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Apexi Power FC boost conrol kit

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Old Mar 6, 2006 | 12:02 AM
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Apexi Power FC boost conrol kit

Does anyone know how well this works? Would it be worth getting or should I just go with a named brand one? Also Where can I get a Power FC and commander cheap?
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Old Mar 6, 2006 | 12:16 AM
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I have one on order from dynamic autosports. they are one of only two USA authorized PFC dealers. They are not cheaper but you get teh warranty. the cheapest would prolly be one of the japanese shops on ebay. it may be possible to just order the solenoid, since the 3 bar map sensor is not needed for <17lbs. There are a few guys on here using it and only one of like 10 has complained. It is a sible solenoid similar to HKS EZ and not as tunable as dual solenoid like Blitz. I like it because it plugs in to the factory harness (no wire splicing). If you are running twins, then you only need it if more then 16lbs but then you shouldn't be running the twins that high. PFC can control the twins on it's own, without the kit.

If any of you guys using it can post some installed pics, that would be great.

Last edited by GoRacer; Mar 6, 2006 at 12:19 AM.
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Old Mar 6, 2006 | 12:23 AM
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So If I'm running the stock twins the Power FC can control the boost?
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Old Mar 6, 2006 | 12:35 AM
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stock twins - use the in-built pfc boost control (not the pfc add-on control set).
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Old Mar 6, 2006 | 12:37 AM
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Originally Posted by M14socom
So If I'm running the stock twins the Power FC can control the boost?
No The Pills controll boost, if you go single on Non-seq. you can controll boost with a menchanically / electronic valve.... Profec-b, Blitz Duals, etc... or the Power FC controller... the only thing you gain is possibly fuel cut if you overboost, whcih can be a very bad time to cut fuel....

-DC
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Old Mar 6, 2006 | 10:25 AM
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Basically,

PFC and Commander from Jason at Rx7store.net. PM him for the price.
Or else if you wanna get cheaper japspartsspecialist is always going lower and lower think he is down to 730$ shipped for both.

Just get a Profec B and don't worry about a thing.

Good luck have fun and remember if you want boost you need fuel.
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Old Mar 6, 2006 | 07:31 PM
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From: My 350Z Roadster kicks my RX7's butt
The PFC can control boost to the twins (sequential or parallel) without the optional kit if you don't have pills/jets in the lines. It plugs in to the harness, so no wire splicing, tapping, cutting, etc. There is no need to pay for an electronic controller. Unfortunately there are no writeups on this and I have not received mine. I don't have any pics to post. I've asked a few people but still no pics.
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Old Mar 6, 2006 | 07:52 PM
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Originally Posted by GoRacer
The PFC can control boost to the twins (sequential or parallel) without the optional kit if you don't have pills/jets in the lines.
You don't have to remove the pills in the lines. The PFC controls boost using the OEM wastegate solenoid. No extra work or parts required.

The problem is that with a 10+ year OEM solenoid is not going to work as well as a new aftermarket solenoid, hence the recomendation to just get a separate boost controller (or the PFC boost controller kit).
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Old Mar 14, 2006 | 07:33 PM
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ok, there is a wire adapter from the harness to the PFC. A solenoid (no part #) that plugs in to the factory wire harness but since there is no marking I don't know if it is RX7 specific, Mazda specific or if the 2-pin plug is generic. A Denso 3-bar map sensor. Hoses, clamps, Japanese only instructions, etc.

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Old Mar 14, 2006 | 08:59 PM
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You come out cheaper replacing the OEM wastegate & precontrol solenoids than buying a boost controller. The last time I checked, the OEM solenoids were ~$250 for the pair.

Joe
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Old Mar 14, 2006 | 09:34 PM
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Without the boost control kit, the PFC's boost control is only so-so. After I added my high flow cat, I was getting boost spikes on the primary turbo, especially at part throttle. I tried removing the pill for the primary turbo's wastegate - no luck there. 7psi, MAX, both turbos, even with the duty cycle and boost level cranked up on the PFC.

I had to drill out the pill to get my creep back in check. Playing with pills means you don't have a boost controller, IMHO. But, the PFC does as well as possible with the stock boost control system.

PFC and light mods, no problem with boost control. Really, I recommend a good electronic boost controller to go with a PFC. The boost control kit is nice, but the PFC boost control setup is VERY basic - personally I want more control and flexibility. But, if you don't want or need that, the PFC kit will do just fine.

GoRacer, would it be possible to get a pic of the solenoid and how it plugs in the stock harness? I'm just curious on that point.

Dale
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Old Mar 14, 2006 | 09:38 PM
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From: My 350Z Roadster kicks my RX7's butt
You don't need the optional boost control kit for the twins. The PFC is allready capable of boost control in sequential or parallel. I don't know how you would rig up the OEM stuff on a single turbo setup, especially if the rats nest and related stuff is yanked out. Also, you wouldn't need the 3-bar map sensor with the twins either because they will never go ver 17lbs.

The boost control kit is more then just the solenoid alone. How much is a 3-bar map sensor? How much more would you pay for a Denso version that is plug-n-play (no wire splice) that compenstates for barametric pressure and all is controlled by the PFC. Thge wire harness adapter plugs right in to the side of the PFC and the other end in to the main wire harness. Even if you bought the solenoid alone, you still need all the small stuff and you won't be using the more acurate 3-bar sensor.

Solenoid plugs in to one of the two plugs for the dual solenoids where most people put the FPR when they go single. Instructions show it conecting to the passenger side of the two. This kit could only be simpler if the instructions were in engrish.

