What Makes the Vargas Turbocharger Technologies S55 Crank Hub Reliable? 

When you’re pushing your BMW on the street or at the track, you want confidence in the parts that keep everything synchronized. At Vargas Turbocharger Technologies, we build solutions that help you take your car further, from complete turbo systems to the supporting upgrades that protect performance builds.

One upgrade many owners overlook is the crank hub. On the S55 platform, the factory crank hub is a known weak point, especially when you drive harder, shift aggressively, or increase power. Our S55 engine crank hub upgrade, called the N55/S55 Spline Lock Crank Hub Solution, was designed to address that issue directly. Here’s what makes it reliable.

It’s All About Next Level Spline Lock Design

Our reliability advantage starts with the spline lock design itself. We precision-machined the hub with a spline system that mechanically locks into the crankshaft during installation. Instead of relying on a friction-based interface that can move under load, the spline lock design creates a strong mechanical engagement that’s built to stay put.

The fitment is intentionally tight and extremely precise. As the hub is installed, the splines press into place with a controlled interference fit, helping eliminate the chance of hub movement. That mechanical bond is the foundation of the reliability you’re looking for on an S55 build.

The VTT™ Solution Locks Into the Crankshaft with Ease

Because our S55 crank hub fix is designed to press and lock into place, there’s no drilling, pinning, or welding involved. That’s important for two reasons. First, it helps protect the integrity of the crankshaft. Second, it keeps the installation process cleaner and more straightforward than many alternatives.

This design also supports serviceability. If you ever need to remove the hub for service or return the engine to a stock configuration, the spline lock approach makes that possible. It’s a performance-focused upgrade that doesn’t turn your crankshaft into a permanent project.

A Design Built Around Rigorous Testing

We didn’t design this S55 crank hub solution in theory and hope for the best. We put it through aggressive testing to validate the design under real stress. Our spline lock crank hub was even tested in our VTT™ N54 race car, a setup that sees 8,000 RPM and over 900 WHP. The hub held up exactly the way we intended it to.

That testing matters because it shows what the design can handle when conditions get extreme. For maximum protection, we also recommend installing the complete package, including our crank bolt capture (CBC). The CBC adds another layer of security that helps lock everything in place when you’re pushing the car hard.

Find out more about the VTT™ S55 crank hub solution at vargasturbo.com