www.vf-engineering.com BMW E36 (‘96-’98 incl. ‘99 M3) US MODELS
PAGE 27 of 28 P/N: VFM28/38/40-01
© 2006 VF Engineering
All rights reserved
Rev 1.10.25.06
MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE SUPERCHARGER KIT and SUPERCHARGER UNIT
Caring for your kit (mandatory procedures)
1. After fitting, the new supercharger kit should be allowed to bed in for a run-in period of 300 miles during which the engine should not
be driven over 4500 rpm.
2. The supercharger kit should be routinely inspected and maintained as below:
ii. Air filters – Use the air filter system provided in your VF-Engineering system.
iii. Air Intake / Air Discharge – Must be in good condition and properly secured. If equipped with flex hose, this must be
Free of damage / leaks.
iv. Belt Tension – Excessive belt tension can lead to supercharger or crankshaft bearing failure. Do not use a non-slipping
or cog-type belt on a supercharger designed to be driven with a serpentine belt. Replacement belts for your
application, are available from VF-Engineering.
v. Air Assist – The air assist system on certain Vortech superchargers must be kept free from kinks and leaks. Spare
parts are available from VF-Engineering.
3. Computer Chips – Use the computer chip or serial flash provided by VF-Engineering for this supercharger system. The use of an
aftermarket chip is not recommended as they would not be calibrated for use with a supercharger and can cause detonation. VF
Engineering supplies a computer chip or serial flash with each kit that is specifically developed and calibrated to maximize
performance.
4. Crankcase Ventilation System – You must use the system provided in your VF-Engineering kit to prevent excessive crank case
pressures and possible engine damage. We recommend you clean or replace this every 6000 miles.
5. Pullies – If your supercharger drive belt comes off it may be due to misalignment of the supercharger pulley cause by installation issues
or movement of the mounting plate. Misalignment can also be caused by over-tightening (and failure) of the supercharger belt. For
years of trouble free operation when used for street applications, we recommend the drive ratios not be changed from the standard
specification.
6. In case of recurring miss-firing or detonation / pinging you should contact your vendor. By following these procedures you will ensure
long term durability and reliability from your conversion.
7. The Supercharger oil must be replaced at 2500 miles and then at every 7500 mile intervals. The oil can be purchased from
www.vortechengineering.com
8. Do not use engine oil additives as they may contain solid particulates which can clog the supercharger feed line.
MAINTENANCE OF YOUR SUPERCHARGED VEHICLE
9. Before supercharging your vehicle we recommend you service and inspect your vehicle. Ideally the fault codes should be reset. This
would highlight any existing conditions that may need attention. The condition of consumables, such as oil, filters, spark plugs, HT
(plug wires) leads, ignition coil, and air mass sensor should be inspected and replaced where needed.
10. Never operate your engine at full throttle when the engine is cold. When starting the engine each day, always allow plenty of time for
the oil to reach full operating temperature before running above 2500 RPM. Full operating temperature is generally achieved only after
the engine water temperature has reached the ‘normal’ indicated operating range for 2-3 minutes.
11. Always utilize the highest octane super (premium) unleaded fuel available in your area. Where possible try to use the same brand of
fuel. Where possible do not use fuels sold at low cost service stations and preferably use national brands whenever possible.
12. After filling up with fuel from a source other than the one you use regularly, carefully listen for engine detonation. If any detonation is
audible, you may have a fuel problem. Cease utilizing heavy-throttle and drive with greater care until the fuel is consumed. If
detonation is still evident, inspect for other causes such as:
i. Faulty fuel pump(s). Check fuel pressure when detonation is occurring.
ii. Dirty injector(s), clogged fuel filter or pinched fuel line.
iii. Faulty spark plug(s) or spark plug wires with too much resistance. Consult your factory vehicle service manual. Most
wires should not exceed 10 Ohms of resistance.
iv. Faulty ignition coil / distributor. Ask VF-Engineering for diagnostic info specific to your vehicle.
v. Cooling system not functioning properly. Check for a faulty thermostat, faulty or improper calibration of the thermostatic
fan switch, water pump belt slippage, a plugged radiator or bad fan clutch.
vi. Dirty air filter / cleaner.
13. Ensure the spark plug gap is correct for a supercharged application.
14. We recommend using manufacturer recommended service components or taking the advice from our dealers specializing in the
different makes of cars.
15. Spark Plugs need to be changed at intervals of 8-10,000 miles or sooner.
16. Spark plug leads (wires) must be checked for condition. When reaching the end of their life, they become hard and must be replaced as
a complete set. Check the condition of your coil pack and test for resistance according to OE spec. Check the condition of the
distributor cap (where applicable) and replace if worn or heavily corroded. Replace rotor every 15,000 miles and cap every 50,000 or
as condition warrant.
17. Engine oil should be changed every 3-5,000 miles. We recommend OE oil. Do not mix different grades of oil qualities.
VF-ENGINEERING SUPERCHARGER KIT OWNERS MANUAL
The following information and recommendations are designed to promote years of trouble free
service for your supercharger. Care recommendations have also been outlined for your vehicle and
maintenance of your supercharger kit.
