Manual Boost Controller

MightyBoy tech questions and answers.
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holk
Posts: 555
Joined: Sat Sep 20, 2008 6:30 pm

Looking at purchasing a Manual Boost Controller for the HOLK (F5A DOHC). I have looked on ebay, and apart from everyone saying they have the best one and offering "exhilarating performance", they all "look" very similar.
Ideally I am looking for one that really improves performance and has a manual adjustment, so I can run it low for normal daily use.
Something easy to install (preferably with instructions) would be helpful, as I want to avoid to pay someone few $100s for a 5 minutes job.

Any suggestion appreciated.


Paride
[img]http://www.tamon.org/gallery/d/11796-1/holk3-1.jpg[/img]
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Brayden
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First we need to work out a couple of things: ;)

1. What is your current boost set at?
2. What do you want your low/high settings to be?
3. Do you want to be able to adjust the level without opening the bonnet?
F8B EFI turbo - Three pots and a snail.
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holk
Posts: 555
Joined: Sat Sep 20, 2008 6:30 pm

Engine is original, so I assume it has original boost setting (however I don't have a boost gauge, so I can't tell)

As far as low/high.
Low should be slightly higher than now, for normal driving.
High: As high as possible (12-14?) without f*#@ing up the engine.

Yes, for in-cabin adjustment
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Brayden
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Okay, so the answer is that you'd be best off with a dual stage gated boost controller. I would suggest that the best value option is made by Turbosmart. This would allow you to set your high and low settings and switch between the two with a toggle in the cabin.

If you wanted your low setting to be the factory original amount then you could get away with a single stage controller. This uses the factory setting for low, and your preferred setting for high.

Both are listed here:
http://www.turbosmartonline.com/index.php?id=43

Either will be idiot-proof to install. They only require two wires and a snip & plug into the turbo actuator hose.

Whatever you do, get a boost gauge first! You might find it is already running 11+ PSI from the factory.
F8B EFI turbo - Three pots and a snail.
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holk
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Cheers Brayden. Don't like the look of the gauge, but I understand the need for it.

Paride
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Brayden
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You only need to install the gauge to set up the boost controller, after that you can remove it if you don't like the look.
F8B EFI turbo - Three pots and a snail.
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CHR15 N
Posts: 308
Joined: Sat Jul 24, 2004 3:14 pm
Location: NSW Sydney

My F6a runs 12psi, I think thats factory? There is nothing visible to tamper with it.
Bleeding air off to the waste gate increases boost. What can you do do decrease a factory setting?
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ike849
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Location: Brisbane, Qld

change the wastegate actuator... almost all other turbos come with an actuator around 7-8psi, so it would be a matter of trying to fit one of those.
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holk
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Ok, finally installed the boost gauge. It currently runs at 8PSI. What do you think is a reasonable max boost for a F5A with a standard cooler? And what would it be with a front mount (on the way)?
[img]http://www.tamon.org/gallery/d/11796-1/holk3-1.jpg[/img]
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Brayden
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The best option is to put the ute on a dyno and up the boost while monitoring the A/F ratio, its the only way you can safely say how much boost the engine can take.
F8B EFI turbo - Three pots and a snail.
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holk
Posts: 555
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Why all good things are expensive!!!!!
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Jermaine
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iv got a standard 12-14psi actuator il swap for a 7 or eat eva it is psi one
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