01:22:13 AM
Like shocker says, 60-70F is not that much compared to the heat a turbo sistem   creates.
Title: Downing Atlanta Supercharger (DASC)
Post by: stuartgallafant on March 22, 2007, 04:07:16 AM
shocker, what kind of boost are you running? and what compression ratio? also, have you stroked your engine or is it still a 1.8?
Title: Downing Atlanta Supercharger (DASC)
Post by: Shocker on March 22, 2007, 06:43:52 AM
Quote from: stuartgallafant;21973
shocker, what kind of boost are you running? and what compression ratio? also, have you stroked your engine or is it still a 1.8?


12 PSI on a bone stock 1.8 with no problems.
Title: Downing Atlanta Supercharger (DASC)
Post by: gearheadE30 on March 23, 2007, 06:06:34 AM
FYI GRM did the conversion for about $3500 iirc. I'd expect the end kit to cost around $4k, which is a good deal as far as quality forced induction goes.

Does the A/C compressor need to be replaced to convert to serpentine belt, or is the pulley removable?
Title: Downing Atlanta Supercharger (DASC)
Post by: 1991 E30 M42 on March 23, 2007, 06:16:47 AM
Anything can be removable with a big enough hammer.
Title: Downing Atlanta Supercharger (DASC)
Post by: gundy318 on April 05, 2007, 09:02:03 AM
anyone interested in trying to get a group buy going once the kit comes out for the e30?
Title: Downing Atlanta Supercharger (DASC)
Post by: FL318is on April 06, 2007, 07:46:40 AM
I am interested.
Title: Downing Atlanta Supercharger (DASC)
Post by: EducatedFool on April 06, 2007, 09:37:39 PM
+1 to that.

I'm trying to buy another M42 just for the purpose.... :D
Title: Downing Atlanta Supercharger (DASC)
Post by: Tonyb on April 09, 2007, 03:58:31 AM
Yes!!!
Title: Downing Atlanta Supercharger (DASC)
Post by: jajou318 on April 09, 2007, 09:07:29 AM
Yea but did anyone get any response back from them?
Title: Downing Atlanta Supercharger (DASC)
Post by: sumyungguy on April 13, 2007, 02:33:40 PM
I just saw an ad in the Dec. 06 issue of Grasstoots for DA in the that said "Kits now available for the e30 m42!"..

But after seeing this no respone thread Im having doubts..
Title: Downing Atlanta Supercharger (DASC)
Post by: sheepdog on April 13, 2007, 04:00:31 PM
Grassroots did not do a conversion of an e36.

They took it to Downing and let them use it as a test mule to fabricate the e30 m42 kit, which is based on or is similar to the e36. Apparently lack of a test mule was all that was holding back development.

The kit is available and runs around $4k


Never expect a reply from most companies through email. Call if you are serious.
Title: Downing Atlanta Supercharger (DASC)
Post by: hesgone2fast on April 13, 2007, 04:00:57 PM
The kit for the E30 is not yet ready.
 I have been in touch with Jim Goodroe from DA and he says he is waiting the delivery of an order of eaton superchargers from his suplier. So as soon as he gets them I will order the e36 kit for my E30.
Title: Downing Atlanta Supercharger (DASC)
Post by: hesgone2fast on April 13, 2007, 04:10:15 PM
sheepdog, I donīt know where you got that information from, but could be discused... The grassroots people took a kit from a Z3(which is the same kit as the E36 one) and converted it to the E30,I have talked to the people from grassroots and have told me all about the process. the only mod to be done was the belt system, and the relocation of the brake fluid tank.
 I bet DA has a better test mule than the 100,000++ miles unit from grassroots.
 DA does not have the kit for the E30 available.
Title: Downing Atlanta Supercharger (DASC)
Post by: sumyungguy on April 13, 2007, 05:36:15 PM
Quote from: hesgone2fast;23713
DA does not have the kit for the E30 available.


I wonder why they are advertising that they do??
Title: Downing Atlanta Supercharger (DASC)
Post by: nickmpower on April 13, 2007, 07:14:04 PM
Quote from: hesgone2fast;23713
sheepdog, I donīt know where you got that information from, but could be discused... The grassroots people took a kit from a Z3(which is the same kit as the E36 one) and converted it to the E30,I have talked to the people from grassroots and have told me all about the process. the only mod to be done was the belt system, and the relocation of the brake fluid tank.
 I bet DA has a better test mule than the 100,000++ miles unit from grassroots.
 DA does not have the kit for the E30 available.


maybe you should read it a couple more times, theres more to it then that
Title: Downing Atlanta Supercharger (DASC)
Post by: hesgone2fast on April 14, 2007, 05:40:52 AM
I have read many times, believe me. I just said the main problem with the transformation. I can start talking about the fuel mixture regarding the lean problem under load, or about the bending of the oil dipstick, or about the piece of aluminum that holds the compressor from underneath that has to be taken from the e36( not mentioned on Grassroots). the stuff Grassroots did with the afm is not necessary. The only thing I said is that the main problem(meaning thereīs more) is the belt system, and the brake fluid tank. about the belt system? maybe you should read this post a couple more times nickmpower, because I allready said on a previous message that I have a full serpentine belt system from a E36, and about the brake fluid tank? remote unit.
 To do this conversion, the only problem for me would be detonation, and will deal with that through remmaping the chip,thicker head gasket, bigger injectors, and extra fuel pump. besides up here in spain fuel has 98 octanes....
Title: Downing Atlanta Supercharger (DASC)
Post by: sheepdog on April 14, 2007, 12:59:04 PM
Quote from: hesgone2fast;23713
sheepdog, I donīt know where you got that information from, but could be discused... The grassroots people took a kit from a Z3(which is the same kit as the E36 one) and converted it to the E30,I have talked to the people from grassroots and have told me all about the process. the only mod to be done was the belt system, and the relocation of the brake fluid tank.
 I bet DA has a better test mule than the 100,000++ miles unit from grassroots.
 DA does not have the kit for the E30 available.


