boost gauge and MBC vs. Aem Tru boost

[DSMDriver69]

ok so im really close to ordering a Aem tru boost tonight, and after thinking about it all day, im stuck between just buying a boost gauge, gauge pod and manual boost controller or the aem tru boost. So i guess the real question is do i really need to spend 265$ on the aem or just get the gauge and mbc seprate? If i do just get the mbc and gauge, which would be the best bang for my buck. I would really like to stay under 200$. Thanks alot.

come on anyone? i would like to order this tonight, thanks

 

[laser92DSM]

I have an Autometer Boost Gauge, Gauge Pod, and Mbc and it all costed less than 200. Im happy with my setup no problems. Just my opinion.

 

[nuclearr]

Its a mater of budget and what you like. The AEM will give you the option of changing boost levels on the fly (while driving). MBCs requite you to get out and open up the hood adjust it go for a run, repeat until desired results have been reached. If you want to stay under $200 a mbc maybe the way to go.

 

[Rob10_99]

Some people have good results with Truboost, some can't control boost if they had to.
That system uses a solenoid to bleed off boost, I like it and hate it at the same time. You need to have a big enough wastegate, short enough boost source hose, and everything to really work right to get it to perform. IMO an MBC and gauge works great, hell even get one of those dual stage MBC's if your even thinking of blowing $200+ on a boost gauge/ebc.

 

[DSMDriver69]

Its a mater of budget and what you like. The AEM will give you the option of changing boost levels on the fly (while driving). MBCs requite you to get out and open up the hood adjust it go for a run, repeat until desired results have been reached. If you want to stay under $200 a mbc maybe the way to go.

thanks i know the aem tru boost lets you change boost in car by changing duty cycle, and when i first looked at it seemed like a good idea, but now that ive been thinking about it more, i dont really care that i would need to pop my hood to change my boost lvl with a mbc. all i really need to know now is which mbc and gauge should i get? ive been looking at the megan racing gauge on dsmparts and i like it. i just dont know which mbc i should get. Are the ebay gauges ok to get?

Some people have good results with Truboost, some can't control boost if they had to.
That system uses a solenoid to bleed off boost, I like it and hate it at the same time. You need to have a big enough wastegate, short enough boost source hose, and everything to really work right to get it to perform. IMO an MBC and gauge works great, hell even get one of those dual stage MBC's if your even thinking of blowing $200+ on a boost gauge/ebc.

yea i get what ## saying , the more i read about it the more i kinda want to stay away from it. i think i would be a good upgrade if i had alot more done to my car. i mean looking through the setup it talks about setting scramble boost and stuff like that. i just need to find i good mbc

 

[laser92DSM]

You can also buy a Mbc thats in cabin. Its the same as a regular mbc, it just comes with longer hoses so you can change the boost from the inside of your car.

 

[DSMDriver69]

You can also buy a Mbc thats in cabin. Its the same as a regular mbc, it just comes with longer hoses so you can change the boost from the inside of your car.

yea i know, ive seen them on ebay and on dsm parts. ive already decided on a megan racing gauge. i just need a good mbc. and changeing in cabin isnt really that important right now. all im gonna be running for awhile is a 14b

 

[miniturbo23]

AEM is an electronic boost controller please dont compare it to an manual boost controller and a boost guage.. the options it gives you are way more than what you get with a incabin mbc..

 

[DSMDriver69]

AEM is an electronic boost controller please dont compare it to an manual boost controller and a boost guage.. the options it gives you are way more than what you get with a incabin mbc..

oh naw dude i knw their complete diff. i just trying to figure out what would be good for my setup right now. all i have is a 14b with custom mani that im about to install, and was wondering if i really need the tru boost. i dont really need the luxire of changing boost lvl on the fly.

 

[Imback]

My old turbo xs hpbc was a really good MBC now my current hallman pro rx is really good as well also allows you to get the in cabin adjustment if you wanted to do that. As for the aem tru boost i've heard mixed reviews. If i were to get a EBC i would probably opt for the greddy which i've heard nothing but good things about. Well that's my 2 cents

 

[Blurred Talon]

I've got the Tru Boost in my car and I'm very happy with it.
It's got some cool features that you don't have with a MBC like Scramble Boost.

 

[Rob10_99]

Yes, as long as your EBC is working correctly, IE your wastegate doesn't suck, your tune is reasonable, your boost is under 25psi, your wastegate spring is correct, you dont have 10ft of vacuum line, etc.
Good running shape is important and yes you will get additional benefits, but it is 10X the price of a regular ass MBC.
Then again its your cash, burn it for all I care!

 

[untouchablecc]

I like the Mbc its one less problem and if you buy a good one you dont throw it away once a month. Dual stage is cool low boost high boost setting and the consistency is there so your not changing your tune all the time. I run 24 lbs right now daily on a 16g and i want to upgrade turbos and run 30lbs daily so the greddy thing with the 25 lb max just is not appealing. MY 2

 

[Blurred Talon]

Yes, as long as your EBC is working correctly, IE your wastegate doesn't suck, your tune is reasonable, your boost is under 25psi, your wastegate spring is correct, you dont have 10ft of vacuum line, etc.
Good running shape is important and yes you will get additional benefits, but it is 10X the price of a regular ass MBC.
Then again its your cash, burn it for all I care!

Boost under 25psi?!?!

I agree EBC are pricey, half the reason I bought mine used.

