Manual Boost Controller Recommendations
 

Hi all,

Getting to the final stages of my turbo build (!!!), and after having to clock my T25 I need to tackle some boost management problems.

Firstly, I need an adjustable MBC. Does anyone have any recommendations? Ideally under $100. I've read the FAQs etc about making my own, but since I won't be the one tuning my car I'd prefer to get something professional and adjustable.

Second, the wastegate actuator that came with my secondhand T25 looks like it's a POS. I'll probably pick up a new one to avoid any headaches. Anyone have an aftermarket actuator that they're fond of? The thought of figuring out how to mount it to work with the newly clocked turbo is already making me stressed....

You can buy MBC on eBay for like $20. That is the route I would go.

Yeah, definitely going the eBay route. Just wondering if anyone had a model or brand they've had success with (or ones to avoid).

I personally always recommend hallman, and lately started to recommend grimmspeed and turbosmart. Solid/high quality built and proven to work consistently. All right around 80-100.

I've also used the cheapy ebay units with semi-decent results, particularly the "NXS" ones. Way more finicky, harder to adjust, and not as smooth IMHO. But they will "get the job done" for most people's needs.

Couple things mandatory: ball+spring, not "bleed type", and don't ever get those silly bleed type ones that come in two pieces/units, those are the worst.

If I were in your shoes.. this would be a first pick for $20.

NXS MOTORSPORTS MANUAL BOOST CONTROLLER 1.8T TS STI MBC | eBay

http://nxsmotorsports.com/ebay/mbc/images/apart2.jpg?

I have been using the NXS ones on and off for years. Never had an issue with them and the guy who sells them is awesome to deal with.

https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mia...8c58da6325.jpg


For $25, you can get an all billet, ceramic ball, Voodoo MBC on Amazon

Can't vouch for the no name ebay units but can vouch for the Grimmspeed unit. This is the same one I have. More expensive but rock solid boost control.

GRIMMSPEED MANUAL BOOST CONTROLLER MBC Universal (Black) | eBay

I have run the Kinugawa Universal Turbo Adjustable Wastegate Actuator w/ 6 x spring & 4 x Rod | eBay for a while . works fine I guess. I had to bend the rod a bit to get it to fit exactly the way I wanted.

Thanks everyone for your input :D

Ordered this one, thanks!

I made my own with parts from hardware store. Pretty much same thing as the brass ebay unit other people posted.

Links to both DIY videos that showed me how to do it. First link was the original one:

I can also vouch for this MBC. Worked great before going to EBC.

I have always had great luck with my Hallman. The ebay ones, while simple, can be a bit hit or miss. I ended up going to my Greddy EBC, just because of the features, plus having the HI/LO boost with a push of a button was nice.

fpscolin, aren't you running a MSPNP2? why are you not using its boost control abilities?

Yeah, you're right. I fucked up on this one. Oh well, it was bound to happen at some point during the build. My mind totally erased MS2's built in capabilities, even though I had watched videos on how to set up overboost protection etc.

I guess I'll look into fixing this, the NXS MBC that I bought was only $20 so it wasn't that expensive of a mistake to make.

Thanks for pulling my head out of my ass!

Even if you control boost with a MBC, you should still utilize over-boost protection. That safety feature is separate from EBC.

However, I agree EBC> MBC if the MS2 can do it well (I'm not familiar with MS2's capabilities). Generally more control. One can taper up with RPM to maintain torque, or taper down to protect duty cycle on injectors. Lastly, an on-off switch can return you to waste gate boost, if desired.

It's always good to have a spare MBC around :)