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      12-04-2018, 11:51 AM   #1
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▀▄ eas | VTT "SplineLock" CrankHub Installation Overview for S55

EAS is happy to announce that VTT is offering the only complete S55 crank hub solution that does NOT require the crank to be drilled for pins. VTT's uses their proprietary "SplineLock" technology that uses high tolerance machined splines which press into the crank, and positively lock the hub to the crank to prevent slippage. The splines are machined in such a way that rotational forces drive the hub, and splines deeper into the crank meaning when the hub encounters a situation that would normally slip a stock hub the splined hub is driven into the crank to keep it in place (much like a splined extractor). VTT has spent many months testing, and retesting this design, utilizing well over 10 different samples to come to their final production version. During testing, VTT's final hub managed to break their testing rig before slipping. These have been bench tested, and real-world tested on the VTT N54 race car spinning 8K RPM, and making well over 900whp. This technology means VTT's hub installs the same as a stock hub, no drilling of the crank, which means less labor is involved and is reversible is ever wanting to be uninstalled leaving no holes in the crank.

VTT SplineLock Crank hubs are CNC manufactured from Hardened 17-4SS for the ultimate in durability, and toughness.

Note: This is an installation overview only to show a small summary of the installation process and in no way intended to be a full DIY. Installation should only be performed by an experienced BMW technician. Any modification to your engine will most likely effect factory warranty.

The VTT "Spline Lock" Crank hub is a very involved and complex installation, which will require a good portion of the S55 being torn down to access the crank hub. Unfortunately, this is not an 8 hour job as previously claimed. However, labor is much less than keyway-based solutions.

Spun Crank Hubs (SCH) are becoming an issue on S55s, failures have been reported on both modified and stock platforms. If you are modding, seeing regular track use or planning to keep your M3/M4 after your warranty expires, this solution (or any other that bonds the hub to the crank) is highly recommended. The VTT Spline Lock kit is a great way to affix the hub to the crank, rather than depending solely on the tension from the hub bolt to hold the hub/gears securely, which has proven to be unreliable in some cases.

Installation time: ~20 hours. Special tools required.

Vehicles covered
2015+ BMW F8X M3/M4, including CS/GTS
2018+ BMW F87 M2, including M2 Competition

Products Required


Vargas Turbo - SplineLock CrankHub Solution - BMW S55

Installation Overview

Included pieces are a crank hub bolt, oil pump gear, timing gain guide, VTT "SplineLock" CrankHub Solution, Crank Bolt Capture, and hardware.


Subject at hand, MY18 BMW M4 Competition.


Heat exchanger, engine/valve cover removed, removing spark plugs


Cam timing tool in position


Crank dampener removed, showing crank hub and bolt


Timing chain tensioner removal


Removal of oil pump sprocket


Crank hub bolt removal


Disassembling VANOS unit, tools in place to remove timing chain as complete unit


Overhead view of timing tools


OEM Crank hub removal


Comparison of OEM crank hub (left) and VTT "Spline Lock" CrankHub Solution (right)


Alternate view of OEM crank hub (left) and VTT "Spline Lock" CrankHub Solution (right)


VANOS solenoid (right) and timing chain tensioner (left), removed from vehicle


Removing VANOS components


Removing VANOS components, alternate


Removing VANOS components, alternate


Removing intake VANOS assembly


VANOS components removed from vehicle - labeled to ensure proper reassembly


Removing timing chain/guide, alternate


Removal of timing chain assembly


Timing chain components


VANOS assembly removed, cam lock tool positioned in place


Final view VTT "SplineLock" CrankHub Solution, before installing


Installation of VTT "SplineLock" CrankHub Solution


With new crank seal installed, VTT "SplineLock" Crank Hub is drawn into place


Guide pin installed to mark TDC of crank


Flywheel locking tool in place, preparing for final assembly


Alternate view of guide pin through inspection mirror


Reinstallation of VANOS components


Installed VANOS units, cams locked into position and ready to final torque (TTY)


Final torque of crank hub bolt, (TTY)


Reinstalling crank dampener


Final view of VTT Crank Bolt Capture before installing


VTT Crank Bolt Capture installation, reinstall pulley bolts & torque


Enjoy!
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Last edited by tom @ eas; 02-10-2022 at 05:48 PM..
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      12-04-2018, 12:06 PM   #2
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20 hours of labor???
This was supposed to be 10 hours or so as far as I remember
What a disappointment to say the least
I don't see this being as that much cheaper than current solutions out
By the way great job EAS on the detailed installation overview
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      12-04-2018, 12:27 PM   #3
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20 hours!!! Wow
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      12-04-2018, 12:41 PM   #4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by coldsteelrain View Post
20 hours of labor???
This was supposed to be 10 hours or so as far as I remember
What a disappointment to say the least
I don't see this being as that much cheaper than current solutions out
By the way great job EAS on the detailed installation overview
Worst case scenario would be losing an engine due to a SPH, being much more costly ($21K, not including labor at time of posting). Keyway-based solutions would be closer to ~30 hours, and requires drilling.

