boost controller questions

[SMOKEYS36SHOP]

ok since our cars have been around for a few years i was just wondering if adding a boost controller before doing an upgraded engine management system is something worth looking into for extra horsepower. all i have is a aem cai and the turboxs hybrid bov. in a few weeks im placing another order with su for there intercooler, intercooler tubes and denso step 2 colder plugs. so i was wondering which controllers to look into because there are so many out there. for example aem digital gauge or the many different types of manual boost controllers including boost cut defender. so if anyone has these products please give me your opinion on which to get...if any at all also can someone explain what a boost cut defender does cause i am not very sure . thanks

 

[VRMS6]

Honestly your better off investing in a EM system such as C OBB Accessport for our cars. Not only will it raise boost levels safely it will raise fuel and adjust tiiming and such to ensure you don't blow your engine. A boost controller alone is playing with fire. Sooner or later you will get burned.

 

[its_me]

The best mod(s), hands down, is a MBC/BCD combo. Raising the boost on a turbo application is the cheapest and most efficient way to gain some power. You should be able to pick up both for around $100 shipped total. Combined with the aftermarket IC you will see a nice gain

You really can't compare a $100 mod against a $500+ mod (Cobb/CP-e EMS). That would be like saying "well, if you're going to already spend $500+, why not call Motec and give them your car?"

There is nothing inherently "safe" about the AP or CPe's Standback. Hell, running STOCK fuel, timing, boost has grenaded a few motors.

 

[VRMS6]

Its me raising boost with out changing fuel/timing and other parameters is playing with fire. Sure you may get cheap power gains but in the end its not a safe solution. While more pricey a EM solution such as COBBs Accessport is a safer option then just a MBC...

 

[its_me]

I'm not sure where your proof is when you say the MBC/BCD is "not a safe solution". It's like any tuning (Cobb and CPe included), it's only as good as the knowledge of the person choosing the settings. Obviously bumping the boost to 25psi probably isn't a good thing, but there are people that do/did that with no problems. If you think you are "safe" with your Cobb AP you are kidding yourself. Hell, if you think you are "safe" on a stock ECU with no mods you're still kidding yourself.

Again, I would still recommend the MBC/BCD until someone figures out this car (which has not been done yet). Nobody knows why it decides to let rods go. There is only speculation at this point, but no hard data. Until then, I'd say go with cheap and proven mods for power and let the stock ECU stay in control.