Do I need a Boost Conroller with PowerFC
 

Hi, I know this is a dumb question, and I'm sorry, but I've searched a lot and can't seem to find the answer.

I am going to get my car tuned with a powerFC. It has a T28 and some other mods on a Redtop, swapped into a 1992 240 coupe. It has a greddy type S BOV. I do not have any sort of boost controller. I also do not have the boost controller add-on for the PowerFC.

Here is the question - does the PowerFC control boost thru the stock solenoid or something? If so, will that be good for, say, 15lbs of boost? If it won't be good for that much boost, what is the best way to allow the car to run that much boost when it gets tuned? Adjustable wastegate actuator? Manual / electronic boost controller? I don't need to adjust the boost once its tuned, so that is not an issue.

I want to know what the cheapest way to do this is that will be reliable...im spending a bunch on a tune, dont want the car to blow up!

Manual boost controller is probably cheapest route.


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Unless u can get your hands on say a hks actuator for good price then I would go that route if u don’t plan on changing boost levels.


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OK - what is a good, reliable manual boost controller? Money is not the biggest issue, just want something reliable and to not spend more than I have to.

Is the HKS Actuator adjustable?

Yes hks is


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Do it right and get the Apexi power fc boost control solenoid that integrates with the power fc

That’s what I got


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I would get the Apexi boost control solenoid. Electronic boost control is the best method. Having the ECU do it is even better.

A standalone electronic boost controller (EBC) would be my second choice. Like a GReddy Profec B, or AEM TruBoost.

The HKS actuator would be my third choice. It's half the cost of the EBS options above, but gives you no ability to grow. IIRC, it's set to 12 psi. With your setup I'd be aiming for 15 psi (assuming you have >550cc injectors). But it's only a single boost pressure. The adjustable rod changes the boost curve, not the boost pressure.

My last choice would be a manual boost controller. They spike pretty badly and could end up blowing a motor.

This is extremely helpful, thank you.

The bummer is - as far as I can tell, the Apexi option is like $550. That seems like an insane price considering I got the whole PowerFC for not much more than that...but as you say, it seems like the best option. I just wish one would pop up used or something.

At the same time, it seems like the electronic boost controllers new and from a reputable brand cost almost as much anyway, so unless I got a good deal on one of those, it seems like I might as well spend the extra hundo and get the Apexi solenoid.

I have 550cc injectors for the build, so as you said, I'm figuring 15psi for the tune, so the HKS actuator is not an option for me.

unfortunately, if I have to cancel the appointment for the tune in 2 weeks, I won't be able to reschedule until the season is pretty much over...so I'm on a definite timeline here and can't wait around for a good deal to pop up.

If anyone finds a good deal on the Apexi unit (or is selling one), pls let me know, that would be amazing

I’m gonna bet that your car does not have the factory boost control solenoid.

$500!? Which rock are you looking under? Here’s a cheaper source I googled up... https://www.nengun.com/apexi/power-f...controller-kit

I was in your shoes before going with the boost controller add-on to my PowerFC. Makes things easier and a lot less crowded around the dash. Plus the cut-off gives me a little piece of mind from over posting if a vacuum hose were to come off.


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I saw that price at Nengun - I contacted them and it doesn't look like they'd be able to ship in time for the tune. I basically need a US-based vendor.

The more I think about it, though, the more it seems like buying the Apexi kit is the right way to go. Better to go with a quality setup and do it right than to mess with a crappy MBC and then blow an engine.

Overnight from FRSport?

https://frsport.com/apexi-415-a013-p...UaAslmEALw_wcB


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IMO get an electronic greddy boost controller. like profec B or spec S.

That way you can always use the boost controller with other cars also.

There is no real advantage to using the apexi internal signal generator. It isn't like other stand-alones that allow for boost vs gear for example. Or my favorite, boost vs fuel quality sensing (alcohol content vs boost).

I have a hks adjustable internal gate on my t28 and have it set @ 15lbs. Just sayin. I would only want or have a ebc if I was running 2 boost settings and want to change on the fly. Like if one had a built motor and wanted hi and low boost. I'm not a fan of mbc and would never run one but that's just me

It's on backorder from FRSport or I would've just ordered it from there.

I really plan on having this build essentially forever (or swap my parts over to another SR-powered S13 shell), but the fact that it's a more universal part would make it easier to sell or use on a different vehicle. I also happen to have a lot of dash space anyway, so I'm not worried about the clutter or anything. But it seems ideal to have this running with the ECU.

Hey, for what it's worth, I wound up getting the Apexi boost controller kit. Finally wound up locating one for a pretty reasonable price that was in-stock and available to ship immediately. Really spent a lot of time debating whether to go the EBC route instead, but as many people stated on this post, getting the Apexi unit seemed like the way to 'do it right'.

Thanks for all the help