Manual vs. Electronic boost controller questions (searched and read all day).
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Manual vs. Electronic boost controller questions (searched and read all day).
Alright boys.
I have read quite a few posts related to this matter.
I am perplexed by some findings related to a Boost Controller.
If you would be so kind to confirm/deny what I am going to write and answer a few questions, I would really appreciate it.
1) Manual vs. Electronic:
As far as I understand, there should not be any difference in terms of it being effective.
Is this correct?
I have learned that the electronic has a solenoid that actuates the controller, while the manual is spring-operated. Would this mean that the manual is also less reliable/effective/precise, or are we squared up in this respect?
Ease of operation: besides most manual controllers being operated inside of the hood, It appears to me that the setup is "trial and error", as you go, check your boost, stop, open the hood, tweak, drive some more, check the boost... You know what I mean. In the electronic, beside the fact that the adjustment is done inside of the cab, it can be set to a precise number, resting assured that the boost will sit at what it has been decided. I feel that this is a safer approach, which can also be visually checked at any time, while on the manual you'd have to make markings and rely on those.
Is this correct?
2) Ability to control boost:
This is what I haven't understood from what I have read until now.
It seems that people state repeatedly that the boost controller isn't capable to keep boost at a certain level in certain circumstances/setups. Where do you hit that threshold? What level of modification will be the so called "point of no return"?
I also have read that the boost controller keep spikes in check, but not boost creep.
Once again, is this correct? If so, why?
Would porting wastegate, pill change and what not resolve/help with creep?
3) Sequential Twins setup.
This might win me some flaming, but I don't understand how the controller controls boost on both the twins (given that it does).
If somebody can explain that to me, I'd appreciate it.
4) (and last). I did a search on ebay and there are several HKs, Profec and what not available. Is it OK to buy there, or would I get something that is not as advertised?
Furthermore, my ebay search showed an electronic Hybrid HID boost controller. Does anybody know anything about this unit?
I apologize ahead of time. Unfortunately, I don't usually get the answers I am looking for, blame it on my ability to search, but sometimes, after I have read for 3 hours, I'm more confused than I was when I started.
The other option being that I'm a noob and not that great a mechanic?
BTW, I have Cheaper Bastard Intake Mod and DP.
Everything else is stock.
Thank you,
Giovanni
P.S.: I spent about 1 day looking for tires weights. I don't seem to have any luck with that either. Perhaps somebody knows something in this respect?
Thanks again.
I have read quite a few posts related to this matter.
I am perplexed by some findings related to a Boost Controller.
If you would be so kind to confirm/deny what I am going to write and answer a few questions, I would really appreciate it.
1) Manual vs. Electronic:
As far as I understand, there should not be any difference in terms of it being effective.
Is this correct?
I have learned that the electronic has a solenoid that actuates the controller, while the manual is spring-operated. Would this mean that the manual is also less reliable/effective/precise, or are we squared up in this respect?
Ease of operation: besides most manual controllers being operated inside of the hood, It appears to me that the setup is "trial and error", as you go, check your boost, stop, open the hood, tweak, drive some more, check the boost... You know what I mean. In the electronic, beside the fact that the adjustment is done inside of the cab, it can be set to a precise number, resting assured that the boost will sit at what it has been decided. I feel that this is a safer approach, which can also be visually checked at any time, while on the manual you'd have to make markings and rely on those.
Is this correct?
2) Ability to control boost:
This is what I haven't understood from what I have read until now.
It seems that people state repeatedly that the boost controller isn't capable to keep boost at a certain level in certain circumstances/setups. Where do you hit that threshold? What level of modification will be the so called "point of no return"?
I also have read that the boost controller keep spikes in check, but not boost creep.
Once again, is this correct? If so, why?
Would porting wastegate, pill change and what not resolve/help with creep?
3) Sequential Twins setup.
This might win me some flaming, but I don't understand how the controller controls boost on both the twins (given that it does).
If somebody can explain that to me, I'd appreciate it.
4) (and last). I did a search on ebay and there are several HKs, Profec and what not available. Is it OK to buy there, or would I get something that is not as advertised?
Furthermore, my ebay search showed an electronic Hybrid HID boost controller. Does anybody know anything about this unit?
I apologize ahead of time. Unfortunately, I don't usually get the answers I am looking for, blame it on my ability to search, but sometimes, after I have read for 3 hours, I'm more confused than I was when I started.
The other option being that I'm a noob and not that great a mechanic?
BTW, I have Cheaper Bastard Intake Mod and DP.
Everything else is stock.
Thank you,
Giovanni
P.S.: I spent about 1 day looking for tires weights. I don't seem to have any luck with that either. Perhaps somebody knows something in this respect?
Thanks again.
#2
SideWayZ The Only Way
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also have read that the boost controller keep spikes in check, but not boost creep.
Once again, is this correct? If so, why?
Once again, is this correct? If so, why?
I also have read that the boost controller keep spikes in check, but not boost creep.
Once again, is this correct? If so, why?
Would porting wastegate, pill change and what not resolve/help with creep?
Once again, is this correct? If so, why?
Would porting wastegate, pill change and what not resolve/help with creep?
3) Sequential Twins setup.
This might win me some flaming, but I don't understand how the controller controls boost on both the twins (given that it does).
