boost controllers
 

i keep hearing about these so called "home depot" boost controllers. i just happened to find what i think are two of them (looks like brass fittings with two nipples) in one of my storage bins. my question to you all is this:
do i need BOTH of them? and how are they installed and used? i may be getting a midpipe today and id like to have them in there for extra insurance against potental spikes, creep, and keeping my intercooler from heatsoaking (due to too much boost)... need help quick. thanks.

The "home depot" boost controller is nothing more than a small air valve. In the stock setup, a restrictor pill is used (calibrated) to maintain your boost level, nothing changes in your air path, nothing changes in your boost. It is an open system, the air valve is just an adjustable restrictor. By making adjustments with the valve you can change your boost level. The only problem with this system is each time you need to make an adjustment, you have to stop the car and pop the hood (unless you can route the vacuum lines and the valve into the car somehow). If the boost starts too low you can adjusted higher, but if it starts out too high, tough luck, and you really wouldn't know until you drive the car and get to full boost. It's a crap shoot, don't get me wrong, it can be done, you just have to be aware of the risks involved in an open control system. A good electronic boost controller on the other hand works on a feedback from the manifold pressure, it detects the boost level and makes the proper adjustments to maintain the boost setting so it's doing the adjusting for you.