Last edited by GoRacer; Mar 14, 2006 at 09:41 PM.
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Old Mar 14, 2006 | 10:02 PM
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I used the PFC to control boost on the twins and had good results. When I went single, I tried to use the Apexi boost control kit solenoid and stock map sensor to control boost. I had a lot of small oscillations with that set up, the oscillations were probably not that noticeable but were evident in my datalogs.

I know of at least one individual who used that set up with good results..check the PFC section of the forum.

I picked up a new GM 3 bar map sensor and connector for approx $65 on EBAY.

If you are running twins, you may want to try the PFC to control boost first before buying the boost control kit or another controller.

Last edited by books; Mar 14, 2006 at 10:04 PM. Reason: to edit
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Old Mar 14, 2006 | 11:06 PM
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On a sequential twin setup I have 326rwhp and a perfect boost pattern with the pfc in-built control - so no complaints from me
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Old Mar 15, 2006 | 02:13 AM
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From: My 350Z Roadster kicks my RX7's butt
Originally Posted by DaleClark
GoRacer, would it be possible to get a pic of the solenoid and how it plugs in the stock harness? I'm just curious on that point.

Dale


Last edited by GoRacer; Mar 15, 2006 at 02:31 AM.
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Old Mar 15, 2006 | 10:52 AM
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Originally Posted by quicksilver_rx7
You come out cheaper replacing the OEM wastegate & precontrol solenoids than buying a boost controller. The last time I checked, the OEM solenoids were ~$250 for the pair.

Joe
They currently have an MSRP for $150 or so for the pair and you can get them from Ray for $130. Part number is N3A1-20-285.
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Old Mar 15, 2006 | 06:27 PM
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From: My 350Z Roadster kicks my RX7's butt
^ I don't see how replacing the OEM solenoids compares to the optional boost kit. If you need to replace them, you still can control boost on the PFC. If you go single then you will not use them at all.


Bumping pics for Dale...
Originally Posted by GoRacer

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Old Mar 16, 2006 | 05:56 AM
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In case you guys dont know,the stock wastegate solenoid(and precontrol solenoid) can plug directly and work with all the Greddy profec BC series .And of cource,the Greddy solenoid can plug to the stock wastegate(and precontrol) harness and then is controllable with the pfc.
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Old Mar 16, 2006 | 07:37 AM
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This is what I gather, using the Apexi boost control kit is more designed for single turbo application running higher boost, due to the 3bar map sensor. Although it can be used as a stock replacement for the OEM equipment while running the twins. If running the twins, all that is really required is the boost solenoid, which should yield better control over than the OEM solenoid.

GoRacer, you mentioned a dual solenoid like the Blitz would gove you better control, do you have first hand expierence? The reason I ask, in about every mag article about boost controllers the Apexi AVCR is always on top, which use the same solenoid found in the boost control kit.
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Old Mar 16, 2006 | 01:29 PM
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I wasted my money getting this kit, and it DOES NOT control boost even on the stock twins. The only part worth having is the map sensor.

Get yourself a Profec B if you want to control boost.

Fish
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Old Mar 16, 2006 | 02:00 PM
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Well put Fish, I made the mistake of having the Apexi one. Never worked well, Greddy profec Type S works like a champ !
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Old Mar 16, 2006 | 05:10 PM
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I have the Blitz Spec R (dual solenoid), and was thinking of the upgrading to the Apexi solenoid (solenoid only) to simply things rather than installing the Blitz. Just having one less electronic piece would be nice. To bad Apexi never offered a dual solenoid....
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Old Mar 16, 2006 | 06:48 PM
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From: My 350Z Roadster kicks my RX7's butt
Originally Posted by eyecandy
This is what I gather, using the Apexi boost control kit is more designed for single turbo application running higher boost, due to the 3bar map sensor. Although it can be used as a stock replacement for the OEM equipment while running the twins. If running the twins, all that is really required is the boost solenoid, which should yield better control over than the OEM solenoid.

GoRacer, you mentioned a dual solenoid like the Blitz would gove you better control, do you have first hand expierence? The reason I ask, in about every mag article about boost controllers the Apexi AVCR is always on top, which use the same solenoid found in the boost control kit.
You don't need the optional kit with the twins. The PFC itself will control boost and the 3bar map sensor is only needed over 16lbs (or with single turbo) which shouldn't be done on the twins.

Sorry, no first hand experience. Was told from XS Eng' that twin solenoid is more acurate. Blitz claims the same on their website. Also, electronic controlers can be setup for different boost for each gear and by rpm's as apposed to a fixed setting.
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Old Mar 16, 2006 | 06:50 PM
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From: My 350Z Roadster kicks my RX7's butt
Originally Posted by EFS.O
In case you guys dont know,the stock wastegate solenoid(and precontrol solenoid) can plug directly and work with all the Greddy profec BC series .And of cource,the Greddy solenoid can plug to the stock wastegate(and precontrol) harness and then is controllable with the pfc.
That is great info! If I would have known previously I would have looked in to those models for sure.
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Old Mar 17, 2006 | 07:12 AM
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Originally Posted by GoRacer
You don't need the optional kit with the twins. The PFC itself will control boost and the 3bar map sensor is only needed over 16lbs (or with single turbo) which shouldn't be done on the twins.

Sorry, no first hand experience. Was told from XS Eng' that twin solenoid is more acurate. Blitz claims the same on their website. Also, electronic controlers can be setup for different boost for each gear and by rpm's as apposed to a fixed setting.
There has to be more of a benefit, or else Apexi is just trying to rip us off..... Why did you decide to go with the boost control kit?
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