great father son project! Nice job dad! went through the same thing on my vf engineering sc for my 99 m3! The belt was a challenge! Ended up using the dremel as well. I also added an m50 manifold and e85 conversion. Very few resources to help me with it, but its been a learning experience for sure!
You should have added an m50 manifold that would have helped make at least another 20whp on a supercharged setup. Cheap power. But great addition either way! Good work!
Wish I could afford to put the ESS supercharger on my E90 328xi 6MT. These cars are built for blowers. If you want a turbo then just stay with your N54 or N55.
The belt should be VERY tight, because it will stretch, and then it can eat itself alive by rubbing. You need good clearance. The belt search for a perfect one is very taxing. Ive been there buddy, lol, I feel your pain.
I almost sold my 98 M3/4/5. I was about ready to sell cause I was having clutch issues. Decided to just drop the tranny and installed a new sachs clutch and refreshed everything. Car drives ultra smooth now and what a joy to drive again. That was 5 years ago. Still enjoy the car today. Fun to drive alone, can do grocery runs, haul the kids and go out on date night. Does all things well and the car gets lots of compliments.