Then what they wrote was different from what actually happened.
Title: Downing Atlanta Supercharger (DASC)
Post by: hesgone2fast on April 14, 2007, 02:17:52 PM
thatīs a different story...
Title: Downing Atlanta Supercharger (DASC)
Post by: 2002maniac on April 14, 2007, 02:47:49 PM
Quote from: sheepdog;23776
Then what they wrote was different from what actually happened.


where'd you get your info?  I was under the impression that GRM did the work and then told DA what needed to be changed/modified for the kit to work on an E30.
Title: Downing Atlanta Supercharger (DASC)
Post by: sheepdog on April 15, 2007, 06:44:40 PM
Ok, looking at it right now.

GRM did volunteer to be the test mule, however D.A. did not have the time to do it so GRM did it, but with lots of help. I could have sworn D.A. did the actual work, guess not.

A local shop did a lot of the work for them, and they had D.A. and 2 other experts helping them figure out the problems. Once it was running, they drove it out to D.A. for building the kit and fine tuning and it was still running lean at the end of the article.


More is done that the reservoir and a pulley swap.

You probably not be able to just do the pulleys as the belts will likely no longer line up so the the compressor and bracket needs to be changed. The new one is lighter though. Offsetting some of the added weight of the blower.
Also, fuel... Bigger injectors are needed, the adj. regulator was not enough.
You also need a Z3 intake boot and remove the shield behind the headlight and fab a mount for a filter.



So while you could do a Z3 kit and do what they did, it will not be perfect.
It looks like they are just out of stock on the kit or still fine tuning it.
Title: Just buy the supercharged car from GRM
Post by: kramerica5000 on April 18, 2007, 12:54:11 PM
It's up on the auction block in a couple weeks at the MITTY (Road Atlanta http://www.themitty.com/ (http://www.themitty.com/)). I guess if you are in Spain that might be a little harder to pull off. For anyone else though . . . even if you paid 10k it would probably be a better deal than buying a car and doing the same stuff to it . . . mind you its been repainted, has HR + Koni suspension, and kick-ass 10lb BBS wheels.

PS. I'm planning to go to the MITTY . . . is anyone else? I'll try to get some pics of the car if its open to the public. I'd love to buy it but  . .. .
Title: More info on the GRM car
Post by: kramerica5000 on April 18, 2007, 01:21:10 PM
I found some more info on the GRM car. This follow-up tells about what they did to deal with the lean mixture . . . no small task:

http://grassrootsmotorsports.com/news/category/project-cars/current-project-cars/1991-bmw-318is/ (http://grassrootsmotorsports.com/news/category/project-cars/current-project-cars/1991-bmw-318is/)

The PDFs of the articles are also posted there.

Someone should really buy this car. They've put a lot of work into sorting it out.
Title: Downing Atlanta Supercharger (DASC)
Post by: Alpine003 on April 18, 2007, 03:10:38 PM
Quote from: kramerica5000;24000
For anyone else though . . . even if you paid 10k it would probably be a better deal than buying a car and doing the same stuff to it . . . mind you its been repainted, has HR + Koni suspension, and kick-ass 10lb BBS wheels.


$9500 since it doesn't have the original Recaro seats. ;)
Title: Downing Atlanta Supercharger (DASC)
Post by: Hey-u on August 28, 2007, 02:47:59 AM
Quote from: gundy318;22987
anyone interested in trying to get a group buy going once the kit comes out for the e30?
Did anything come of the group buy querrie re DA supercharger? I would be interested.
Title: Downing Atlanta Supercharger (DASC)
Post by: e30s4evr on August 28, 2007, 11:15:08 AM
+1! Conditional on CARB cert...
Title: Downing Atlanta Supercharger (DASC)
Post by: D. Clay on August 28, 2007, 12:11:05 PM
I still find the HP figures a little optimistic. 127 at the rear wheels is 93% of factory rated 136 for a stock M42. Even so, the final 187 in the "real world" is  about 170 HP.
Downings latest ad indicates CARB legal also.
Title: Re: More info on the GRM car
Post by: robrez on May 12, 2017, 10:16:06 PM
Pray tell, what did GRM do to address the lean condition?'

I found some more info on the GRM car. This follow-up tells about what they did to deal with the lean mixture . . . no small task:

http://grassrootsmotorsports.com/news/category/project-cars/current-project-cars/1991-bmw-318is/ (http://grassrootsmotorsports.com/news/category/project-cars/current-project-cars/1991-bmw-318is/)

The PDFs of the articles are also posted there.

Someone should really buy this car. They've put a lot of work into sorting it out.
Title: Re: Downing Atlanta Supercharger (DASC)
Post by: colin86325 on May 15, 2017, 11:29:20 AM
https://web.archive.org/web/20130212233817/http://grassrootsmotorsports.com:80/project-cars/1991-bmw-318is/bmw-gets-final-tuning/ (https://web.archive.org/web/20130212233817/http://grassrootsmotorsports.com:80/project-cars/1991-bmw-318is/bmw-gets-final-tuning/)
Title: Re: Downing Atlanta Supercharger (DASC)
Post by: robrez on May 16, 2017, 11:41:24 PM
^^ Thanks Colin!