Manual Boost Controller

[Felipe]

Hey guys,

Was wondering if the boost controllers sold on eBay are any good? If so which would you recommend is the best manual boost controller?

[Tommy Kaira RL]

Turbotech is great value for $30 and it does the job.

[mad082]

+1 for turbotech. worked better than the turbosmart i had.

[Felipe]

I was thinking of getting the turbo smart boost tee, but I think I'll go with turbotech till I get an electronic one.

Thnks guys.

[TRE-DEUCE]

hey! all!

do we really neeed a normal boost controller instead of a manual boost controller? i mean for a daily driver i couldnt think of any point to keeep changing your boost OR IS THERE ???? (question for you gurus)

are normal auto booost controller from cheapo chain as goood as stufff from jap (branded)?

[cannabiscorpse]

hey! all!

do we really neeed a normal boost controller instead of a manual boost controller? i mean for a daily driver i couldnt think of any point to keeep changing your boost OR IS THERE ???? (question for you gurus)

are normal auto booost controller from cheapo chain as goood as stufff from jap (branded)?

From what i have heard, the manual boost controller is more prone to spiking. Having said that, i have a turbotech manual controller, and it worked really well for my application. (street driven, very mild r33 gtst) It cost me $30 odd, and i wont even be looking at changing it out until i have upgraded the turbo, fuel system and ecu.

Edited June 18, 2011 by cannabiscorpse

[cannabiscorpse]

double post

Edited June 18, 2011 by cannabiscorpse

[TRE-DEUCE]

what do you mean by spiking ?

so for manual boost controllers is either turbosmart or turbotech eh? is it DIY'able ?

[mad082]

you can certainly make your own boost controller, i did. it was just a copy of a turbotech one and cost me more than a turbotech one (but i needed it that day).

as for what is boost spike, it is where the boost spikes to higher than what it is set at. this is generally only for a split second, not enough to do any damage.

[cannabiscorpse]

what do you mean by spiking ?

so for manual boost controllers is either turbosmart or turbotech eh? is it DIY'able ?

Spiking refers to when the desired boost level is increased momentarily. For example you set your controller to 10psi and it shoots up to 14 instead. This is a problem that a turbo car owner obviously does not want! Im sure there is more companies that produce these items other that turbotech and turbosmart, although these are the most common that i see. I can say that before i bought mine i looked around, and went on the recommendation of others and bought the turbotech one that costs next to nothing and doesnt seem to have issues with spiking.

As far as the diy aspect of it goes, you seriously cant get ANYTHING easier to install. It took me seriously less than 5 minutes to put on. So ridiculously simple! Getting your target boost is the longest part of the exercise, which was done in 15 minutes or less with an allen and some driving to test it.

Also there is a thread here somewhere with a diy install process, which is what i used to do it, being a noob!

[cannabiscorpse]

what do you mean by spiking ?

so for manual boost controllers is either turbosmart or turbotech eh? is it DIY'able ?

Double post- i also didnt see mad had written back first.

Edited June 18, 2011 by cannabiscorpse

[TRE-DEUCE]

if i have a booost controller i have to have a booost guage too right ? does it have to be tuned at a mechanic?

[cannabiscorpse]

Definitely a yes on the gauge. Factory item is poo. As far as getting a tune, that's dependend entirely on your set up and car. My stockish r33 gtst is at it's limit on 10psi and gives me occasional flat spots. My next move is a retuned ecu and then I will run 12psi. General rule of thumb is that most stock cars will take small boost increases without having to remap the ecu. Every car is different, but most with r33's that I have seen are limited to 10psi without the ecu upgrade.

[TRE-DEUCE]

on the guages, do we reallly need the other (water and oil) we cant just have boost guage by it self?

when you chnage your boost to 10psi did it make a big differ?

retuned your ecu, you retuning stock euc ?

[cannabiscorpse]

on the guages, do we reallly need the other (water and oil) we cant just have boost guage by it self?

when you chnage your boost to 10psi did it make a big differ?

retuned your ecu, you retuning stock euc ?

I have only got the boost gauge mate- i figure the others are more for high end engnes or cars that do track work etc. Dont think they are necessary on a mild streeter, however they cant hurt. The psi increase does make a difference, especially over the stock boost solenoid because it has a 2 stage boost delivery on the r33. (4.5psi below 4500rpm, 7psi above 4500rpm)

Having said that i had already disconnected the 2 stage boost (from a thread in the diy section- 2 minute job) and with my exhaust mine already hit 8-9psi.

My ecu is still stock at the moment, but as soon as im back on the road (august, courtesy of a stupid dui charge) I will be getting a remap done and running 12psi.

[mad082]

as above, make sure you have at least a cat back exhaust before you go upping the boost, but full turbo back exhaust is better.

as to how much boost you can run before the ECU starts to throw a tantrum, it will be anywhere from 10psi to about 13psi. even if you only go up to 11psi you will see a decent gain in power.