In comparison, it's a small price to pay for peace of mind.
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      12-04-2018, 12:49 PM   #5
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Great work Tom

It is not clear to me where the original 8-10hour install time came from? How could there be such a discrepancy?
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      12-04-2018, 12:52 PM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by tom @ eas View Post
Worst case scenario would be losing an engine due to a SPH, being much more costly ($21K, not including labor at time of posting). Keyway-based solutions would be closer to ~30 hours, and requires drilling.

In comparison, it's a small price to pay for peace of mind.
Have you guys had a chance to run the car hard yet with this part installed?

Last edited by PhaedeDPGH; 12-04-2018 at 12:59 PM..
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      12-04-2018, 01:00 PM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by blockdoc View Post
Great work Tom

It is not clear to me where the original 8-10hour install time came from? How could there be such a discrepancy?
Time estimate was from VTT early on when the kit was released.

Quote:
Originally Posted by PhaedeDPGH View Post
Having you guys had a chance to run the car hard yet with this part installed?
Installed Pure Stage 2+ turbos while under the hood, now that we don't have to worry about any SCHs. Cary is scheduled to tune later this week on our dyno.
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      12-04-2018, 01:06 PM   #8
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Could your tech feel it locking while installing it?
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      12-04-2018, 01:15 PM   #9
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Good stuff, EAS!

With 20 hours of labor, it would make sense for the customer to consider the following upgrades as part of re-installation:

VTT crank bolt capture
NGK spark plugs
New coilpacks (if around 30k miles on original set)
Upgraded chargepipes hot and cold
CSF heat exchanger
CSF intercooler
PI (optional)
Turbo upgrade (optional)
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      12-04-2018, 02:59 PM   #10
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So it will cost over 3k. The part is around 800 and labor around 2500. I thought this suppose to be a cheap solution.
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      12-04-2018, 03:16 PM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by avex8 View Post
So it will cost over 3k. The part is around 800 and labor around 2500. I thought this suppose to be a cheap solution.
Cheap usually refers to something made with poor engineering design/craftsmanship combined with low grade materials, but I know what you mean

To compare costs, both Akrapovic and MPE exhausts run for about $4-$5k installed, and neither provide the peace of mind for the more paranoid S55 folks.
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      12-04-2018, 05:30 PM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by tom @ eas View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by blockdoc View Post
It is not clear to me where the original 8-10hour install time came from? How could there be such a discrepancy?
Time estimate was from VTT early on when the kit was released.
Another item that again makes one wonder if VTT knows what they are talking when they post.

And then there are those who purchased on BF with no returns based on false info.

Shame VTT cannot be truthful as it only adds to their on-going reputation.

And shows why a respected source was wanted to verify VTT statements.

Last edited by IK6SPEED; 12-04-2018 at 06:11 PM..
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      12-04-2018, 06:05 PM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by IK6SPEED View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by tom @ eas View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by blockdoc View Post
It is not clear to me where the original 8-10hour install time came from? How could there be such a discrepancy?
Time estimate was from VTT early on when the kit was released.
Another item that again makes one wonder if VTT knows what they are talking when they post.

And then they are those who purchased on BF with no returns based on false info.

Shame VTT cannot be truthful as it only adds to their on-going reputation.

