A boost controller takes boost from your total capability correct? So if that's the case it just allows you to run low boost when you don't need full capability. So it's not too important if you can keep your foot out of it right? Sorry just trying to figure out what all I will need for my turbo build.

 

Mine works just the opposite of that... I ran on the wastegate for about a year (8psi) and just installed my controller a week or so ago and can turn it up from there, right now I'm on 14psi. Its not a 100% necessity to add when you do a turbo build, but they're nice to have. That's another plus of a turbo kit, it can grow with your needs.

-my advice, if you don't want to run higher boost levels all the time, get a light wastegate spring with your kit, say 6psi or so. Run that on the street, and turn it up at the track or wherever you see fit.

 

I'm just running two light springs in my wastegates set to 10lbs. I have an Blitz electronic boost controller sitting in the garage that I'll get installed one of these weekends. On top of the ability to use a light spring in your wastegate and still adust to higher levels, with a controller the wastegate sees zero boost till the preset level. Instead of the wastegate slowly opening till the preset level, it stays closed and lets you build boost faster.

Rick

 

So your boost controller will allow you to run higher boost than your wastegate spring would normally allow but not less correct? So you would want your wastegate spring set at or lower than your desired low boost level?

 

Correct. The boost controller just "hides" the boost from the wastegate to a predetermined level and then releases the boost pressure to the wastegate. You can run a 7lb spring in the wastegate (or adjust a higher spring to open at 7lbs) and set the controller at say 12 lbs. The wastegate will see zero boost untill the controller opens at 12 lbs. Then the wategate see the 12 lbs and immediately opens. The controller will contol the max boost but it has to be higher than what the spring is rated.

If you want a low boost mode, you have to purchase the appropriate spring for the wastegate. Then the controller will let you override the spring rating for a high boost mode. I've seen manual controller installs where the owner split the vacuum hose before the controller into two lines. One went to the controller and the other went to a normally-closed solenoid and then tee'd both back to the wastegate. With no power going to the solenoid, the boost controller controlled the boost level. When the owner flipped a switch to power the solenoid, the wastegate sees the actual boost levels and ignores the controller, returning the system to a low boost mode.

An electronic controller can do the same thing (some even have 3 or 4 preset boost levels) and other features like progressively adding the boost in 1st gear for traction control and other cool stuff.

Rick