decent in-cab boost controller

[10fold]

I was looking at mechanical boost controllers (electronic are way out of my price range as of now) and saw both the Hallman and HKS boost controllers come in in-cab types. My friend has the Hallman and says its great, but for half the price why not get the HKS? Does anyone have any experience with the HKS VBC? And is there a difference between the external and internal wastegate versions; will I be able to switch or will I need another kit if I do go external eventually? Thanks in advance.

 

[dropt4]

Why not just get a AEM Tru Boost.. They are cheap and work great..

 

[fatherbubble]

I got the halman an I want the aem.

 

[dropt4]

I got the halman an I want the aem.

I had the AEM in my SRT4 and loved it, but went back to stock and sold it.. IMHO it is the best for the price..

 

[10fold]

Hmm, I'll look into that. I did a little more research and that boost controller looks like the only reason it can be mounted in-cabin is because it has so much vacuum line...according to everyone on this forum, the shorter the vacuum line, the better the boost controller performs. The only thing about the AEM is I already have a boost gauge and don't really want another one if I don't need one. Besides, is it 60mm or 52mm? And is installation complicated? I'm not really that good with wires...my hands are too big to work in small spaces splicing wires and such...installing my turbo timer wasn't exactly a walk in the park, haha.

 

[JDMath]

the shorter the vacuum line, the better the boost controller performs.

thats true, i'Ve made the test in my car and with a mbc in the car its really not the same things as if i let it under my hood!

 

[Defiant]

It's called a throttle. You don't "adjust" boost, you set the level the turbo will be providing the engine, and use the throttle to let the turbo give more or less.

 

[Silversurfermd]

Hmm, I'll look into that. I did a little more research and that boost controller looks like the only reason it can be mounted in-cabin is because it has so much vacuum line...according to everyone on this forum, the shorter the vacuum line, the better the boost controller performs. The only thing about the AEM is I already have a boost gauge and don't really want another one if I don't need one. Besides, is it 60mm or 52mm? And is installation complicated? I'm not really that good with wires...my hands are too big to work in small spaces splicing wires and such...installing my turbo timer wasn't exactly a walk in the park, haha.

I had a boost gauge also but got rid of it to make room for the AEM Wideband (2 gauge pillar). Matches up and installation wasn't that much of a hassel. I tapped the power source for both into the fusebox under the dash on the driver's side. Setup on the boost controller is confusing, but go the AEM website forum. Oh and this boost controller shows peak boost with a push of the button.