[335Hammy]

Hi there, I’ve been lurking and searching for a while but first post here!

So I recently picked up a 45k manual e92 with the n55 and I’m thinking about going from stock straight to stage 2. I already have the parts to go FBO (DP, aftermarket cold side w/ cts 7” intercooler), but realized I probably just want to go full stage 2 and be done with it.

I’m looking to run 450-500whp as my DD and just wanted to hear opinions on which turbo to run and which clutch/flywheel to run.

I know Pure stage 2 comes highly recommended for these cars, but in my research I’ve been leaning towards VTT GC or GC+, mostly so to “stock like spool” and because I’ve always liked Garrett GTX turbos. Do these turbos actually spool like stock or is that all advertising? Does the PS2 spool similarly to the GCs? Pretty much want to run the quickest spoiling turbo I can to hit 450-500whp and hopefully pull until redline instead of giving up early.

As far as clutch and flywheel goes, it sounds like 500whp I should be thinking Single mass flywheel, and somewhere around a spec stage 2+ clutch. Is the spec 2+ enough holding power or should I be looking for more? Also how’s the NVH and idle rattle with SMF? I’ve read that raising the idle can help with the rattle has anyone have good results with that?


And lastly, is 500whp doable on 92oct pump gas? I’m fine with fueling mods, just don’t have ethanol available within an hour drive, and would prefer not to be reliant on meth. Don’t want a tune that will grenade the motor if something goes wrong with meth injection.


If it is doable on pump gas, what would the fueling requirements look like? Probably lpfp, would an hpfp overdrive work since I should have the early hpfp?

Thanks for any help in advance!

[whyzee125]

Originally Posted by 335Hammy

Hi there, I’ve been lurking and searching for a while but first post here!

So I recently picked up a 45k manual e92 with the n55 and I’m thinking about going from stock straight to stage 2. I already have the parts to go FBO (DP, aftermarket cold side w/ cts 7” intercooler), but realized I probably just want to go full stage 2 and be done with it.

I’m looking to run 450-500whp as my DD and just wanted to hear opinions on which turbo to run and which clutch/flywheel to run.

I know Pure stage 2 comes highly recommended for these cars, but in my research I’ve been leaning towards VTT GC or GC+, mostly so to “stock like spool” and because I’ve always liked Garrett GTX turbos. Do these turbos actually spool like stock or is that all advertising? Does the PS2 spool similarly to the GCs? Pretty much want to run the quickest spoiling turbo I can to hit 450-500whp and hopefully pull until redline instead of giving up early.

As far as clutch and flywheel goes, it sounds like 500whp I should be thinking Single mass flywheel, and somewhere around a spec stage 2+ clutch. Is the spec 2+ enough holding power or should I be looking for more? Also how’s the NVH and idle rattle with SMF? I’ve read that raising the idle can help with the rattle has anyone have good results with that?


And lastly, is 500whp doable on 92oct pump gas? I’m fine with fueling mods, just don’t have ethanol available within an hour drive, and would prefer not to be reliant on meth. Don’t want a tune that will grenade the motor if something goes wrong with meth injection.


If it is doable on pump gas, what would the fueling requirements look like? Probably lpfp, would an hpfp overdrive work since I should have the early hpfp?

Thanks for any help in advance!

You're on the right track! IMO Pure has a better track record for reliability than Vargas but it does look like Vargas has been stepping it up lately and they're certainly better than the junk half the people are running nowadays.

I believe 500whp is doable but the octane may prove to be a bit of an issue. You'll certainly need an upgraded LPFP at which point you may need to add a little ethanol mix to hit 500. 450 should be no problem with 92 octane.

You'll need:
- Turbo of choice
- Downpipe
- FMIC
- Charge pipe
- LPFP (single 535 pump would probably be my recommendation)
- Clutch/flywheel
- Custom tune

Yes, Spec 2+ should be enough for that power level. SMFW are a little annoying but necessary when pushing about 500whp+. If you end up shooting for more like 450, get a new stock one.

High idle does help and you can try different fluid mixes but it's always a compromise and every car is a little different.

Good luck!

[335Hammy]

Thanks for the detailed response! Much appreciated!

Ok, sounds like about what I was expecting. Tossing around the idea of keeping the DMFW and running a little less power, but I’m pretty sure I’ll decide I want more and then end up going single mass anyway. And I’m not looking to drop the trans again anytime soon lol.

I’ll have to keep reading reviews on Pure vs VTT, what are the main issues people had with VTT?

I’ll have to start making some decisions about upping octane somehow, are there any meth injection kits that have a failsafe if you lose flow?