Boost Controllers

Electronics » Boost Controllers

Boost controllers

Boost controllers allow the boost pressure in a forced induction vehicle to be adjusted.  Without a way of regulating this pressure, it would continue to rise and eventually cause engine damage.  A wastegate functions to regulate this pressure by directing gasses to bypass the turbo wheel when it is subject to any pressure greater than what it is calibrated for.  This is wonderful except for when you desire boost pressure greater than what the wastegate is calibrated to hold.  A boost controller allows us to temporarily circumvent the wastegate to allow the engine to build more boost pressure.  

Boost controllers are offered in manual and electronic configurations.  A manual boost controller must be adjusted under the hood and it can be difficult to pinpoint an exact setting or repeat a previous setting.  Electronic boost controllers can be adjusted from within the cockpit of the vehicle and they allow the user to save settings and accurately specify the boost pressure desired.  Both manual and electronic boost controllers prevent the wastegate from actuating until boost pressure in the charged portion of the intake reaches the specified pressure.  At that point a solenoid (electric boost controller) or ball and spring (manual boost controller) allows the wastegate actuator to open and relieve some pressure.  Once that pressure is bled off, the solenoid or spring once again causes the wastegate to close until it surpasses the set pressure again.  This happens multiple times in a very short period to keep boost pressure constant at the prescribed pressure.  

Other modifications can help make the most of the increased boost pressure attainable with a boost controller.  Increasing boost pressure means more air is being forced into your engine.  An increase in fuel delivery is necessary to accommodate this increase in air.  Larger fuel injectors, a high flow fuel pump, and aftermarket engine management are modifications worth considering whenever boost pressure is increased.