Turbosmart Single Stage MBC

[papasapusc]

I have been looking into this boost controller and just wanted to know what you guys thought about it. I have looked around for reviews but I haven't found any on the single stage, only the dual stage, although it is pretty much the same thing, just cheaper. Any opinions or information on the MBC would be greatly appreciated.

-Mike N.-
'91 GSX

 

[Gregory]

Sorry, I can't answer your question, but was acutally interested in the same thing as you. looking into them too, and was wondering if people like the gated system and is it reliable? I know it delays the wastegate longer which is good, but scary in some sence too. I don't know how the gated sytem works. who does?

 

[papasapusc]

This is a link that explains BOV and MBC, how they work and so on...

BOV and MBC info

The boost controller portion is on the bottom half. Hope this helps you out.

-Mike N.-
'91 GSX

 

[TSG59_Steve]

I have it. It worked well. If you do get it, make sure to read the instructions carefully. Is there anything in particular you were wondering?

Steve

 

[HondaStylez]

I've had 3. 2 were defective, the current one works well enough that I don't feel the need to get something different. When they actually work they work far better than most MBC's, but in my experience they don't work all that often.

 

[91TSiChick]

+1 to above. Read the instruction very well.

I personally have a friend with a 240 w/ SR20 swap that uses that MBC except his is the dual stage. Works great and it was a quick and easy install. So far there are no leaks or problems. He has been extremely pleased with it running at high psi.

I know it isn't the single stage but if the dual stages are getting good reviews then the single should be perfectly fine.

Michelle

 

[Gregory]

that article was awesome (although it was obviously biased)... it didn't have much good to say about the gated system though... What MBC did you guys start with?

 

[MrBoxx]

Is this the one you're referring to?

You must be logged in to view this image or video.

Also, it includes the three-nippled box, correct? If so, I would not reccomend getting this MBC. It seems for a while, every other MBC problem thread on this forum had to do with this particular (or knock-off) MBC. The issue is that the gate is designed to be teed into a line like the BOV line, which is one of the worst places to tap an MBC line from. I have a TurboXS Hi-Performance MBC and it's held rock-solid boost at whatever I set it at for the past four years. Other people have had good luck with the Hallman or JoeP boost controllers.

 

[Gregory]

thanks man.. i'll look into hallman and turboxs, but I tried looking for Joe P before and couldn't find where to buy them from. do you know? If not, don't even worry about it... i'll figure it out. thanks!

 

[TSG59_Steve]

Is this the one you're referring to?

That's not the one that he is referring to. The one he is questioning is the single stage controller, found here: http://www.boostcontroller.com/inde...stcontroller.com/index.php?page=1&category=97

I guess I'll just write everything I experienced when using this boost controller. I found the install to be pretty easy, the instructions are pretty detailed. The only thing I found menacing was the wiring. I ran the wire along the inside of the fender and attached it to the firewall and ran it down through the steering boot. (A hanger comes in VERY handy) Then I ran the wire through the center console and attached it to the switch, which I had under my cd player. I'll get some pictures and post them if you'd like. It'll be easy to show the wiring too, since there isn't an engine to get in the way.

Anyway, I found it to be very responsive. I was still on the t25 at the time, don't ask, however it does exactly what it says. You can switch between the boost settings even at wot. I had problems with creep, but I probably had a bazillion boost leaks.

Another thing though, was finding a place to mount it. I never did get it mounted because I lost the metal piece. I finally found it so I'll try to find a mounting place again.

If you want pics let me know.
Steve

 

[MrBoxx]

Either way, that still looks like it requires it to be tapped into the BOV line.

And how is that a single stage MBC if you can switch between two levels of boost? Seems to me it should be a dual-stage MBC, no?

 

[TSG59_Steve]

It's called single stage because the lower boost setting is determined by your wastegate actuator. So you only have one stage that you set. With the double stage boost controller you determine both high and low settings.

 

[MrBoxx]

Ah. I guess reading all the instructions owns me.

 

[spectr019]

Now after what everybody just said about the tee-type turbosmart MBC, don't yell at me!! But I"ve been using the tee style MBC from turbosmart for the past 2 or 3 years, first on the stock T25, and now on my FP Big28 which I'm running at 21psi. It's the only kind of boost controller i've ever used, but for me (according to my boost gauge at least I suppose), I"ve been able to dial in to precisely my desired boost pressure. I personally haven't had any problems with it, but I've heard of a bunch of stories of people who have, so I guess go figure that one out. Not hoping on the bandwagon for connecting a boost controller, I didn't hook up one of the hoses to the intake manifold, but to the nipple on the compressor housing that was once connected to the intake charge pipe. That's how I originally had it, then I switched it to the manifold and didn't like the response it offered after only 2 or 3 runs with it, then I switched it back to the compressor housing nipple. It's worked very well for me, but again I don't have anything else to personally relate it to- I just know that I'm able to peak at 21psi exactly. Good luck finding something!

Ben

 

[TSG59_Steve]

Ah. I guess reading all the instructions owns me.

Haha, well that wasn't in the instructions. That's just reading into it.

 

[my98GST]

Either way, that still looks like it requires it to be tapped into the BOV line.

And how is that a single stage MBC if you can switch between two levels of boost? Seems to me it should be a dual-stage MBC, no?

Mr. Boxx wtf is up brotha!? Long time!

Actually I have a turbosmart and I just ran mine off of the nipple on the turbo and then blocked off the BCS nipples and then ran a line from the wastegate to the WG side of the MBC... I found with doing it this way, that it would help combat boost creep and also would cut down on boost spike.

 

[MyÜberFastGSX]

The dual stage MBC sounds like a good idea and all, call me stupid but I think I see a flaw in the system...

When changing between boost levels, how would you change timing and fuel instantaniously as well, without something like dsm link.

 

[punkak2]

thanks man.. i'll look into hallman and turboxs, but I tried looking for Joe P before and couldn't find where to buy them from. do you know? If not, don't even worry about it... i'll figure it out. thanks!

I would have to encourage you to stay away from TurboXS for boost controllers, well the basic one anyway. the bleeder style is horrible for leaks and creates boost spike. There has been many members in these forms who run them with mixed results but my own is not good . I'm running a hallaman right now and couldn't be more happy with it

 

[TSG59_Steve]

The dual stage MBC sounds like a good idea and all, call me stupid but I think I see a flaw in the system...

When changing between boost levels, how would you change timing and fuel instantaniously as well, without something like dsm link.

I wondered the EXACT same thing actually. I'm not a "tuner" yet, I have a lot more reading to do... but really you shouldn't be going WOT when you have the low boost on anyway... and I'm pretty sure you tune at WOT right? Someone clue us in...