Boost controller on stock turbo?

[Koenig]

I was wondering..... how does the stock turbo and intercooler behave with a boost controller?

the only "engine" mod that's currently on the car is an intake. With a straight exhaust going on sometime just before christmas (or probably right after)... no cats or mufflers.

So any way: I have a friend with a new Turbo XS boost controller (manual).

It's brand new and never used (he bought it for an Evo X, but the sale on his IS350 fell through, so he gave it back and kept the Lexus).... and he's willing to allow my ownership for $40, lol.

So I was wonder.... would it be a good deal? Or is it better off getting an electronic one? And how does the MS6 react on the stock turbo and intercooler with a boost controller? I'm sure some people have done it, since that was one of the first mods before people started making FMICs and such for the cars.

I'd basically like some feedback to find out if it's any good for bumping the stock turbo up a couple PSI.

 

[coyfish]

The overwhelming majority of people here are against MBC's. They work great for some cars but not on our fragile mazdas.

Even with good boost controllers some people still don't hold boost exactly which is dangerous. Not to mention without a tune / supporting mods your really pushing your limits. If you set your BC to 18 psi and then redline your engine . . . Its just not a good idea with our small turbo that gives out early and the throttle plate that closes past 5500.

With the proper setup and knowledge you can make it work but its definately not something to throw on and go.


I know its cheap but save up and get parts. Your boost will increase naturally while youre car becomes more efficient.

 

[Koenig]

Thanks man..... for now I have an intake, full exhaust is going to be coming... soon as the warranty expires (which is very soon with my miles) I'm going to get a front mount intercooler, and trying to decide if a CPE Standback or the Cobb AP would be better, etc.

I was just wondering for now... the car settles around 15psi (but spikes to 19 from what i've seen). Was wondering about getting the mbc and adjusting to 17 psi. As for Redlining I don't do that because I know the throttle plate closes, so even with the turbo being all stock and such I still don't redline it.

 

[tunersteve]

Cobb AP for boost control. Honestly, MBC's are a big no-no with this car. The ECU is too sensitive and will adapt negatively to that mod.

Get yourself an AP, throw a map on it, and be done. You'll run less risk of blowing a motor, and have more money in your pocket compared to similar setups with the Standback.

 

[Koenig]

Cobb AP for boost control. Honestly, MBC's are a big no-no with this car. The ECU is too sensitive and will adapt negatively to that mod.

Get yourself an AP, throw a map on it, and be done. You'll run less risk of blowing a motor, and have more money in your pocket compared to similar setups with the Standback.

That was all I needed to hear.... electronic boost control over manual. Thanks man.

As for the money well there's someone selling a standback with plug and play harness for $425, and also an AP for $575, so the money isn't the big issue... it's whatever will allow more playing and tuning since I have some people who would tune for me for free (cause I do computer stuff for free for them, lol, like set up their shop's network, etc). I know cobb is supposed to have their software for the AP to be available to public eventually.... for the "home tuners".

 

[tunersteve]

ATR is already out. Besides, you don't have to pay for the ETB flash, cold weather fix, or any of the other nickel and dime stuff that CP-e offers. If you watch, AP's go for $500 easy now. Keep an eye out and you'll find a good deal on one. Read up on ATR, throw a map on the car, then tweak it slowly until you find where you like it.

 

[coyfish]

Yeah I have my cobb ap sitting right here that I just recieved for 500 bucks. Debating to load maps or wait for my custom tune.

 

[tunersteve]

I just had a similar discussion with SMOKEY. I told him that I think you should try some OTS maps to see how the car responds, and if you're still not happy with performance, then invest in a custom tune. Aside from that, be sure you're done modding if you plan on going with the custom tune.

 

[Koenig]

AP sounds the way to go, especially if the ATR is ready already for "street tuners" like myself and friends that I have, allows me to just bring the car to them with the software for tuning (thumb).

Thanks Steve, I'm now going to ask for the AP for Christmas, lmao!