Which EBC?

NMX516 · Postby **NMX516** » Wed Mar 11, 2009 8:46 pm

As the heading suggests, which electronic boost controllers have people used and found to be reliable, accurate, and fairly easy to set up?

I'm seriously considering the Turbosmart E-boost, but have also been looking at the Gizzmo IBC. Do any of you use either of these, or another one which you consider to work better?

Are there any traps with these things? Any particular features I should make sure I have?

I just want to ensure that I have a consistent and reliable boost level. I'm not chasing high boost or even hi-low settings and different boost levels in different gears etc, even though most of them can do that. My main priority is consistent and reliable boost pressure.... Ease of setup/calibration is also important.

Thanks in advance

philz · Postby **philz** » Wed Mar 11, 2009 9:14 pm

HKS EBC is the best one out there imo.

Postby **mx52nv** » Wed Mar 11, 2009 10:58 pm

NMX516,
May I enquire as to your set up (details please especially regarding the ECU) so I could make a more informed suggestion? :mrgreen:

NMX516 · Postby **NMX516** » Thu Mar 12, 2009 9:31 am

mx52nv, MX5 SP. Std ECU. thanks

I want to be able to get the full 8psi at the intake manifold...

Postby **mx52nv** » Thu Mar 12, 2009 6:03 pm

SP eh? Different kettle of fish. I had one and have modified a few in our club.

Firstly, let me make it clear that the actuator (internal wastegate) is prone to leaking and the diaphragm spring could also lose tension. Make sure you check that this is working correctly by doing a dyno run to measure the current boost level and also to see any spikes/drops. This avoids the post-EBC reaction of "...that is a lousy boost curve ... look at the spikes...never use this [insert brand/model] EBC again!". :evil:

Secondly, I've tried almost all the electronic boost controllers out there and the one I've had most success with is the GReddy Profec B Spec II. Flattest and smoothest boost curve I've ever seen. Not to say others were lousy, just that it was not as flat and did not hold peak boost as well. I think you can get them for $475 or so off ebay or pay a little more for one from your local dealer. Again this is only my opinion based on 10 years of playing around with turbo MX5s and having easy access to a good dyno & tuner (thanks Steve :mrgreen:

).

Also I have not been concerned about budget constrains, so this is just the best one I think out there (albeit subjective as it is only my opinion).

FWIW hope this helps.

Boags · Postby **Boags** » Thu Mar 12, 2009 6:45 pm

Quick Les, fix the typo before 1red5 gets here! :shock:

Postby **mx52nv** » Thu Mar 12, 2009 7:00 pm

NMX516 · Postby **NMX516** » Thu Mar 12, 2009 10:30 pm

Thanks mx52nv!

Do you think it might be worth buying a new waste gate actuator (can) as well? The Greddy does seem to get some good reviews, and flat boost curves are good

Seems an ok price too - a bit less than the eBoost it would seem...

Postby **mx52nv** » Fri Mar 13, 2009 12:15 am

Do not spend the money on an actuator unless you know it is required.

I have always thought that, if you can afford it, doing a baseline dyno run has many benefits. In this case, not only will it allow you to confirm your SP is performing as it should, but also if the actuator is working properly. Plus you can check the SP's rear wheel horsepower (try a Dyno Dynamicss in Shoot Out Mode in 5th Gear) and compare it to others. This will give you the opportunity to track or chart the SP's progression in terms of modifications and the actual increase in 'rwhp' and torque. Just remember to always use the same type of dyno (chassis or hub) and in the same mode. Plus the A/R curve should tell you how rich the SP is running... :mrgreen:

As I mentioned before, I would always use the GReddy Profec B Spec II except if you knew that you would be using an aftermarket ECU at some later stage. Then I would recommend saving your money and put it towards the best ECU and tuner you can afford and trust.

Remember the ECU is only as good as the tuner ... :wink:

Hope it all goes well for you and post up the dyno sheets so we all can see the results. :mrgreen:

Les

NMX516 · Postby **NMX516** » Mon Mar 16, 2009 10:58 pm

Thanks Les, all sounds like good advice to me. My tuner of choice (close your ears ASE05) will be Chiptorque at Nerang. My problem will be finding the time to get down there to get this done... :roll:

ASE05 · Postby **ASE05** » Thu Mar 19, 2009 6:50 pm

Mate I've got full faith in Chiptorque.....after they look into things properly! Still haven't heard back from 'em when they'll take the car. This thread just reminded me to follow up on it! Thanks mate :wink:

NMX516 · Postby **NMX516** » Thu Mar 19, 2009 11:21 pm

ASE05 wrote:Mate I've got full faith in Chiptorque.....after they look into things properly! Still haven't heard back from 'em when they'll take the car. This thread just reminded me to follow up on it! Thanks mate

Happy to be of service. Let me know when you get it back in action, I need a ride in it

Sean · Postby **Sean** » Tue May 26, 2009 11:01 pm

mx52nv wrote:GReddy Profec B Spec II

A nice recommendation.

I have used the Eboost and Eboost2 from turbosmart in the past on my cars and always founf them easy to use and quite effective. I've recently used a couple of the GReddy's and find them hard to fault.