(insert "not a real Supra" comment here)
Much like the S55 M-cars the intercooler is integrated into the intake manifold and cooled using liquid rather than air. The benefit of this is the much shorter travel distance from turbo to engine, and more efficient cooling. But it also adds complexity in terms of an additional water pump, two additional radiators and a second expansion tank since the intercooler is a separate cooling circuit from the engine coolant.
To add another layer of complexity, the decorative (but also sound insulating) engine cover sits on top of the intake manifold. A lot of aftermarket charge coolers disregard fitment for this in the name of volume or to add a fuel rail. In the spirit of do88 we wanted to offer the best possible performance, while retaining all OEM-functionality and fitment. As far as we could find, no one had managed to fit both a fuel rail to the intake manifold, and maintain compatability with the engine cover.
Our goal with this was to offer an array of products for both the Gen 1 and Gen 2 engines. With a lineup strategically selected to target essential areas for improved performance:
- A high-efficiency intercooler/intake manifold solution that maintains OEM engine cover fitment
- Air intake systems for multiple chassis and generations
- Charge pipes with more tolerance for heat expansion and increased boost
- Heat exchangers/radiators at the front of the car
- Fuel rail option for the intercooler while maintaing OEM engine cover fitment
- Additional radiators for specific models
We quickly realized that maintaining OEM engine cover fitment with an intercooler that both performs to our standard AND has a fuel rail option would be an immense task. But it would also make us unique and set a kind of benchmark as we couldn't find any other aftermarket solution that had achieved this.
It was also important to cover multiple versions as the B58 engine sits in different cars and chassis. After a lot of planning and research it was time to start "taming the beast" and start the process of development.
We also came to understand that the factory intake manifold and charge pipe have reliability concerns, especially the Gen.2 charge pipe which decided to "rapidly disassemble" itself after only 3 laps on track in a Toyota Supra (A90) when driven by one of our local dealerships. After all, this isn't the first time we've encountered issues with BMW's charge pipes and other plastic parts.
Our manifold was carefully developed to maintain bolt-on fitment, especially in regards to the engine cover which is often disregarded by other products on the market. This is also our first BMW product offered in a MERA edition, meaning that there are 2 levels of performance available at different price points, but both offering the same functionality and fitment. It incorporates advanced thermal management with a thermal barrier spacer to reduce heat transfer between the engine and intake manifold. We've also added plenty of optional functionality, such as integrated measurement and vacuum ports that provide additional flexibility for performance monitoring.
The MERA edition is meant to be the absolute peak of what's possible in this form factor. While using the same design and overall dimensions as the standard version, it switches out the core for a high-performance, motorsport-grade Garrett Bar & Plate core that is 102mm (4 inches) thick. This allows for even better cooling efficiency without sacrificing airflow, and is better suited for highly tuned, modified and track driven cars. As the fitment is somewhat different there's also a Gen.1 and Gen.2 version of each manifold.
Air Intake System
The air intake system ended up becoming 3 distinct variants:
An aluminum version for the Gen.1
A carbon fiber option for the Gen.2
Carbon fiber/aluminum mix for the B48 engine.
While they all obviously focus on increased airflow, the Gen.1 variant has small openings in the lid to provide additional intake sound under acceleration. The Gen.2 variant also has the option of an upgraded turbo inlet to further increase efficiency and compatability with aftermarket Pure 800 turbo builds. All in all, each air intake system is molded to its particular platform and designed accordingly.
Numerous aftermarket charge pipe kits for the B58 engine exist but, we believe, lack optimal design. These often have a simplistic approach of connecting two pipes with a straight, reducing silicone hose. This design oversight fails to accommodate thermal expansion, often resulting in the hose detaching due to temperature-induced movements. The typical remedy of tightening the clamps even more usually leads to pipe damage.
We’re always on the lookout for new ways to boost performance for car enthusiasts! With a solid range of BMW products already under our belt, stepping into the B58 territory felt like a natural move. This engine is well-known for its solid performance and versatility, earning it a favorite spot in the tuning community and substantial aftermarket support. By developing high-quality cooling and airflow solutions, we wanted to show B58 owners not just what they can get out of their vehicles in terms of power and efficiency, but also showcase our commitment to design, performance and functionality to a new audience.
This was a big one, but in the end the response has been worth it, our B58 range has quickly become one of our most popular. Getting to see how these products are used in so many different builds and pushing the boundaries of perfomance is awesome to see. At the end of the day, we make products to be used, so seeing them get used in so many ways and receive such good feedback is the ultimate reward.