JSpec

Was wondering if the Power FC controls boost or not. I was originally going to use a AVC-R and a Haltek E6K, but if the PFC can do the work of both of them then I'll go with it..

black99

Yeah I am pretty sure it controls boost up to 17 psi with the map sensor it comes with, but if you want to run more psi then that, then you'll have to get either a boost controller with a 3 bar map sensor or the "boost control kit" for the PFC which I hear is almost impossible to get.

ErnieT

iTrader: (2)

PFC = POS.........less you have access to Power Excel software, don't get it. Get the Haltech, Motec, or AEM...

TailHappy

You mind elaborating? I've been searching the archives latetly to research the PFC, but if anyone's interested in starting a thread of pros/cons, I'd certainly appreciate it!

I personally would be looking to buy one and have it professionally dyno tuned, so hopefully I would avoid the problems with timing and mixture that most people complain of. I'm probably interested most in being able to monitor all the sensors and error codes, and to tweak boost spikes. In the future I would also be considering either adding or enlarging the injectors, mainly for peace of mind. I realize the AVC-R and S-AFC together would do the same thing, but they would cost almost as much and be much more of a pain to install (although they look cooler!). I feel like the Haltech, AEM, etc are probably overkill for my goals. OK, any opinions???

Thanks in advance!

airborne

If you stick with the stock turbos the PFC should do everything you need. Being in NC you shouldn't have too hard of a time finding someone to tune it for ya either. I've had it and like it, was simple to get goin and gives you some good info on the commander. Having said that i don't know much about the haltech to compare the two.

Johnny

It's not a POS ...yes it controls boost for up to 1bar...been doing well for me, but I'm not running a midpipe or anything so I've never really had any boost issues..

Some people still recommend running a boost controlling, but right now I seem to be alright

RecKleSs

Hey Ernie, we both know that the Power FC is an awesome unit and it's not a POS. There are pros and cons to every ECU out there and the Power FC does has it's cons too. The Power FC and Commander works extremely well if you are using the stock twins turbos. However, if you want to go with a single turbo setup the Haltech will be a better choice than the Power FC.

As for the Haltech it is a pain in the *** to install and will cost you around $700-800 just to install the unit. Most shops don't have the knowledge or time to install the unit and you will run into problems. Also, you have to find a great shop that knows how to tune the unit for you.

As for the AEM, I wouldn't put it in my car. It is too new and we don't know how reliable and the performance the unit is going to be.

The most important thing to figure out is how much money you are willing to spend and to find a shop that knows their **** on tuning. Also, if you are going with the Haltech get ready to spend $2000 and find a great shop that will install and tune the unit for you.

JSpec

Well, the installation of the Haltek doesn't worry me. I've actually found a fabricated harness that goes between it and the stock wiring harness. Plug and Play Haltek

I guess it'd also be easier to be able to download other people's maps, instead of having to ship the PFC out to a tuner..

matt_ledbetter

Just curious, was the Haltech a piece of **** also? OR was it the tuning of both that was the weak link?

Everyone has their opinions I suppose and I'm not trying to be an ****.

I'm running the Power FC with the mod list below with no problems... Mid 12's all day long on street tires. Stock motor and turbos with 93k on them.

In the next month I'm adding the water injection kit and larger injectors.

-Matt

Saintdog

How much for the Harness?

TailHappy

Good, I'm glad to hear some testimonials. It was the #1 mod on my to-do list but I was starting to get scared off from all the negativity. I still think it's getting its bad rep from people just expecting them to be a bolt-on item rather than spending the time/money to get it dyno tuned.

This is probably a dumb question, but it would be preferable to installing both the AVC-r and S-AFC, right?

matt_ledbetter

Well, I haven't used the AVC-r personally, but I believe it allows you to control boost based on rpm. That would be a nice addition to any rx7...

I like my Power FC and I personally haven't had any problems with it. The base maps are solid for the normal amount of bolt-ons, but I would suggest throwing it on a dyno with wideband just to be safe.

-Matt

Jonesboro

I have yet to hear a complaint about a failure of a PFC.

People might point to the PFC when their engine breaks, but I believe that the main PFC problems are the owners who fail to learn how to properly use the PFC and who do not understand how to tune their rotary.

The one legitimate PFC complaint is that Apexi does not supply extensive user support/information. But, this is really a misunderstanding by purchasers of the PFC because Apexi never intended to provide user support. They expected PFC buyers to go to "professional tuners" licensed and trained by Apexi. Thank God for the PFC support group on this forum.

twinturboteddy

I have a Power FC and have no boost issues.

I have a midpipe as well.

I run it up to .9 bar at times and it's fine.

RecKleSs

I also forgot to mention that I have the Power FC and Commander on my FD. I've had it for over one year and this unit is great. It completely got rid of the annoying 3000RPM hesitation and the car feels so much smoother. Also, the Commander has many functions, which you can view to monitor how your car is performing. I have also put it on the dyno to get it fine tuned while using a wideband. I also, wanted to see how well my engine has been holding up by getting a few compression test and everything is great. I highly recommend getting the Power FC.

rx7speed811

do you guys really adjust boost with just your pfc commander without any problems, no separate boost controller? how do you do it?

i have mine set to .85 bar, and i still spike to like 1.03 a lot of times. maybe im doing it all wrong? you use the settings function and just scroll to the boost setting you want to leave it on right???

i have full intake, exhaust (no cats), no separate boost control. i was going to buy a separate boost controller, but if the pfc can do the job, i will be one happy camper!

matt_ledbetter

I have a Blitz DSBC now, but at first I was only using the Power FC. I didn't have any problems with spiking. I normally ran .8, but ran .9 once in a while as well.

Full exhaust as well...

I only switched the Blitz because it's a pain to change to a higher boost setting via the commander.

-Matt
'93 Touring

Jonesboro

Read page 28 of the PFC manual about boost control. The PFC allows boost to go .25 kg/cm3 OVER the setting you enter. For example, you entered .85 so the PFC would allow boost to go to 1.10.

matt_ledbetter

No...

The .25 over is the boost cut.

You should be able to dial it in to exactly what you want by adjusting the duty %.

-Matt

RecKleSs

As for your boost creep, get your wastegate ported.

GoRacer

iTrader: (2)

http://www.APEXi-usa.com/electronics_boost.asp

ErnieT

iTrader: (2)

Your right Matt.........KDR couldn't tune a flute....

matt_ledbetter

Good luck with your new tuner... I know we are all anxious to see the numbers.

-Matt

TAMAatWork

twinturboteddy, is that your CYM? Looks very nice.

What wing is that?

Link? Pictures?


Thanks,
Joseph

TailHappy

Thanks for all the feedback, guys. I was a little reluctant to say anything since I figured I'd get the usual "do a search" answer. I was just reading about the features of the datalogit (I didn't realize it does so much more than just logging!!!), so that's definitely sealed it....I'M GETTIN' ONE!

Thanks again