Spec me a new...

agw_01

agw_01

agw_01

Soldato
Joined
11 Apr 2004
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electronic boost controller!

The story is, for months I've been saying I'd get myself an Apexi AVC-R for Christmas. I've recently been looking around for a black one (I don't like the silver ones) and apart from a few overpriced ones on eBay, I can't seem to find any at all.

Quite obvious really seeing how Apexi went bust last year.

So, I put it to you OcUK to spec me an electronic boost controller... or find me somewhere that has some Apexi's in stock :)

A few things I'd like from an EBC...

  • Black with blue display
  • Speed restricted boost (e.g. the controller limits boost to 8psi until 30mph)
  • Small, smart looking unit
  • Under £300, the closer to £200 the better

For those that don't know, this is what the AVC-R looks like...

apexi.jpg


I like it, A LOT.

A friend of mine (and a guy I buy a lot of stuff from) recommended the Gizzmo boost controller, and although it's a nice looking unit at a reasonable price, it doesn't do it for me in the same way that the Apexi does.

gizzmo.jpg


I'd like to get rid of my boost gauge and have the controller to tell me the boost level and for this I'd like something with a decent sized display. The Apexi is a nice sized unit with a decent sized display.

I'd appreciate any help/feedback with this.

Thanks :)
 
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The AVC-R is a brilliant unit and gives a lot of options.

Sadly your choice of colour is restricting you! I've got one of the Gizzmo Electronics controllers ready to go on the 200, everyone i've heard talking about them says how well they hold boost, I think Weston Performance have started doing them now too.

Profec II Spec B is also a brilliant controller, dual solenoid, easy to setup, but I don't think it has the boost/speed limit functionality.
 
Just fitted a Greddy Profec B Spec II in my car its excellent wiring it up is a easy no messing around with splicing wires on the ECU.

Its a very small unit which has a small blue backlit LCD which is easily readable in both day light and night time.

It shows boost in real time and if enabled will hold the last boost recorded for about 3 seconds after you lift off the throttle.

In comparsion to the boost valve i had on their before very stable boost and a more more quicker and agressive spool.

This profec is favororite on the SXOC because of its ease to install and realtively simple setup you can however spend forever tinkering with the settings.

You welcome to come and have a look at my install if you want andy

finally the cost from the ebay £140
 
Cheers guys.

The Profec B looks similar to the Blitz EBC that Si had in his Celica. Nice little unit, quite easy to set up and much increased spool time from just running on actuator pressure!

How quickly does its display refresh the boost level? One thing I liked about the Apexi was that the display was large enough to show digital dials, quite a cool feature.

After making this thread, the guy who suggested the Gizzmo mentioned that there was a new one coming out in the New Year... from what he's said, it sounds very similar to the Apexi in terms of looks and functionality.

The boost/speed limit is something I'd really like as obviously trying to get 200bhp down in 1st gear is fun, not to mention I've already killed one box. I don't want to kill my new rebuilt box when it goes back on.

Daz, I might pop over one day if that's ok. I think I can remember what the 200sx felt like last time so it'd be good to compare :)

gobbo, let me know what you think to the Gizzmo. Did you get the IBC or the MSIBC?

Cheers guys.
 
Greddy Profec E-01 is awesome bit of kit, with loads of features and data-logging to an SD card. I had one on the scoob, and on the Skyline. Not sure if it does speed based boost limiting though.

greddy-e01.JPG
 
i use a blitz sbc id3, simple to install and setup. dual solenoid, 4 channels etc..

no blue display or speed limiting though doh!

BlitzSBCID3.JPG
 
Blue display is just so that it matches the rest of my dials... the unit being black is more important.

That looks like a nice unit, does the display light up when you turn your lights on?

DreX, yeah I remember the Greddy. It's a little larger than I'd like though (I'm so picky :D) so it might look out of place on my car. Also, do they come in silver only?
 
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The profec is black lit in blue in terms of boost refresh rate, its quick not entirely instant but quick enough for you not to notice the delay.

The car is a different animal now, with the Profec and FMIC and of course cold weather you get a big shove in the back at 2800 rpm all the way to the redline.

Your more than welcome to come and see it for youself
 
Why not just use a manual and spend the money on a proper modification and not a fancy boost guage.

IMO of course :)
 
I always end up getting a HKS EVC4

Just the most reliable and easy to use one for me.

I had a profec II spec B and hated it, ended up replacing it. Found it hard to setup properly on my car, even 2 garages couldnt. Ended up with an old HKS EVC4 again and it was superb. Should be cheap too.
 
Daz, e-mail me your mobile number and we'll sort something out. I won't turn down a trip in the beast ;)

Si, I already have a GBE which I'm more than happy with. I just like gadgets :D I think the speed limited boost will be useful... not having to worry about pushing the loud pedal too much in 1st gear and having different presets for different conditions.

'Proper' mods will be starting next year... got a long list of things I want to do to the car :)
 
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I'll let you know about the Gizzmo when I get it fitted. I've just gone for the IBS one as I didn't really need the more advanced features.

I know a couple of guys on SXOC and GT4OC running them without problem.
 
agw_01 said:
Daz, e-mail me your mobile number and we'll sort something out. I won't turn down a trip in the beast ;)

Si, I already have a GBE which I'm more than happy with. I just like gadgets :D I think the speed limited boost will be useful... not having to worry about pushing the loud pedal too much in 1st year and having different presets for different conditions.

'Proper' mods will be starting next year... got a long list of things I want to do to the car :)
Click to expand...

End of Jan mine will be coming to bits ;)

FWIW i would spend the money on a T28 first then get the boost controller, but its up to you. They are a fancy toy and are sweet when up and running, but not sure i could personally justify the expense on one!
 
haha Karl, I was going to have a chat to you when I next saw you about scavenging a few bits ;)

Most of the mods I've done recently are just to prep the car for the bigger bits... wideband lambda so that I can check the AFR, alloy rad for better cooling, intercooler to keep the inlet temps down on the T25...

I'm in no rush to change the car. I'm quite happy to get a boost controller and fiddle with that for a few months, get a free flowing turbo-back exhaust and wait for my turbo to give up before changing that etc etc.

The boost controller is going to be a Christmas present, just like the wideband was a birthday present so minimal outlay to me ;)
 
gobbo said:
Assuming a T28 off an SX will fit the 'over?
Click to expand...
Yeah but they are a bit tame. The gti-r ones are much better. Both bolt on fairly easy though

A boost controller is a bit of a gimmick IMO. People get them to impress friends. They also can be a pain to set up, for what it's worth andy I would get the turbo first, seriously it will transform the car and you won't get bored of it
 
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