And shows why a respected source was wanted to verify VTT statements.
Wonder if I can cancel my order because the labor time they gave is misleading.
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      12-04-2018, 06:09 PM   #14
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Originally Posted by yjypm View Post
Wonder if I can cancel my order because the labor time they gave is misleading.
VTT strikes again

12 additional hours of labor could add $1500 to $3000 for the job depending on what the hourly rate is.
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      12-04-2018, 06:13 PM   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by IK6SPEED View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by yjypm View Post
Wonder if I can cancel my order because the labor time they gave is misleading.
VTT strikes again

12 additional hours of labor could add $1500 to $3000 for the job depending on what the hourly rate is.
If I'm spending over $2k on a SCH fix labor I'm going with the existing proven solutions.
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      12-04-2018, 06:23 PM   #16
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Quote:
Originally Posted by yjypm View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by IK6SPEED View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by yjypm View Post
Wonder if I can cancel my order because the labor time they gave is misleading.
VTT strikes again

12 additional hours of labor could add $1500 to $3000 for the job depending on what the hourly rate is.
If I'm spending over $2k on a SCH fix labor I'm going with the existing proven solutions.
Yeah I'm thinking the same. It's interesting, one guy on M4 FB group stated he was quoted 3K for parts and labor by MaxPSI. Not sure how credible that is as when I called MaxPSI, they quoted me $4200. And this is actually something I tried to get an answer here with no success on why would VTT solution be that much quicker to install. Drilling doesn't add extra 15-20hrs, so I'm not surprised when EAS posted their installation estimates.
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      12-04-2018, 06:24 PM   #17
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Quote:
Originally Posted by M4trix View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by yjypm View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by IK6SPEED View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by yjypm View Post
Wonder if I can cancel my order because the labor time they gave is misleading.
VTT strikes again

12 additional hours of labor could add $1500 to $3000 for the job depending on what the hourly rate is.
If I'm spending over $2k on a SCH fix labor I'm going with the existing proven solutions.
Yeah I'm thinking the same. It's interesting, one guy on M4 FB group stated he was quoted 3K for parts and labor by MaxPSI. Not sure how credible that is as when I called MaxPSI, they quoted me $4200.
It's 4200$ for everything
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      12-04-2018, 06:27 PM   #18
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Quote:
Originally Posted by yjypm View Post
If I'm spending over $2k on a SCH fix labor I'm going with the existing proven solutions.
This statement doesn't make any sense, as being first to the market doesn't make one kit any more reliable than the next. Other companies will be offering crank hub kits as time progresses, in which I'm sure will be just as good down the road.

The VTT kit is very well made, solid fix and comes in at a lesser overall cost when labor is factored in - all wins. In fact, any kit that prevents a SCH from happening is fantastic.
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      12-04-2018, 06:44 PM   #19
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Quote:
Originally Posted by cntzl View Post
Labor rate in Bay Area is around $160-170/hr based on the quotes I received from couple shops. With 20hr labor, this would become a $4K job. Yes, it might be worth it for the piece of mind but it's still twice as much of what was originally stated by VTT.
It appears both Gintani and MaxPSI solutions will set you back at least $4K when it's all said and done. When I first heard news of the VTT solution and that it would cost half the price out of the door, I was pretty excited. Like I mentioned in my previous posts, I was a hesitant to believe though it would only require 6 to 8 hours for install. I couldn't understand why the solutions that required drilling would take that much more labor.
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      12-04-2018, 06:52 PM   #20
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Quote:
Originally Posted by M4trix View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by cntzl View Post
Labor rate in Bay Area is around $160-170/hr based on the quotes I received from couple shops. With 20hr labor, this would become a $4K job. Yes, it might be worth it for the piece of mind but it's still twice as much of what was originally stated by VTT.
It appears both Gintani and MaxPSI solutions will set you back at least $4K when it's all said and done. When I first heard news of the VTT solution and that it would cost half the price out of the door, I was pretty excited. Like I mentioned in my previous posts, I was a hesitant to believe though it would only require 6 to 8 hours for install. I couldn't understand why the solutions that required drilling would add that much more labor.
I assume Gintani and MaxPSI solutions require more labor so they would probably cost even more. With these crazy labor rates here in Bay Area, I was planning to take my car to a shop in SoCal for the install if it was indeed 6-8hours. 20hours of labor means the car needs to be in the shop for at least 3days if everything goes as expected, which is not convenient for me. I'm glad that more solutions are coming to the market but not gonna lie, a bit disappointed with the 20hour install time.
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      12-04-2018, 07:00 PM   #21
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Quote:
Originally Posted by overlook637 View Post
Is there two chain cogs on the hub? I think one is for the cams and the other for the oil pump.

This design has one of the chain cogs as a solid piece on the hub, correct?
Correct. The drive sprocket for the cams is integrated into the new hub design.
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      12-04-2018, 07:11 PM   #22
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So after the "fix" any future timing chain repairs or replacements will require 20hrs of labor?
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