Boost Controller
 

Hi Guys,

I just thought I'd create a new thread because it's a bit off topic from the first thread I post.

Again I apologize to all the seniors if I am not posting on the right section and please excuse some of the questions that may seem stupid or repetitive.

The car is Stock 1999 GC8 WRX.

So there has been a slight change in plan, my ambition to modify the car with bigger Turbo, Intercooler, exhaust and all that might have to be put on hold due to personal circumstances. So What I am planning for this year is simply Boost controller (Done), Boost Gauge (Done) and Turbo Back Exhaust.

Turbo Smart Boost controller (the very basic T piece manual) had it clicked 9x from start and a genuine Defi Boost Gauge with the help of some senior members here pointing out the location for the hose.

So I test it few times over the weekend and last night and the boost gauge reading says 1.1 Bar at maximum and it just won't move any more after gunning it, my research on google indicates that it is equivalent to 16.4 PSI or there abouts.

Just wanted to know your opinion on what would be the maximum safe level for boost? I've research on forums and some say 17 and some say 19 before it hits fuel cut, there is just too many variant and I'm not sure which one is right.

Rang a few specialists shops, Maximum Motorsport says they wouldn't touch it and ask for proper tune which is $1650, S Technik said they recommend putting a STI ECU and leave the boost alone, Race Torque said the standard is 13 and you can boost it up to 17PSI, Another workshop in Cockburn (can't remember the name) said the standard is 11 PSI and you can boost it to 16PSI.

What would your recommendation be? I am happy with the current power setup and I've driven it yesterday and today in this setup (9 clicks at 1.1 Bar) but would this be a safe boost level? Bear in mind 60% of the time I drive it normally because of traffic and hours of driving etc that doesn't enable me to drive hard even if I wanted to.

Thanks so much guys and look forward to hear your expert opinions on this :)

Why our expert opinions? You just called a whole pile of experts and got their opinions and now you're hoping to hear "smash 21psi in it bruh!"

I think from the calls you have made, 16/17psi seems to be the limit you are chasing and by no means does that even guarantee engine safety/longevity.

I think 16 is a safe number without a tune or any type of wideband gauge fitted to the car . Anymore you need to start looking at other mods to be 100% safe .


Gc8s aren't the youngest kid on the block anymore so take this into account when doing mods. before touching the boost if it hasn't been done replace your fuel pump with a decent aftermarket unit . This at a minimum before I would even consider 16 psi .

There r at least three crutial variables relating to engine tuning: boost timing and fuel. Boost level ia only one aspect.

Get to a proper workshop for a tune is my advice.

And get a wideband afr gauge.

using the Perth-WRX mobile app

Hi guys,

thanks for the quick reply,

LOL yeah I was hoping someone would say smash it to 21 PSI.

I am quite happy with the current boost though just merely wanted to know whether it will be okay to leave it at that.

Fuel Pump like Walbro? is it necessary bro? I always thought you only needed it when upgrading to bigger turbo but then again I am clueless and new to this hence why I am seeking advice from more experienced and senior member.

They are not too expensive so maybe I will get it changed if you reckon it's worth it.

Any other small supporting mods I should be looking at to handle the boost increase?

Thanks again guys, very much appreciated :)

Fuck the boost tee off.

Replace with Grimmspeed or Tuespeed etc 3 port BCS.

Add a Walbro 255 and take it to one of the following;

ASG, MMS, Racetorque, Evo R, Tokyo for a proper tune to ensure AFR's, boost and all the crucial variables are setup correctly.

Price range with the above is $600-1600

Do your research with that handy search button in the top right corner and fork out if you want a correctly and safely tuned car.

$1600 isn't much in the grand scheme if your engine goes pop...

using the Perth-WRX mobile app

Hi Guy,

sorry for the late reply, haven't been well in the last few days.

Thanks for all the input.

Looks like everyone's pointing out a tune to do it properly.

Is there a more cost effective way to tune the car? I mean it's probably a stupid question and like what Brett Allan said $1600 isn't much when comparing to the risk of engine pop but I'm just wondering if there is a more cost effective alternative just to get by temporarily until say another year.

I've heard many stories on the forum where people do mods like bigger turbo, intercooler, TBE etc and simply whack in an STI ECU and they reckon it does 90-95% of the job the aftermarket ECU does? these are not too expensive from what I heard, is it worth looking into?

Also just out of curiosity is there a specific fuel pump upgrade I should be looking at? what I found was this [url=http://www.prospeedracing.com.au/products/walbro-fuel-pump-upgrade-kit-subaru-wrx-94-00.html]Walbro Fuel Pump Upgrade Kit - Subaru WRX 94-00 - Pro Speed Racing[/url] would this be correct? and would I need any other thing or just simply buy this kit and get someone to install it?

Thanks again guys :)

Hi guys,

sorry for the late reply have been busy.

Thanks for the info, I am getting the car checked with West Racing Osborne Park to make sure it is not running lean.

I've put in the TBE last Saturday and they change the Turbo gasket while they're at it, big difference and very happy with it at the moment, I also bought a GD STI Intercooler off gumtree and my mechanic tried to fit them on Monday and he said we need an adaptor which I got Embleton engineering to do custom adaptor for it.

Plan to have the GD intercooler and BOV installed this Saturday but while I'm at it wouldn't mind to also replace the intercooler hose because my mechanic said it's getting old and worn,

do you guys know where I can get this from in Perth and not Ebay because it won't get here in time for Friday and could you guys tell me whether I would need to buy a intercooler hose kit for the GD STI or the GC8? or are they the same Y piece underneath the cooler? Because looking online they have different models for different year WRX.

Thanks again guys much appreciated :)

Try Mick at Japline

Thanks Nick,

So logically I would be asking for the Hose Kit for the GD intercooler right? sorry to ask it's probably a stupid question but just wanted to make sure it's not the GC8 hose kit that is needed.