Im deciding on whether or not to buy an electronic boost controller such as the AVC-R, or if a DIY MBC would get me the same results? Im all for making stuff myself, but I cant stand ghetto mods on my car for the most part. But, for ~$350-400 for an AVC-R over what little $$ you can make one for, it may be a good tradeoff.. Anyone care to give me some opinions? I know the AVC-R is more tunable, and has a million fancy readouts that I would probably never use..but thats about it..

 

Well, I think you just answered your own questions. If you are never going to use all the fancy features, then you probably don't need it The AVC-R is certainly a fancy electronic gizmo.

One advantage any EBC has, is the ability to switch boost settings on the fly from inside the car. To me, that makes it worth the money, although I prefer the old Profec-B over the Apexi.

 

I have a dual stage MBC, that allows me to switch settings on the fly from inside the car. Only 2 settings, but I really like it. Low setting (I have set for 7-8 PSI) on launches, and just piddling around town. And flip a switch right by the shifter on my center console and intant high setting (12+ PSI) for when I really need/want the juice.

So you can do a MBC and get at least 2 settings. And I really doon' think more than 2 settings is necisary.

-Robert

 

You could get this dual stage boost controller and hook up a switch like Rpeck's setup and set 2 different settings.

Dual Stage Boost Controller ($129)

I got the single MBC and it works great! Solid as a rock at 6 PSI with all my mods in my signiture below. I can turn it up when I need to at the track. I think the dual stage with a switch inside the car is better idea though.

Hybrid Boost Controller ($42)

Here's a nice air/fuel gauge which isn't just a christmas display....it just has 4 lights, red for lean, yellow for "in the zone" red for a little rich and blue for too rich. I orderd one and just waiting for it to arrive. I have a autometer one and don't like it.



Here is a link to all this and the ordering info if you are interested. http://www.dawesdevices.com/

If I were to do a electronic boost controller, it would be the greddy profec b spec II....I have heard good things about them where as the apexi one makes you overboost and not be consistant. Just from what i've read.

Mike

 

You can build a dual stage one for $10, so why pay $129?

 

Good point, just saying it's an option if he doens't want to make it. Turbo XS makes them for about $250.00 and it's almost the same thing but iodized blue

 

For me the AVCR will be worth it and was the single best mod or noticable mod that I installed.

I wanted the two preset boost levels.
The gear based boost.

But as far as the duty adjustability I'm lost?

But if you want simple boost adjustment I figure a manual one to be the best bang for the buck. In fact I probable would have went for this now to save the money for other things!

 

Yeah, there's a BIG jump from a manual boost controller to an AVC-R. There's "basic" electric boost controllers, like the Profec B, HKS EZ, etc., and the "full-featured" ones like the AVC-R, Greddy E-01, etc.

I prefer electronic boost controllers - even basic ones give you good tools and data to help tune the boost controller in. The more advanced ones do CRAZY stuff - boost based by gear and RPM, overboost safety, warning features, datalogging, you name it.

I think it more comes down to your experience level and what you can afford.

Dale

 

Well, I just got a ball and spring type MBC for like $10..I can afford that Seriously though, I could afford a AVC-^, or profecB, but just was wondering if it was really needed? Say I just want to run 14PSI. I can just set the MBC to 14PSI, and then have the fuel dyno-tuned with a S-AFC, and be done with it..right?

 

I think it comes down to how much you want to play .. and how much you want to drive. If you have a never ending quest to **** with things then .. those are perfect .. I prefer K.I.S.S. and eyes on the road.

 

Problem with an MBC is they're a chore to get initially set up - make a run, stop, pop the hood, set, repeat. It's also not easy to "turn it off" if you want to disable it, and it's also not easy to switch between two settings.

There are manual boost controllers that have electronic solenoids to switch between 2 settings, but the prices are MUCH closer to a used electronic one off Ebay.

I prefer having multiple boost settings - I don't wanna run screaming big boost all the time. Again, the manual boost controllers aren't *bad* per se, it's just a "you get what you pay for" in terms of features and functionality.

That's not to say they don't work - a good manual boost controller (not some homemade junk, but Dawes Devices, JoeP, etc.) with a spring-and-ball design are VERY responsive and do work well - people are out there running CRAZY quarter mile times with manuals.

Dale