Understanding Turbo Upgrades for the G87 M2

The G87 M2 marks a new chapter in BMW’s high-performance lineage, packing the S58 engine—a twin-turbocharged inline-six that already delivers impressive factory output. However, for those chasing higher power levels, turbo upgrades offer a direct path to significantly more horsepower and torque. At its core, a turbocharger forces more air into the combustion chamber, allowing the engine to burn more fuel and produce more power. The S58’s factory turbos are efficient for daily driving and moderate tuning, but they quickly become a bottleneck when aiming for 600+ wheel horsepower. Upgrading to a larger or more efficient turbocharger removes that restriction, unlocking the engine’s true potential.

Turbo upgrades come in several forms: hybrid units that fit into the factory housings with larger compressor wheels, full-frame replacements that require more fabrication, and billet wheel options that improve flow without changing the overall footprint. For the G87 M2, the most popular path among serious enthusiasts is a direct bolt-on hybrid upgrade that retains the factory mounting points and plumbing while significantly increasing airflow capacity. This approach simplifies installation and preserves reliability, provided supporting modifications are in place.

Why Pure Turbos Stands Out for the S58 Engine

Pure Turbos has built a strong reputation in the BMW community for delivering high-quality, dyno-proven turbo upgrades that maintain drivability and reliability. Their kits for the S58 engine, such as the Pure800 and Pure850 stages, are specifically designed for the G87 M2’s chassis and ECU architecture. These upgrades use larger billet compressor wheels, upgraded thrust bearings, and optimized turbine housings to increase flow without sacrificing spool characteristics.

One of the key reasons to choose Pure Turbos is their focus on bolt-on simplicity. Unlike some competitors that require custom oil lines, wastegate modifications, or significant fabrication work, Pure Turbos’ kits are engineered to fit directly in place of the factory turbos. This reduces installation time and complexity, making it a viable DIY project for experienced mechanics. Furthermore, Pure Turbos provides comprehensive installation guides and technical support, which is invaluable for first-time installers.

Another advantage is the proven durability of their components. Each turbo is assembled using high-temperature alloys and precision-balanced rotating assemblies, ensuring consistent performance under sustained high boost conditions. Many G87 owners have logged tens of thousands of miles on Pure Turbos kits without reliability issues when properly tuned and maintained.

For more information, you can visit the official Pure Turbos website to see their product line and customer dyno results.

Performance Gains: What to Expect from a Pure Turbos Kit

The headline claim of “60+ horsepower gains” is conservative. With proper tuning and supporting modifications, a stage 2 Pure Turbos upgrade on a G87 M2 can produce an additional 80–120 wheel horsepower over the factory output. On a stock engine with 93 octane fuel, a Pure800 setup typically lands around 580–620 whp, while the larger Pure850 can push past 650 whp with race fuel or ethanol blends. These numbers come from real-world dyno pulls shared by early adopters and professional tuning shops.

Several factors contribute to these gains:

  • Increased compressor flow: The billet wheels move more air per revolution, enabling higher boost levels without overspeeding the turbo.
  • Improved turbine efficiency: The optimized hot side reduces backpressure, allowing the engine to breathe more freely at high rpm.
  • Better intercooling capacity: While the turbos themselves don’t cool the intake charge, pairing them with a larger intercooler maintains lower intake temperatures, which translates directly to more power and consistency.
  • Enhanced exhaust flow: A less restrictive downpipe is almost always recommended alongside a turbo upgrade to fully realize the gains.

It’s important to note that peak numbers depend heavily on fuel quality, ambient conditions, and the calibration used. On a conservative 93 octane flash tune, the gains are still very substantial, but running ethanol blends like E30 or E50 unlocks the true potential of the larger turbo wheels.

Installation Process: What You Need to Know

Installing a Pure Turbos kit on a G87 M2 is a moderate-to-advanced job that requires mechanical confidence, the right tools, and attention to detail. While some enthusiasts complete the swap in a weekend, professional installation is recommended for those without experience working on modern twin-turbocharged engines.

Tools and Preparation

Before starting, gather the following: a full socket set with extensions, torque wrenches, pry bars, gasket scraper, and a lift or jack stands. It’s also wise to have new gaskets, bolts, and crush washers on hand—most replacement turbo kits include them, but verify before beginning. Additionally, you’ll need to drain the coolant and engine oil, so plan for fluid disposal.

Step-by-Step Overview

  1. Remove the intake and charge pipe system to access the turbochargers. This includes disconnecting the intercooler boots and removing the air filter housings.
  2. Detach the exhaust system from the turbocharger outlets. Removing the downpipes makes access much easier.
  3. Disconnect oil and coolant lines from each turbo. Be prepared for residual fluid to drain.
  4. Unbolt the factory turbochargers from the exhaust manifold and lift them out. Some wiggling may be required, especially on the rear turbo due to tight clearance.
  5. Clean the mounting surfaces thoroughly with a scraper and degreaser. Any leftover gasket material can cause leaks.
  6. Install the new Pure Turbos units using fresh gaskets. Torque all bolts to factory specifications.
  7. Reconnect all oil and coolant lines, being careful not to cross-thread banjo bolts.
  8. Reinstall the exhaust system, intakes, and charge pipes. Ensure all clamps are tight to prevent boost leaks.
  9. Refill coolant and engine oil, then prime the system before starting the engine.
  10. Perform a leak check by pressurizing the intake system to verify no air leaks exist.

