Do you need a Boost Controller with PowerFC?
 

I got this EBC but I just heard today that you don't need it if you get a powerfc and only plan on running maybe 12-14psi max?

Are the stock solenoids accurate enough for that level?

I got a EBC mainly in hopes that it'll help with boost spiking but now I'm kinda confused :Wconfused

you don't NEED it, but a boost controller is always good. i like to be in control of everything my car is doing.

Basically with a powerFC you no longer have a fuel cut, this is the main reason people get a boost controller right away. with a powerFC and 12-14psi, it will be more than OK. but you should definatley get a tune done as soon as you can. nothing beats a professional dyno tune.

your money would be better off spent on a Wideband. I just picked up the Innovate LC1 with XD16 display and I love it. not to mention it interfaces with FC Datalogit so you can read your AFR's on screen while logging/tuning on the road.. :D


may I ask though, why did you not get the PowerFC boost control kit? it hooks right into the PowerFC and you can adjust boost levels from the hand controller? IMO it keeps the interior clean with less gizmos taped/screwed/ziptied.

A power FC can control the factory wastegate and precontrol solenoids. You do NOT need a boost controller, nor do you need the boost control kit, if you have all your sequential plumbing in there properly. You can adjust the boost level and start duty % from the Commander, and it works reasonably well on a lot of setups.

Have you ported the wastegates?

what if you have a non-sequential set-up in your car? do you still need a boost controller with PFC?

Well if you go non-sequential you're not using the pre-control actuator/solenoid but still using the stock wastegate actuator/solenoid. So yes, the PFC still can control boost through the stock wastegate solenoid if you're non-sequential.

Bottom line... you can still use the stock soleniod(s) to control boost effectively up to a certain level. But it does get to a point where you might need more control with a better EBC and solenoid. Like spiking, solenoid flow and reaction, etc...

As for the PFC boost controller, from what I've read, for the price you might as well get another EBC like a greddy or blitz.

You are scary---try reading the users manual for your fc-datalogit,specifically p53-54,A-1 Boost Control----fuel cut occurs at 0.25 bar over the target boost setting.

Yes, the PowerFC can control boost. It controls the factory boost control solenoids, and does pretty well controlling them.

However, you are still at the mercy of the design of the factory system. With my PowerFC, I had spiking when the secondary came on with just intake/downpipe/catback. I drilled one of the restrictor pills out to solve the problem, but goofing around with pill sizes is SUPER bobo, IMHO. That's not boost control, that's voodoo.

You have to remember the factory boost control was designed for a STOCK CAR, period. You start changing things, it's going out of it's comfort zone. Even with control of the solenoids, you've still got a system that's not up to the job.

Can you use the PowerFC optional boost control kit? Sure, but you have far less options and control than most electronic boost controllers give you, and you've spent as much as a good one.

Long story short, the PowerFC boost control is better than nothing. If you don't yet have a boost controller, it will help keep things in check while you're saving your money. But, a good electronic boost controller is a VERY good thing to have in an FD - not only can you set your boost to make power, but you can keep it where you want it for safety.

Dale

Sorry I should have clarified. I know that it still has fuel cut, but it is adjustable depending on what you set your PowerFC too. Like if you set it to 15 psi, you will not hit a dead wall fuel cut like you would on the stock ecu. The stock ECU is just a dead end, with no opporitunity to go higher than what it was designed for.


Is there a info section on how to control boost through the PowerFC and how to set duty cycle.

If you check the install CD for your FC-Datalogit,there is a file called FC-Edit Manual---it contains the information you seek.

If you dont have that,check your FC Commander Instruction Manual---try p27,3-f.

Hmm, I will take a look. Thanks for the info.