In conjunction with my near future ESS SC install I am planning to send my stock LSD to KMS for a partial rebuild: new clutches and their custom 30/90 ramps, all set up to 40% static lock. I am tempted to go with a full rebuild that would also include new gears, bearings, and seals...and the option to go to taller gears (there is no additional cost for taller gears). They have 3.07, 2.93, 2.81 and 2.65 available.
Do any of you with the ESS SC recommend taller than OEM gears? Please let me know, thanks.
__________________ Performance Tuning: Exhaust: SS headers, SS high flow cats, SS X-pipe, Meisterschaft GT2 exhaust Clutch/Gearshift: UUC SSK, UUC DSSR, UUC V12 Kevlar clutch, UUC lightweight flywheel Suspension/Handling: H&R sway bars, front and rear, Beastpower rear sway bar brackets, Strong Strut strut brace, Koni shocks, H&R springs, Dinan monoball thrust arm bushings, Powerflex upper/lower control arm bushings, Ground Control adjustable camber plates Wheels: 19" VMR V710 Brakes: Brembo BBK: 8 piston front calipers (380mm rotors), 4 piston rear calipers (340mm rotors) Other: AA CAI, Conforti Shark Injector performance software, Rogue Engineering power pulleys, IATS Aesthetic Modifications: Vorsteiner CF vented hood, Vorsteiner CF splitters, Vorsteiner CF diffuser, CF kidney grills, CF side view mirrors, CF rear spoiler, CF BMW roundels, matte black M5 badge, matte black custom paint: wheels, exhaust, & CAI intake rings, Ultimate Pedals aluminum race pedals & footrest, Hella Supertones horn, BMW foot-well mounted umbrella Get out of Jail Free Card: Beltronics STi Driver Radar Detector, Blinder M47 Laser Jammer Euro Spec Accessories:BMW front seat mounted Fire Extinguisher, BMW front seat mounted First Aid Kit, BMW Emergency Triange
Jerry has a 2.65 but hasn't quite got his ESS kit functioning properly so he will be able to provide direct input to your question. With the ESS kit installed on my car, my initial impressions are that the car is more sluggish at low speed/part throttle applications. Before, if I didn't quite come to a complete stop, I would leave it in 2nd and the car would easily pull away. Now, the car is much more likely to bog and I have to downshift to first. Whether it's the S/C drag, Vanos tuning, or what, I don't know. So, I wouldn't go any taller than a 3.15.
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Jerry has a 2.65 but hasn't quite got his ESS kit functioning properly so he will be able to provide direct input to your question. With the ESS kit installed on my car, my initial impressions are that the car is more sluggish at low speed/part throttle applications. Before, if I didn't quite come to a complete stop, I would leave it in 2nd and the car would easily pull away. Now, the car is much more likely to bog and I have to downshift to first. Whether it's the S/C drag, Vanos tuning, or what, I don't know. So, I wouldn't go any taller than a 3.15.
The ECU will need a few 100 miles to fully adapt and provide optimal response, it should feel almost identical to a stock car below 2500RPM when fully adapted. If it does not I would replace spark plugs to ensure 100% operation.
I do not recommend taller gears than stock with the SC. The SC is only a major power booster from 2500-3000 and on.
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