Adjusting Boost

[Ed or Jose]

Dan wrote:
> 
> I have been wondering about electronic boost controllers (EBC) because
> I have heard at lot of stuff that just didn't make sense.
> 
> Seems to me that the main benefit is that it keeps the wastegate
> closed longer before opening up.  A regular wastegate using a spring
> starts to open before the boost is near the desired level so that
> the wastegate is fully opened by the time (or rather pressure) that the
> maximum boost is reached.  I don't see that it will add any more
> top horsepower, but maybe some middle HP after reaching about 1/2 full
> boost.

	You're correct. Running an EBC will usually give you more midrange
power. Also, an advantage with the EBC is the ability to hold a set
amount of boost without worrying about spiking or overboosting.
 
> The people selling the EBC (or EVC) talk about an extra 50HP on
> my 435HP, .85Bar engine but I am skeptical.  Anybody do a controlled
> test with these?  I have talked to a guy who does some racing (pretty
> successful too) and he doesn't think much of EBC.
> 
> What about the difference between high quality vs low quality
> wastegates?  Do the better ones stay closed longer using a regular
> pressure regulator?  I am using an HKS racing wastegate now which
> maintained a very consistent boost on the engine dyno unlike another
> wastegate I once had.

	It's usually not the wastegate design that's the problem...it's usually
the wastegate spring. I had such a problem when dyno testing/tuning a
project car for Muscle Mustangs and Fast Fords magazine. Boost was
rather incosistent, and would not go any higher after numerous
adjustments. After pulling out the spring and replacing it with a new
one (luckily had a identical wastegate lying around), we were able to
continue testing/tuning.
	
-Ed