Boost Controller

[xi Talon ix]

I want to pick up a boost controller for my 90 TSi AWD but I'm not sure on to get either a manual or automatic one? Need some help guys. What's the difference?

 

[anubis]

manual boost controllers (mbc) are directly adjusted by you while you're outside the car with the hood open (typically). they're usually much less expensive and more reliable.

electronic boost controllers (ebc) can are remotely and electronically adjusted from inside the car (typically). they are pretty expensive but convenient. they're really nice for changing boost levels while you're driving with the push of a button. they typically can't hold as much boost as an mbc.

hopefully that's what you're looking for. if you want to know more, just search for "mbc" and/or "ebc".

 

[hereitcomes]

That isnt exactly true that electronic cannot hold as much boost as a manual. There are people on this site who would rather trust electronic. Good info though nice help.

 

[dedlewamp]

They also make manual boost controllers that are adjustable via an in cockpit cable.

 

[hewhoisknot]

I have an EBC but I only own it because it came off a car I previously bought from someone, it holds boost just fine IMO. Of course I'm running very low boost. But after having both MBC and EBC I do not see the need to spend close to 200-300 dollars on an EBC when an MBC can be had at around 30 bucks and up. Or you can make your own for like 15 bucks. Just some food for thought.

BUN

 

[Soup Can]

not sure where you got that info from anubis...I've used both and never had a problem with my ebc holding boost up to 31psi....

To answer you question the main difference you need to be concerned with is the fact that 99% of EBCs adjust for a change in barometric pressure, unlike manuals..that is have you noticed that when the whether gets 10+degrees colder mbc users often have to dial their boost back down? this is why...whether it is worth the extra money to you or not is up to you. If you are pushing the limits of your boost/fuel system and can't afford for a variation in boost then an ebc may be the way for you...if you have wiggle room and don't mind the 1-3psi change you may get after rapid weather changes then the mbc is the way to go...incar adjustment is something few people actually utilize on a daily basis, its more of just a flashy feature..

 

[DSMunknown]

http://splparts.com/doc/tech/EBC.htm

 

[anubis]

not sure where you got that info from anubis...I've used both and never had a problem with my ebc holding boost up to 31psi....

i got it from doing a little bit of research... did i say something that wasn't true? maybe it was one of these two statements:

i said mbc's are more reliable - you set it, it stays. you don't have to worry about glitches or goofy programming or other electrical issues. a lot of dsm's have electrical issues or ecu problems of some form or another.

i've never seen an ebc go over 40 psi - but i guess that really doesn't matter for 95% of us on the forum...

as far as the change in barometric pressure - that's fascinating and something i never thought of! i think it's pretty cool that the ebc's can adjust for weather.

here's a cool link comparing different boost controllers: http://www.sportcompactcarweb.com/te..._boostcontrol/
immortalspyder posted that in another thread.

 

[Soup Can]

ah yes if you mean over 40psi then i agree, as I've also never seen a ebc go over 40... on that note those stupid profec a and all the other ones with that silly fuzzy logic are def a waste of money...by the time you figure out how to program the damn thing you've gotten married, had a kid, and went through a messy divorce...I genearlly stick to the simplistic reliable hks evc series of ebcs...gives you the option if you want to use fuzzy logic, or logical logic...hehe

 

[vr4play]

I like when people make negative comments on stuff just because they can't do it. I have both a mbc and a profec A, and the profec A is the best. Since installing the profec A, I have only put the mbc back in twice for troubleshooting, and the problem was never the boost controller. As long as you aren't more than 50% retarded, the profec A is easy to program. Matter of fact, it programs itself and learns your boost characteristics to optimize your boost. I don't know why Greddy stopped making this. Fuzzy logic is a difficult thing to get right, but they did it.

 

[mhuffman]

I want to pick up a boost controller for my 90 TSi AWD but I'm not sure on to get either a manual or automatic one? Need some help guys. What's the difference?

MBC's are simple to hook up, and inexpensive.

 

[DSMunknown]

MBC's are simple to hook up, and inexpensive.

That's not the point of the thread.

 

[Soup Can]

I'm going to assume that comment wasn't aimed at me vr4...