Boost Controllers

iamtk270 · Post by **iamtk270** » 06 May 2005, 15:30

I have an '05 S40 T5 and want to put a boost controller in because of the hp/dollar ratio. Is this a good idea? Are they safe? How much boost can i run through my stock ECU?

tatty · Post by **tatty** » 13 May 2005, 00:20

These are a very good idea, I went with a manuel Greddy boost controller on my 94 850. I love the results, I can run 12-14 lbs of boost but I have to watch out for my fuel system cutting out.

iamtk270 · Post by **iamtk270** » 13 May 2005, 22:45

Ok awesome thanks for the reply. I'm looking at a Hallman one that you can control for inside the car and am also getting a boost gauge and air/fuel gauge. You think its possible the extra boost will mess with todays fancy ECU?

White850Turbo · Post by **White850Turbo** » 15 May 2005, 08:18

MBC's should never be used to raise boost, but only to control boost spikes. Your stock fuel map is not taking extra boost into consideration. You need to upgrade the right way, with an ECU chip or reflash.

adrianpike · Post by **adrianpike** » 28 May 2005, 02:07

White850Turbo wrote:MBC's should never be used to raise boost, but only to control boost spikes. Your stock fuel map is not taking extra boost into consideration. You need to upgrade the right way, with an ECU chip or reflash.

Actually, unless I'm missing some Motronic ME7 boost control voodoo, it is a perfectly acceptable technique to use an MBC to raise boost. What White is alluding to, though, is that by increasing the airflow into the engine with more boost, you also increase the fuel demants to keep the engine at stoichiometric, and can push the stock fuel system beyond its limits. An MBC can be a very dangerous thing if careful attention isn't paid. Modern fuel injection systems keep a pretty close watch on what's going on, and do their best to shut it down if it gets dangerous, but it's still very easy to ping an engine to death, especially the FWD engines.
Basically, just keep a close watch on your AFRs, and run the highest octane fuel that you can get if you start to turn up the wick on the boost. Go a little bit at a time. If you do start to lean out, sort out your fuel system before your rods hunt for daylight, because they will.
Also, don't push your turbo too far beyond it's efficiency, as you'll heat the incoming air, increasing the chances of knock or detonation. Bad bad joojoo.
An ECU upgrade should be in your near future, though.

iamtk270 · Post by **iamtk270** » 30 May 2005, 19:57

Hey thanks for the help. I plan to do exactly what you say and can't wait until I have the money for the ECU. I hope to be one of the few S40 owners with around 300 hp. WOOHOO!

Guest · Post by **Guest** » 30 May 2005, 22:43

iamtk270 wrote:Hey thanks for the help. I plan to do exactly what you say and can't wait until I have the money for the ECU. I hope to be one of the few S40 owners with around 300 hp. WOOHOO!

300hp (at the crank, I assume) is a good goal, and within reach. Just make sure that you go slowly and carefully, and make absolute sure not to detonate that engine, as 300 is starting to push the internals pretty well, and a decent knock will make the rods search for daylight.
Unlike us redblock modifiers, you aren't exactly tripping over extra blocks and forged internals, like I am in my dorm room.

You might want to start researching programmable EMS to assist you in your journey of more power. A larger intercooler and turbo will be neccessary if you want to have it last for any length of time at those kind of power levels, as will enough fuel to support the air.
You'll probably also be looking at some mild porting work, check out Standard Abrasives' products, they're pretty nice.

adrianpike · Post by **adrianpike** » 30 May 2005, 22:46

^^^^
That was me, forgot to log in.

iamtk270 · Post by **iamtk270** » 31 May 2005, 12:23

Ya I'd rather not get into heavy modification so more realistically im shooting for about 280 at the crank with MBC and eventually ECU, exhaust, and intake.

iamtk270 · Post by **iamtk270** » 31 May 2005, 12:24

280 with those 4 mods