 

[jeff24680]

I could not be happier with my AEM Tru-Boost. I also have a 14b with an EVOIII wastegate actuator which engages at 12psi(stock for a 14b is 10psi I believe). My mod list is up to date if you want to compare.

Pro's

• Boost/Vacuum gauge and digital controller for extremely accurate readings. Much easier to look at a number while driving then to reference a dial and its position on a gauge.
  
• -Warning feature that if you over boost it will lower the duty cycle so boost will achieve the same setting as your wastegate spring pressure(this is great for me right now as I am having a creep issue, and while is does not fix the creep issue completely it slows the rate at which it happens once boost goes over the level I set the warning at).
  
• -Ability to set precisely what level the wastegate will crack at, this is the same concept as a manual boost controller however you know precisely when your wastegate will crack. I have mine set to 11 psi so it cracks 1psi before the rated 12psi of my E3 actuator. This gives you amazing control.
  
• -Scramble feature, this will not apply to your setup I assume as I do not use this either. You can wire the controller to a switched power supply and for a time that you set once the switch is thrown the controller I will increase boost for that given time to the given amount you also set.
  
• Duty Cycle boost control, this works differently then just setting a screw or lever or knob, it is very precise, as raising the duty cycle 5% might net you 1/2 psi gain, watch the AEM easy to follow videos on how to control and you will dial in your settings perfect.
  
• Two boost settings I have setting "A" at 15% Duty Cycle and setting "B" at 25%, the difference between those is about 4-5 psi, very useful for the street.
  
• Other settings such as different units of measure ment, ability to wire a 5bar sensor later, and a few other cool settings allow to truly "tune" exactly how you want

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Cons

• Wiring the entire setup in can be a little bit tricky, you need to get the solenoid as close to boost sources as possible I have around 1 foot of vacuum cable from my wastegate and j pipe to the solenoid for extremely fast response that I am very pleased with.
  
• Duty cycle is different to understand, however after watching those videos you will more than know what your doing.

**EDIT** I will post some pictures tonight of my solenoid location

 

[1gDSM4g63]

Big whoop, it doesn't take a $250+ AEM tru boost it knock up 2 psi more!

I ditched my Greddy Profec long ago and I certainly won't ever go back to an EBC no matter what they say it can handle because a little mishap boosting 40 psi+ it could go BAM and you're looking at a destroyed engine. And who cares in the incabin functions. It maybe a snazzy ricey high tech boost controller, but be a man and adjust the boost under the hood. So, unless you're talking about the NLR AMS-1000 EBC which cost a $1000 go with MBC.

 

[jeff24680]

Yes well, he isn't boosting 40psi, and to be honest i think your going to notice if you car decides to jump from 20psi to 40psi.

I wasn't trying to say what is better all I did was share my experience, I don't think it is ricer either because you prefer not have to have to get out of your car to increase your boost???? Plus once you get your boost dialed in you shouldn't have to change it at all, having the ability to make minor adjustments while driving, is very convenient.

Like I said I'm not saying which is better. I am sharing my experience.

 

[1gDSM4g63]

Well, I'm pretty sure I heard somewhere that the AEM Tru Boost could handle 45 psi and even it that were true I still won't go back to an EBC.

The OP is still on a stock turbo, so if he were to use the scramble boost (or whatever it's called making it seem like it is more than what it is) it wouldn't make that much power difference.

 

[jeff24680]

Again like I stated in my post, scramble boost he probably will not use. He is on 14b not stock for his model car. I do agree with you as you push the limits higher back to basics for insurance, and yes the AEM is supposed to handle 50PSI if you wire in a 5bar sensor, however I have never seen or read anyone who has used this kind of setup.

 

[jjgrizz73]

I have the AEM, to tell you the truth I'd rather the MBC. Its great for on the fly changes though. The % is a bit tricky and varies on setups. My A is set at about 50 and my B around 57. On B I run about 27psi out of my 50trim without much problems. I think with your setup you should just stay with the MBC its simple and works well...much more cost effective also. Goodluck with whatever you decide either one is a good choice for the most part.

 

[twinsnails]

Basically it all comes down too, one will work all the time and for a longer time, the MBC. The other will work sometimes with added benefits that really are not benefits because when they break shit breaks, the EBC. Really I have had experiences with both an AEM and several MBC's, I will never go back to any type of EBC, they just do not make sense. I do not care about having to change my boost lvl under the hood, not like I am doing this on the side of the road, like some people. We have test an tune days for things like this. If someone made a EBC that makes sense to someone who does not know anything bout cars like a MBC does then maybe it would be worthwhile. In about 2 minutes you can explain what a MBC does to someone, I would assume it would take longer for a EBC. Just my thoughts. Not saying AEM makes bad stuff I use their UEGO gauge, works for me I want to try an Innovate because I hear great things about them just no money to buy unnecessary things right now.

 

[DSMDriver69]

alright so i just finished ordering all my parts, i decided to get a hallman pro mbc, megan racing boost gauge and pod, and also a greddy turbo timer. I got it all for like 220$ and thats including shipping. Thanks for all the help and suggestions. ill probably be back on here needing help installing everything

 

[Blurred Talon]

Check out the Articles section, lots of great write ups.

 

[97GSeX]

I think you made the right decision with you final choice, because i had a AEM truboost and loved it until my selunoid went out. Its been the biggest headache ever since..So i ordered a new seluniod, $90 shipped, and it still didnt work..so now I finally got my hands on a MBC and just going to use my aem as boost guage.

{EDIT} Didn't notice how old this thread was..