If somebody can explain that to me, I'd appreciate it.
This might win me some flaming, but I don't understand how the controller controls boost on both the twins (given that it does).
If somebody can explain that to me, I'd appreciate it.
4) (and last). I did a search on ebay and there are several HKs, Profec and what not available. Is it OK to buy there, or would I get something that is not as advertised?
Furthermore, my ebay search showed an electronic Hybrid HID boost controller. Does anybody know anything about this unit?
Furthermore, my ebay search showed an electronic Hybrid HID boost controller. Does anybody know anything about this unit?
#3
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The short answer to your question is an electronic boost controller is worth the money. There is just a lot more you can do with an EBC and they are relatively cheap, under $300, vs. $50 or so for an MBC.
I think a MBC will give you a big headache and you will wonder why youre getting a shitty boost pattern etc. etc.
I think a MBC will give you a big headache and you will wonder why youre getting a shitty boost pattern etc. etc.
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Thanks boys, things are a clearer for me in some areas.
Getting back to ebay EBC, the Profec b II seems to be reasonably priced.
If I read right, this is a good choice for the FD.
And (I imagine) will control boost on both twins.
Am I missing something?
Getting back to ebay EBC, the Profec b II seems to be reasonably priced.
If I read right, this is a good choice for the FD.
And (I imagine) will control boost on both twins.
Am I missing something?
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#11
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I know alot of people that swear on both manual and electronic BCs. Living in Colorado, alot of guys use manual BCs because it controls much more effectively when going through 7-8k of elevation change. Personally, I've found the MBCs to be just as effective as the EBCs and for alot less money.
#12
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A few things.
1) No problem for the digression, I was actually wondering about that as well (I thought: if I am going to blow 300 on this and possibly later on another 800, if the 800 product does it, why spend 300 now?). I think the answer regarding the stock solenoids not being that reliable is persuading enough to go out and shell the 300.
2) I am not sure how the EBC could be less reliable than the manual at altitude. I am not trying to disagree, I am rather questioning for learning purposes.
I would imagine it has to do with air density, but just that doesn't really answer the question. Anyone cares to elaborate?
3) What I was wondering in relation of the way the EBC keeps boost in check is this: does it have a solenoid for each of the turbos? If not, how does it get hooked up?
Forgive my curiosity, I am going to buy one in hours from ebay...
1) No problem for the digression, I was actually wondering about that as well (I thought: if I am going to blow 300 on this and possibly later on another 800, if the 800 product does it, why spend 300 now?). I think the answer regarding the stock solenoids not being that reliable is persuading enough to go out and shell the 300.
2) I am not sure how the EBC could be less reliable than the manual at altitude. I am not trying to disagree, I am rather questioning for learning purposes.
I would imagine it has to do with air density, but just that doesn't really answer the question. Anyone cares to elaborate?
3) What I was wondering in relation of the way the EBC keeps boost in check is this: does it have a solenoid for each of the turbos? If not, how does it get hooked up?
Forgive my curiosity, I am going to buy one in hours from ebay...
#14
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But I don't see where the difficulty is; can't you simply set a boost level and "I'll see you later"?
I'm not trying to be simplistic, but what else can you/do you have to do with this thing?
#15
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No. You just don't turn the **** to 15 psi and call it a day. You can adjust the duty cycle of the boost solenoid (adjusting boost). You adjust gain (the sensitivity of the solenoid) which will effect everything as well. Set gain adjust the start boost (how long it holds the wastegate closed). There is an overboost function. This is a simplistic explanation as there is a lot more to an ebc than that. See this page https://www.rx7club.com/showthread.p...=1#post7165717 for a more detailed write up.
Joe
Joe
Last edited by onemeansaturn; 07-23-07 at 08:27 AM.
#16
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Check out Damian's thread in the archives about using dual hallman MBC's for his sequential system, great read. I have an EBC, and it's really nice to adjust duty cycles for exact boost goals on the fly, not to mention my S-AVCR has a peak/hold boost gauge which is worth it alone IMO.
I have heard of a lot of people who are perfectly happy with their MBC's and swear by them also. They do work, but it's just personal preference I guess.
I have heard of a lot of people who are perfectly happy with their MBC's and swear by them also. They do work, but it's just personal preference I guess.
#17
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#18
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I must say: Te OP for this thread is a prime example of perfect inquiries. Well written and well mannered. When he questions a response, it is to learn more.
Nicely done.
back on topic: It really comes down to personal preference. I have seen setups done both ways work flawlessly. Is one better than the other? I think EBC might have the edge for that PERFECT boost curve, but both can be reliable. It all depends on how you setup/adjust them.
Nicely done.
back on topic: It really comes down to personal preference. I have seen setups done both ways work flawlessly. Is one better than the other? I think EBC might have the edge for that PERFECT boost curve, but both can be reliable. It all depends on how you setup/adjust them.
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Just an FYI you can buy MBCs that are adjustable in the passenger area, although I wouldnt recommend it as they will give you more problems due to the long vaccume lines (takes a long time for boost controller to limit boost).
+1 for the cheap HKS/apexi EBC on ebay, theres some good deals!
+1 for the cheap HKS/apexi EBC on ebay, theres some good deals!
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