dIY cheap electronic boost controller???

Gigaherz · Jun 10, 2006

After looking at the 400-500 dollar prices for a quality dual solenoid ebc I've been thinking of ways of making a simple, cheap ebc. Imho, most of the functions and dodads an ebc comes with I'll never use. What I mainly want one for is faster boost rise time. Ebc's basically block the wastegate reference signal till a few psi before the desired boost and then it opens the pwm solenoids feeding the signal to the wastegate allowing it to open.

I was thinking of just putting the correct spring in my wastegate for what psi I want. Then running the compressor to the common nipple of a vaccum solenoid I have. Leave the normally open port of the solenoid open to atmosphere and running the normally closed port to a reference line. Then wire up a hobbs switch to turn on the vaccum solenoid a few psi before my target boost. So in essence, the wastegate stays completely shut up till a few psi before my target boost. At that point the hobbs witch completes the circuit and switches the wastegate line from atmosphere to the reference line instantly opening the wastegate.

Anyone tried this or have any thoughts? All I need is a hobbs switch, I think I'm going to order one soon.

TenTwelve · Jun 13, 2006

Let us know how it works for you.

orangeZXT · Jun 13, 2006

man u can buy a EBC for like 200 bucks on ebay but if u feel it will work ok do it its going to be much harder to change boost with it. why no just by a 60 dollor MBC :dunno:

Gigaherz · Jun 13, 2006

I have a dawes devices mbc and I'm not impressed, boost is regulated much better just going straight through to the wastegate than with the mbc in there. Once I set the boost to how I want I don't see myself changing it so why bother whith an expensive adjustable controller. The pressure switch is like 20 something bucks and I already have the wiring and solenoid valve installed from before so I figured it was worth a shot. I think I'll try it and if it doesn't work then I'll get an ebc.

fastraxturbo · Jun 13, 2006

You would have to make sure that you set the Hobbs switch low enough under target boost, or you are going to get a major boost spike before the regulated pressure equalizes.

Seawolf · Jun 13, 2006

This might sound silly, but would it be possible to use the vaccum controller for the EGR system as an ecu-controlled boost controller?

Dudley · Jun 13, 2006

^ That's a cool idea at the theoretical level, but it would never work in practice.

My memory isn't great, but IIRC the EGR is commanded based on load. Without any sort of boost pressure input to the PCM, I think it would be impossible to use the PCM to control the wastegate. It's too bad Ford hasn't made any turbo'd EEC-V cars - I'd love to see how they would go about controlling the wastegate via the PCM. Come to think of it, what engine management does the Focus RS use? :dunno: Of course, it isn't absolutely necessary for the PCM to control the wastegate, but I can't believe the OEM's would do it any other way in this day and age.

Anywho, I think making a DIY boost controller would be a total waste of time if the end result is what matters. But if you're a tinkerer like me, and you enjoy the task itself more than the finished product, then have at it. :thumbup:

I'm thinking you'll want to use some sort of PID control logic to keep the boost controller from "hunting". That's about the only input I've got. :lol:

orangeZXT · Jun 13, 2006

kinda off topic but when i was at SCT here in FL they said they are workn on a Pro racer package for the RS

and it will sell in the UK

dIY cheap electronic boost controller???

Gigaherz

TenTwelve

orangeZXT

Gigaherz

fastraxturbo

Seawolf

Dudley

orangeZXT

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