The first step in extracting power from the N55 engine requires no hardware changes, this is a software-only upgrade. The ECU software follows the linear torque delivery like a stock through the low to mid-range while adding a nice 40-45 lb-ft across the curve (maximizing flow).

With our 'Stage 1' software upgrades the following features are included:

• Vmax Removal (Speed limiter removed)
• Sports Displays recalibrated to suit new outputs
• Enhanced overrun on Sports mode (Optional)
• Switchable map modes (ECUTEK Racerom required)

Expected Results, based on our Dyno Dynamics rolling Road:

400-415HP with 450-470LBFT

 

 

An additional mod that improves the Flow of the stock turbocharger is to remove the catalyst from the downpipe, either replacing it with a high-flow sports catalyst for road use, retaining the cars MOT legality, or the use of a replacement pipe with no catalyst for cars only used on the track. With the free-flowing downpipe installed, fuelling can be optimized and new lambda targets set, we can add a slight increase in boost pressure and ignition timing to take advantage of this setup.
Standard cat-back can be retained, however, optimal results are based on a free-flowing turbo-back system. Low-end response is improved and turbo lag is reduced, torque levels are increased across the complete rev range,

With our 'Stage 1+' software upgrades the following features are included:

• Vmax Removal (Speed limiter removed)
• Sports Displays recalibrated to suit new outputs
• Enhanced overrun on Sports mode (optional)
• Switchable map modes (ECUTEK Racerom required)
• Cold start delete (removal of high/loud idle) (optional)
• Catalyst code removal to avoid EML lights

Expected Results, based on our Dyno Dynamics rolling Road:

400-420HP with 450-470LBFT

The intercooler is the limiting factor when it comes to tuning the N55 Engine, with Intakes easily hitting 50-60+ degrees celsius on a single power run. To maximize the performance of the stock turbocharger we install an air-to-air intercooler with a much larger core and overall surface area, dramatically improving intake temperatures - instantly picking up horsepower and most importantly consistency, especially in the summer months when the standard intercooler will struggle, causing power to flatten off at higher RPM. With the intake cooling system improved ignition timing can be advanced gaining even more power.

With our 'Stage 2' software upgrades the following are included:

• Vmax Removal (Speed limiter removed)
• Sports Displays recalibrated to suit new outputs
• Enhanced overrun on Sports mode (optional)
• Switchable map modes (ECUTEK Racerom required)
• Cold start delete (removal of high / loud idle) (optional)
• Catalyst code removal to avoid EML lights

Expected Results, based on our Dyno Dynamics rolling Road:

415-435HP 460-470LBFT

The final hardware change for maximizing the standard turbochargers efficiency range, which allows us to ramp up the mid-range boost to gain optimal airflow is a fuel pump upgrade. The issue of the standard fuel system becomes clear if attempting to run much higher torque than 476-480lbft - the fuel pressure will drop - this can cause limp mode or worse engine damage from lack of fuel pressure. To resolve this and to run greater torque levels (with requires more fuel volume) an upgraded HPFP (High-Pressure Fuel Pump) is installed, this allows more fuel volume per engine revolution (crankshaft chain driven pump) thus allowing more fuel volume without pressure drop.

When upgrading the fuel pump there are a few options, and we advise you to think about the future plans if any - if planning to run over 550HP on pump fuel, or even with ethanol blends an aftermarket pump is recommended, otherwise for the base upgrade we use a 'TU' fuel pump from the later B58 models (Z4 / Supra) This is a great cost-effective upgrade with much larger fuel large scope range.

With our 'Stage 2+' software upgrades the following are included:

• Vmax Removal (Speed limiter removed)
• Sports Displays recalibrated to suit new outputs
• Enhanced overrun on Sports mode (optional)
• Map Switching (ECUTEK Racerom Required)
• Cold start delete (removal of high / loud idle) (optional)
• Catalyst code removal to avoid EML lights

Expected Results, based on our Dyno Dynamics rolling Road:

430-450HP with 480-520LBFT

The stock turbocharger is the limiting factor when it comes to the next stage of performance, with compressor/turbines limiting any more flow, we can resolve this by installing a new turbocharger with larger compressor and turbine wheels into the stock turbo housing, this 'Hybrid' will allow much greater air and exhaust gas flow.

With the improved intercooler and exhaust systems already installed, the fuel system will require upgrading to allow adequate fuelling to match the increased airflow mass that the turbocharger can produce. The exact results will depend on the turbocharger chosen, and the fuelling systems used.

Water methanol injection would also be a worthwhile upgrade when pushing for maximum power output.

With our 'Stage 3' software upgrades the following are included:

• Vmax Removal (Speed limiter removed)
• Sports Displays recalibrated to suit new outputs
• Enhanced overrun on Sports mode (optional)
• Switchable map modes (ECUTEK Racerom Required)
• Cold start delete (removal of high/loud idle) (optional)
• Catalyst code removal to avoid EML lights

Expected Results, based on our Dyno Dynamics rolling Road:

480-600HP 500-600LBFT