What Does Turbo Do On A Controller

Manual Boost Controller

Here's a manual heave controller, adjustable via knob on the controller's housing. (Paradigm/VolvoForums.com)

Turbochargers are becoming a go-to power adder, and not just for imports. Chevy and Ford currently have turbocharged engines in their lineup, and even the new Jeep Wrangle r is expected to get a turbo'd four-cylinder.

Want to know how a turbocharger works? Here'south a adept 101.

Since turbochargers are becoming more than common, upgrading turbo systems for improved functioning is as well.

One of the key upgrades to a turbo system is an adjustable boost controller, so nosotros looked to the turbo brainiacs at Turbosmart to larn more about them.

What's a Heave Controller?

"Boost" is turbo slang for how pressurized the intake air becomes. The more air a turbo forces into the engine, the college the pressure inside the intake manifold becomes, which results in a higher boost level. A heave controller simply regulates the amount of boost the engine is fed. Backlog force per unit area (boost) is sent to the wastegate where it is bled out of the organization.

In North America, boost is typically measured in PSI, though it tin besides exist quantified in kilopascals or bars, or in vacuum (in. Hg).

As with Twinkies and 80s Hair Metallic, it's possible to have also much of a good affair however. Excessive boost pushes more air than fuel into the engine. This negatively affects the engine's air/fuel mixture and causes it to run "lean." Why is running a lean fuel mixture bad? Read this.

A boost controller's first job is to forbid besides much boost from damaging the engine. Merely, in more performance-oriented applications, a boost controller can be adjusted to varying parameters and ensure the optimal heave level.

It's not only for turbocharged applications either. If you're running a supercharger, yous can benefit from a boost controller too.

Mechanical (Manual) Boost Controllers

A mechanical boost controller (besides known as a manual boost controller) is a set-and-forget type of setup. You dial-in the verbal amount of boost you lot desire via manual knob, close the hood, and the controller will maintain that level regardless of throttle position, engine speed, or atmospheric weather.

It'southward a uncomplicated and effective solution for regulating boost, and is perfect for daily drivers and many performance cars.

Nosotros got this installation diagram from Turbosmart, it shows you a typical turbo system with a manual heave controller and an external wastegate.

Turbosmart Manual Boost Controller External Setup

The manual heave controller installs between the turbo and wastegate, and tin be adjusted via knurled knob on the controller housing. (Image/Turbosmart)

Electronic Boost Controllers

Electronic boost controllers requite you the power to make adjustments to the boost level based on engine RPM, or certain other parameters. Many electronic heave controllers accept an in-cabin interface to permit you to alter settings similar max. boost pressure and turbo spool-up speed.

Installing an electronic boost controller is a more than circuitous process, given the additional wiring and setup required.

Turbosmart Electronic Boost Controller

An electronic heave controller, similar this 1 from Turbosmart, adds more adaptability to your turbo system. (Image/Summit Racing)

Which Boost Controller Should You lot Employ?

That all depends on the application, and at that place are pros/cons to each. A manual controller is easy to install, withal an electronic boost controller has more versatility.

Are you upgrading your stock turbo performance, retrofitting a turbo arrangement to a non-stock application, or adding a larger turbocharger? Each one of those scenarios may require different heave controller functionality.

If all-out performance is your number one goal, then an electronic boost controller is probably the fashion to go. For budget-minded daily-driver applications, a mechanical (transmission) boost controller may be the more prudent pick.