A detailed installation guide can be found on the Pure Turbos installation page. Common pitfalls include stripping the heat shield bolts and overtightening the oxygen sensors—patience and the correct tools prevent these issues.

Tuning Your G87 M2 After the Turbo Upgrade

Simply bolting on larger turbos will not yield gains without a recalibration of the engine control unit (ECU). The S58’s factory tune cannot compensate for the increased airflow, resulting in poor drivability, knock, or even engine damage. Custom tuning is essential to adjust fuel maps, ignition timing, boost targets, and throttle response.

Available Tuning Platforms

Several reputable tuners offer calibrations for the G87 M2 with Pure Turbos upgrades:

  • Dinan: Known for conservative, CARB-legal tunes that emphasize reliability.
  • Stage 2+ custom tunes from shops like BM3 and MHD offer OBD-flash convenience and community-supported maps.
  • Full stand-alone or piggyback systems like the Syvecs or Haltech for all-out racing applications.

Most owners choose a remote custom tune from a specialist who has extensive experience with the S58. This involves sending data logs during a series of pulls to refine the calibration for your specific fuel and altitude. Expect to pay between $500 and $1,500 for a complete tune.

Tuning Considerations for Reliability

When tuning for higher boost, it’s critical to monitor parameters such as:

  • Fuel trims and injector duty cycle—stock fuel system can support up to ~650 whp before needing larger injectors or a higher-flowing low-pressure fuel pump.
  • Boost levels—staying under 24–25 psi on pump gas and 28 psi on ethanol is typical for safe operation.
  • Oil and coolant temperatures—additional cooling capacity may be necessary if you plan to track the car after the upgrade.

Always work with a tuner who provides a safety margin. Aggressive timing without adequate fuel can lead to catastrophic failure.

Supporting Modifications to Maximize Gains

A Pure Turbos kit is not a standalone upgrade. To fully realize the 60+ hp increase and ensure reliable operation, consider these supporting modifications:

Intake and Exhaust

A high-flow intake system reduces restriction upstream of the turbos. Similarly, a set of catted or catless downpipes reduces backpressure and lowers exhaust gas temperatures. Pairing these with a cat-back exhaust adds a more aggressive sound but offers modest performance gains.

Intercooler and Charge Pipes

The factory intercooler is adequate for stock boost levels but heats up quickly under sustained load. An upgraded front-mount intercooler lowers intake air temperatures by 40–60°F, providing consistent power even in summer conditions. Reinforced charge pipes prevent blow-off under high boost and reduce the risk of cracking.

Fuel System

If you plan to push beyond 650 whp, consider upgrading the low-pressure fuel pump (LPFP) and possibly installing port injection for additional fueling. Ethanol blends help control detonation but require higher fuel flow capacity.

Reliability and Maintenance Considerations

Turbo upgrades inherently increase stress on the engine, but the S58 is a robust platform when properly maintained. Here are some tips to keep your Pure Turbos kit running reliably over the long term:

  • Use high-quality oil and change it every 3,000–5,000 miles. The S58’s twin-scroll setup puts extra heat into the oil, and synthetic oils with high thermal stability are mandatory.
  • Inspect turbo inlet pipes and charge pipes for cracks or loose clamps regularly.
  • Monitor boost and AFR with a dedicated gauge or through the OBD-II port. A sudden deviation indicates a leak or wastegate issue.
  • Allow the engine to idle for 30–60 seconds after hard driving before shutting off to cool the turbos and prevent oil coking.

Many Pure Turbos owners report tens of thousands of trouble-free miles when these practices are followed. The key is not to exceed the safe thresholds of the stock internals—the S58’s forged crankshaft and pistons can handle up to around 750 whp on a conservative tune, but beyond that, stronger connecting rods and head studs become necessary.

Cost vs. Value: Is a Pure Turbos Kit Worth It?

Pricing for a Pure Turbos kit for the G87 M2 ranges from approximately $3,500 to $5,500 depending on the stage (Pure800 vs. Pure850) and whether you choose a full kit or a “turbos only” option. Add installation costs ($1,000–$2,000 at a reputable shop) and tuning ($500–$1,500), and the total investment lands around $6,000–$9,000. For that sum, you gain 80–120 whp, transforming the car’s character without sacrificing daily comfort.

Compared to other routes like a fully built engine or supercharger conversion (both costing $15,000+), a Pure Turbos upgrade offers the best horsepower-per-dollar for a street-driven G87 M2. The resale value of a well-tuned, upgraded M2 also holds better than a heavily modified one with questionable reliability history. Choose a recognized product and a professional tune, and the upgrade becomes an asset rather than a liability.

Final Thoughts on Turbo Upgrading Your G87 M2

The G87 M2 is already a track-capable, thrilling sports coupe straight from the factory. Adding a Pure Turbos kit elevates it to a different level—a level where the car can challenge far more expensive machinery in straight-line acceleration and overtaking confidence. The 60+ hp gain is not just a statistic; it translates to faster lap times, easier highway passing, and a more visceral driving experience.

Whether you tackle the installation yourself or rely on a professional, ensure that your supporting modifications and tune are matched to your goals. If you’re looking for a bolt-on solution that has been proven on countless S58-powered BMWs, the Pure Turbos kit remains a top-tier choice. For further reading on real-world build threads and dyno sheets, the G87 Bimmerpost forum is an excellent resource where owners share their experiences and tips.

Embrace the upgrade, log your data, and enjoy the newfound torque. Your G87 M2 has more to give—and Pure Turbos can help you unlock it responsibly.