Boost Controller (homemade or aftermarket) vs other mods

[n_tensetuning]

hey guys,

Just wanted to get another thread going.... this time on boost controllers.... homemade or aftermarket and see what everyone is running

i think this would be a much better way/safer way to up the boost on our motors, than doing the old removal of the pressure regulatiing valve on the intake manifold, or modding the wastegate lever... or removing the line from the compressor side of the turbo to the wastegate

anyone??

david

[VWRacer]

David,

Here is a scan of the gated boost controller I recently purchased off eBay ($14 delivered). You can see that the price stickers from the hardware store are still on it...



It was worth the $14 for me not to have to spend half a day running around to different hardware stores finding all the right pieces.

I prefer a gated controller over a bleed-type (aquarium bleeder) controller. The bleed-types bleed off boost all the time, while the gated type allows full boost all the time until reaching its release pressure, at which it opens like a mini wastegate to hold that pressure. That ball is 8mm, too, which is at least as large as the ID of the pressure line opening the wastegate, so it can never act as an in-line restriction. A bleed controller, OTOH, cannot release sudden surges of pressure as well, and are more prone to boost creep.

A line from the turbo compressor or intake manifold is run to the barb at left in the photo, then a line runs from the barb at bottom to the wastegate. Dead simple, ultra reliable and tunable, and super cheap. My kind of performance parts!

Edit: Here's link to a current eBay auction from the guy I bought mine from ... Boost Controller

Disclaimer: I don't have any fiduciary interest in the seller or product -- just offering info.

[n_tensetuning]

is it adjustable.... how much boost can you run with this?

i'm running 10psi right now off an 1.6td off an 85jetta 1.6td

the motor is in my 81 vw pickup

is the screw adjustable/tuneable? can you lower or up the boost with this?


thanks for all your info+help

d

[Dr. Diesel]

I tried that same unit off ebay, and found it to be utter crap!

[DieselsRcool]

VWRacer
Can you post the ebay item# so we can contact the guy making them?

[Dr. Diesel]

save yourselves the hassle. don't bother with that thing.
(sorry stan!)

[VWRacer]

Yes, the controller is adjustable. That's the point of the bolt and lock-nut. To raise the boost one screws in the bolt, adding spring pressure against the ball, which blocks the pressure line from the turbo. More spring pressure means more boost before the air pushes the ball back against the spring and opens the wastegate.

I don't know how much boost this particular spring can hold, but I am guessing that it's at least 20-25 psi. I'll do some testing later and post the results. Gotta run for now.

[VWRacer]

Ah, I see that others have now weighed in...

Since I am only running 12 psi of boost, I have not yet tried this controller. Dr Diesel offered us a diagram for making an effective one, so now I'm hoping he posts it soon, 'cuz I sure intend to run more boost in the near future!

[DieselsRcool]

Hey Doc!

What yave you found to work best? Do tell!  

[Dr. Diesel]

I made an inexpensive, fully adjustable, gated electro-mechanical  boost controller. So far, it's perfectly reliable and accurate up to 30 psi. Have to wait for the new engine to try beyond that level. I'll have details soon.

[chris-pl]

I am using mechanical boost controller from turbosmart
http://www.turbosmart.com.au/
so far it is working ok.cost 80$ can with tax .
:oops:

[AntonUK]

i bought a similar item on ebay:



But my controller has a small hole on the elbow where the output to the wastgate is. does anyone know if its supposed to be there?? Iv not used the controller yet so i dont know if its going to work or not. It puzzles me since the pressure will be escaping through the hole (like a bleed valve) but its not adjustable. It looks like its been drilled with a small drill bit. Iv tride to contact the seller but havnt heard anything from him! :x

cheers guys.

[DieselsRcool]

The controller also acts like a check valve. This small hole lets the air back out of the waste gate after the pressure drops as the air cannot return through the valve. Otherwise once the waste gate opens it would stay open.

[AntonUK]

ahh I see, thanks for clearing that up with me.