Turbosmart Manual Boost Controller Questions

[t-topflyer]

I just got this device, and I'm trying to figure out how to make it work on my turbo buick

TURBOSMART: GATED BOOST CONTROLLERS

TS-0101-1001

Any pictures of a complete setup would be great because the instructions are not specific for turbo regals. I'm not sure how or where to mount it (comes with a generic looking bracket) and which hoses to disconnect and tee it into. Do I need to set the adjustable wastegate rod at any specific length along with the installation? If anyone has any advice, that would be great. Also, while I like the way this one looks, if there is something better and easier to use out there, please let me know. thanks

 

[Royal-T-Ltd]

Its really easy... just hook the line from the wastegate to the line marked wastegate and put the line from your compressor housing vacuum source to the other end....... and voila! ....oh and you dont use your stock wastegate solenoid anymore, either HTH

ps - mine is the older style - but it still holds true.

 

[t-topflyer]

I have a hose coming from the solenoid on the valve cover to a tee. One end of the tee goes to the pressure source port on the throttle body of the turbo, the other end goes to the wastegate actuator port. Do I replace this tee with the boost controller? If so, do I just need to cap the other end on the solenoid? thanks

 

[Royal-T-Ltd]

you do NOT use the solenoid at all. you can remove the hoses that ran from the solenoid - this unit will replace that. so run all new lines from your new "T"

 

[PaCemkr86]

nice pics Aaron

 

[t-topflyer]

View attachment boost controller.bmp

View attachment boost lines.bmp

Just got the controller installed. I've got the controller set at it's lowest setting (completely counterclockwise). Is there any way to know what the boost is at baseline before running it? I would like to set the boost around 20. Also, do I need to do any adjustments to the wastegate rod or does it matter? thanks

 

[Royal-T-Ltd]

View attachment 39691

View attachment 39693

Just got the controller installed. I've got the controller set at it's lowest setting (completely counterclockwise). Is there any way to know what the boost is at baseline before running it? I would like to set the boost around 20. Also, do I need to do any adjustments to the wastegate rod or does it matter? thanks

No there isnt really any way except for making WOT pass.... just be very careful... and YES wastegate tension does matter. Do you know what the boost was pre-installation?

 

[t-topflyer]

I haven't made a WOT pass with it prior to installation, but I lengthened the rod out to the stock 5 and 1/4 length, then turned it in 5 complete turns. I've seen conflicting information as to what the stock boost was set at ranging from 12-15. With the 5 turns in from stock, it should be set somewhere between 17 and 20.

 

[t-topflyer]

Maybe the best approach would be to lengthen the rod back to 5 & 1/4, then use the turbosmart to dial in the boost

 

[Lee_Burough]

I may not understand all the things in your head here, but thought I'd mention a couple basic things you've probably thought about, just in case you haven't

Before you put that controller on there, you should have an accurate boost gauge and a scan tool....You have one of each and know what the scan tool numbers are telling you, right? If not, you will blow a headgsket with 20 PSI.

I hope you are past these things and laugh at my post

If not, then you need to do some more reading here....Use the search tool and there is a wealth of info available to you. We (the boardmembers) have made all the mistakes already, its good if you can learn from our screwups and save your money, knuckles and wasted emotional energy

 

[t-topflyer]

I'm using a powerlogger scan tool, boost guage, & SMC alky to prevent knock/increase HP. I just added the controller so I can adjust boost when the car is warm and dial the boost in more accurately than I could just using the adj. wastegate rod since it is calibrated to allow for consistent 1/4 turn increments.

I've seen the boost spike to 20 as it is set now then hover around 15-17 at it's current setting. My thinking is to lengthen the rod back to stock 5 & 1/4" (for safety reasons) then dial it in with the controller to achieve a consistent 20 psi.

 

[TURBO E38]

Mount Boost Controller Close To Actuator

BOOST spike can be reduced if the controller is MOUNTED AS close to wategate actuator as possible and turn it upside down also if it is a ball and spring type, THE inertia of the ball bearing slows thing down , SO it it is upside down it will react faster to reduce spiking.

SOME newer manual boost controllers have LIGHT WEIGHT ceramic ball bearing for fast reaction.

GOOD LUCK, TURBO E38

 

[xrunner123]

Sorry to hijack.... is there a difference between the turbosmart and this one that I saw on ebay? Has anyone tried it?

eBay Motors: GATED MANUAL ADJUSTABLE TURBO CHARGER BOOST CONTROLLER (item 230191214119 end time Jan-10-08 18:09:24 PST)

 

[t-topflyer]

Sorry to hijack.... is there a difference between the turbosmart and this one that I saw on ebay? Has anyone tried it?

eBay Motors: GATED MANUAL ADJUSTABLE TURBO CHARGER BOOST CONTROLLER (item 230191214119 end time Jan-10-08 18:09:24 PST)

Looks similar to the old style turbosmart controller, but instead of the outlets being on opposite sides, they are on the same side. It's also ~$60 cheaper. Not sure of the quality of that device, or if the price difference is any indication. There are a lot of different & good quality controllers out there to choose from. I chose the turbosmart b/c I've heard good things about it from other TB owners.

 

[PaCemkr86]

i mounted mine on the TPS

 

[t-topflyer]

i mounted mine on the TPS

When I ordered my controller, I thought it was the old style. I think the old style comes with a bracket that allows you to mount it to the TPS, which is where I wanted to mount mine. The curved shape of the new style turbosmart controller and the associated bracket wouldn't let me do it, and I didn't want to have to make a bracket. The only place I could mount it somewhat attractively with the hardware it came with was the front post on the passenger side valve cover. I moved the unused solenoid down to the lower post to keep things stock appearing.

View attachment boost controller.bmp

 

[PaCemkr86]

looks good to me Ttop