Hybrid
Boost
Controller (HBC)
The
most popular boost controller anywhere, for over 7 years running!
Click here to see the Hybrid in SportCompactCar
Magazine
All the
benefits of our Basic Controller, with improved response from the
following upgrades:
1)
Improved Sealing: Polished
ball seat for positive sealing!
2)
Tougher Components: Harder than
Steel ball for Extreme Durability!
3)
Advanced Technology:
Exclusive Mechanism of Synthetic Materials has 1/3 the mass of
other controllers-
--No Spikes and the Fastest Rise Time--There is
No Faster Controller!
Applications: All turbocharged engines, including OBDII
equipped applications
Price: $48
(includes 7 page online manual)
Purpose:
To provide an inexpensive way to allow more boost by eliminating
computer control of the wastegate, and to save you $300, when
compared to an electronic controller.
How it
works: The Hybrid Boost Controller mounts in-line between the
intake manifold (or turbo nipple) and the wastegate. The
controller holds the signal from the wastegate until the desired
boost level is reached. By conditioning the boost signal this way,
the following results occur:
a) Time to Peak
Boost is dramatically improved
b) More boost
"area under the curve" for increased mid-range torque!
c) Boost limit
is raised to the point that you, not the ECU, desire!
FAQ
Is this a
"bleed"?: No. It is a pressure-controlled device, unlike a
bleed. One big disadvantage of a bleed is that the boost signal is
always acting on the wastegate as the boost builds. This means
that the wastegate is allowing exhaust gas to bypass the turbine
at the exact time you need it to be spooling up your turbo. The
Hybrid Boost Controller holds the signal from the wastegate until
it reaches the level that you have set. Because of its rapid
actuation, "spiking" (momentarily exceeding the boost limit) is
almost completely eliminated. Some electronic controller companies
actually try to promote spiking as a positive feature, because
their controllers cannot react fast enough to accurately control
the problem.
Can I
Install This Myself?: Yes! Probably in about 15 minutes.
Click here for the complete
on-line instructions.
Can the
Hybrid Boost Controller be used on OBDII equipped vehicles?:
Yes!!! OBDII (On Board Diagnostics--Generation 2) equipped
vehicles (most, since 1995) respond to our boost controller with
the same favorable results as non-OBD vehicles. You may use our
controller to improve turbo spooling at the factory boost level,
or raise the boost to enjoy increased power. Since the engine
computer is programmed to accommodate a spike-prone factory boost
control, it is already set up with fuel maps to support an
increase in boost. In most cases a 15-20% increase in boost can be
supported by the factory ECU programming without danger of a lean
mixture, or illumination of the "check engine" light. If you
already have a boost gauge installed, you will notice that your
"factory" boost level will sometimes overshoot the intended peak
(or "spike") and then settle back to a sustained level. Our
controller is much less susceptible to these boost spikes,
allowing you to use the full boost level programmed into your ECU.
By using our boost controller, you may set the sustained boost to
the level that the factory control used to spike to. This allows
you to safely exploit the large error margin programmed into your
ECU. You may also notice that your boost level will drop after a
sustained period in high gear. With our controller, you will
retain the full boost level available from the turbocharger, right
up until your nerve (or the ECU's speed limiter) intervenes.
How does the
Hybrid Boost Controller compare to electronic boost controllers?:
Well, for one thing, its about $300 to $600 less expensive. It
also has 2 moving parts and no electronics, so reliability is
improved. Also, many electronic controllers have a "learn" setting
that your engine must endure. This "learning" mode allows your
boost to fluctuate wildly until the controller adjusts it's
response time. This is akin to unplugging your wastegate for a few
full throttle runs. Not the ideal situation to say the least!
Additionally, the SD Boost Controller may be removed in 5 min, to
return the vehicle to factory condition. This provides a distinct
advantage should you choose to hide your modifications from the
dealer, or curious eyes.
Can I use it
with my performance "chip"?: Yes, although the gains will
probably be of a lower magnitude than those of unmodified cars.
This is because many chip manufacturers have already raised the
boost to the upper limit of what the factory fuel system can
support. Additional gains can be found by using the Hybrid Boost
Controller if the chip manufacturer allows the boost signal to
reach the wastegate before peak boost is achieved. This is usually
the case, as the factory boost control solenoid cannot respond
fast enough to control "spiking" unless the rise-time is slower
than optimal.
Will you
back up my factory warranty should I become overzealous and damage
my engine?: Note that carelessly increasing the boost without
monitoring air/fuel ratios or exhaust temperature may damage your
engine. It is not possible for us to accept responsibility for
your actions should damage occur. However, there are many air/fuel
ratio meters available
(try ours),
to monitor your progress. Such products will help you to avoid
mishaps from lean fuel mixtures. Also, this same risk is present
with an electronic controller or a chip. As those companies must
also limit their responsibility, so must we. We will replace the
valve with an identical one, should a defect in workmanship be
discovered. One benefit of the Hybrid Boost Controller is that it
is easily removed should a warranty issue arise. However, we do
not endorse this action as it would be dishonest.
Will the
Hybrid Boost Controller hurt my wastegate actuator?: No. In
fact, it can extend its life by preventing a vacuum signal from
reaching the actuator. This reduces the flexing of the diaphragm,
extending its life.
How
high can I raise the boost?: Provided you have the fuel to
accommodate the extra boost, the Hybrid Boost Controller will
allow you to raise the boost limit to over 17psi. Actual limits of
the valve are dependent on variables, which include turbo size and
wastegate actuator parameters. The included instructions describe
methods to modify the controller, should you find that you are
unable to reach your target boost with the stock valve
configuration. Also, keep in mind that some turbo systems will cut
fuel delivery above a preset factory limit, usually 14.7psi.
Please see our Cut-Out Raiser to eliminate this issue
What's in it
for us?: Well, for one thing, a little profit. But more
importantly, we want everyone to enjoy a low priced boost
controller. We have been disappointed to see other companies
offering manual and electronic boost controllers that work no
better, but cost 15 times more.
O.K., how
much?: The price is $48. Everything you need is mounted on the
controller. The valve is shipped pre-set at a level that is safe
for all vehicles. You will follow the simple instructions to
gradually and safely raise the boost.
Note:
Although most factory turbo systems will easily accept boost
increases of 20-30%, air/fuel mixtures should be monitored when
raising boost above factory limits. This applies to any boost
controller. It is a good idea to use one of the gauges mentioned
above and raise the boost SLOWLY. Again, we can not be held
responsible for damage caused by overzealous boost adjustment.
We
are the first automotive performance company to take advantage of
recent improvements in industrial technology that allow us to use
21st century materials in an economically priced boost controller.
By using synthetic materials that are lighter, yet stronger than
steel, we have reduced the mass of the controller mechanism by
2/3. This has resulted in an improvement of .33 seconds in the
reaction time of our controllers If you are looking for the most
spike resistant, fastest acting, boost controller for the money...
you've found it!
Still not convinced? Email us your questions at
ThreeBarRacing@yahoo.com
Developed by veteran drag racer Gus Mahon, to be an effective,
inexpensive solution to your boost control needs. Take control of
your turbo system today!
The reaction
time of our Race Version Boost Controller was verified using a
pressurized system with strain-type pressure transducers placed
before and after the controller. The time interval between
activation of the first transducer and the second was measured on
multiple controllers of both the standard and race version types,
using the same test fixture. Results for each controller type were
averaged and the race version showed an improvement of .33 seconds
in reaction time.
Just
$6 for
US Shipping
$10 Anywhere else, regardless of order size!
Hybrid MBC:
