Race Marque Systems of Van Nuys, California is one of the best tuning and engineering company's specializing in BMW. RMS founder Osh Minelian has always been interested in German-built automobiles and started in the industry about 15 years ago as a service writer for a BMW dealership. Quickly learning all the facets about what makes these such great precision built automobiles, Osh left the dealership after a few years and opened his first shop - EuroTek. Osh welcomed all German built automobiles including BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, and Audi. But with the tremendous success in sales of BMWs in the US, Osh decided five years ago to close his shop and open a new and larger facility in Van Nuys, specializing in only BMW.
A fine example of the work done by RMS is the transformation of this already potent 2000 BMW M Coupe. No changes were made to the exterior body panels or interior cabin, except the installation of a sports short-throw shifter in the latter.
The engineers and designers at RMS suggest leaving the already stiff chassis stock, with no need for new stiffening points. Only a strut tower brace is installed, but we took it off to take the photos of the engine and supercharger. And even while leaving the 179kW 3.2-litre 6-cylinder internally stock, the RMS engineers and designers have still mapped out a package that makes the 1423kg M Coupe accelerate half a second quicker to 97 km/h. A stock M Coupe has a 0-60 mph (0-97 km/h) time of 5.1sec; now it is achieved in a startling 4.5sec while the quarter mile now comes in just 12.4 seconds at 111 mph! Yes, with the RMS/Vortech SuperCharger/Intercooler, the power rating of the M Coupe jumps to no less than 307kW at 6800rpm with a mighty 468Nm of torque at 5300 rpm!
A gear-driven centrifugal V2-SQ Vortech SuperCharger running 9 psi of boost generates the massive power gain. The supercharger uses gear cases and volutes cast from 356 aircraft specification aluminium alloy, heat-treated to T6 hardness. Gears are of 9310 carbonised steel, providing a wear-resistant surface. The helical-cut gears of the V2 make for nearly silent operation, while supercharger oiling is integrated with the engine lubrication system, minimizing maintenance and maximizing dependability. The S-trim impeller is investment-cast of proprietary aluminium alloy, heat-treated to T6 hardness and X-rayed for quality control. Brackets are machined from 6061-T6 aluminium and are hard surface-anodised for wear and appearance. The oversized pulleys increase belt wrap, preventing slippage at maximum boost levels.
The RMS cold-air intake and discharge systems are designed on the RMS SF-600 Flow Bench for maximized flow and minimal pressure drop, with the supercharger unit neatly placed on the far left of the of engine bay. Fuel enrichment is accomplished with custom RMS Software and hi-flow motorsport injectors. RMS software also eliminates the top-speed governor, and the increased rev-limit allows for a higher top speed in each gear. RMS Software is dyno-tested and carries a lifetime warranty with a 90-day money-back performance guarantee.
The addition of the RMS water/air intercooler adds significant power to the package, lowering discharge temperatures and so creating higher air density. The denser intake charge allows the engine to burn more fuel, resulting in increased power. The intercooler's main heat exchanger is placed just behind the lower air-intake, with the system including an electric water pump, second heat exchanger and an auxiliary fan. By keeping the air cool, the Motronic system also keeps the ignition timing within optimal performance control limits. The highly efficient RMS water/air intercooler boasts just 0.3-psi pressure drop at 10 psi of boost.
Important to any US-spec M Coupe is the addition of an oil cooler which protects the engine on the track and during hot climate use. The oil cooler kit includes an oil filter housing with integral thermostat, hi-flow -10 specification hose, large, 230 x 305mm oil cooler, Aeroquip hoses, fittings and mounting hardware. The oil cooler visibly mounts in the lower front grille for maximum airflow.
RMS sport clutches and flywheels are designed to handle the torque of the high-output RMS power plants. The RMS sport clutch kit includes a 140mm clutch disc with heavy-duty centre hub and a special pressure plate. This system fronts a stock M Coupe transmission which features a RMS Short Throw Shifter kit. This unique design is said to maintain selector shaft alignment, which prevents premature bushing and seal failure due to side loading. Replacing the stock 25 per cent lock-up Torsen diff is an RMS limited slip differential.
To increase handling ability and control, the RMS Stage 2 suspension upgrade is recommended. It features an adjustable coil-over-shock design up front with Koni inserts and a 24mm sway bar (up 1mm in diameter over stock). The rear is a standard coil-over-shock design with Koni inserts and a 21mm sway bar (up by 2mm). With this new improved system of carefully matched spring rates, shock valving and sway bar diameters; you instantly notice the improved grip and reduction in body roll while maintaining a smooth ride. On the skid pan, the RMS M Coupe now pulls .99g's, quite an improvement over the stock .91g's.
Slap on a pair of RMW Stage 1 brake upgrades to safely slow down this street legal rocket sled. Stock 315mm front brake rotors are gas-slotted to improve cooling, thus reducing the chance of rotor warpage and brake fade. RMS HP Plus brake pads dramatically improve high-temperature braking conditions. Racing Blue fluid completes the package. The rear 312mm ventilated brakes are also upgraded with RMS HP Plus brake pads. All brakes lines are braided stainless steel for dependability. The upgraded RMS exhaust system is designed specifically for this type of engine and supercharger package. The RMS exhaust starts with extractors followed by a system featuring two tubes, and four wide, polished, stainless steel exhaust tips.
Osh shod the RMS BMW M Coupe with big Yokahama 235/40ZR front 285/35ZR rear AVS Sport High-Performance low-profile tyres and wrapped them around stunning Fikse 18 x 8½ front and 18 x 10 rear, 5-spoke, 3-piece, forged alloy sport wheels. While the standard M Coupe is hardly a thing of beauty, what a looker the RMS M Coupe with these big wheels and low profile performance tyres stuffing the lowered wheel wells! Other drivers will never know that you have over 400hp under the hood until you smoke them....
Go ahead, mash your right foot solidly on the throttle and watch the needle instantly pointing straight-up and feel your back sinking deeper into the supportive and comfortable BMW sport seats!
www.racemarque.com
|
The Dollars!
Here are the estimated $US prices for the RMS BMW M3 Complete SuperCharger/Intercooler upgrade:
| Stage 2 SuperCharger/Intercooler: |
$8895 |
| Suspension: |
$1895 |
| Brakes: |
$1795 |
| Sport Shifter: |
$395 |
| Headers/CatBack Exhaust: |
$2495 |
| Differential/Clutch/Flywheel: |
$1795 |
| Wheels/Tyres: |
$5000 |
|
|