Whats gives you the biggest bang for your buck when buying boost controllers ?

[kreaglewon]

I have a 87 vert turbo stroker and am looking to replace my boost controller.
I assume an electronic BC is a much better way to go than a manual one. Can anyone give me some advice on what's the best one for the $ ?

[Emre]

I don't know about bang for the buck. These things don't cost too much to start with and they're so critical to the proper functioning of a turbo set-up that I really can't understand why anyone would ever cut corners here.

If you're looking for something really powerful, check out the A'PEXi AVC-R. Best boost controller I've ever used (had one on my 400 hp Lancer Evolution VIII). It lets you program separate boost curves for all 5 gears. That way, you can avoid lean-running conditions, boost spikes, boost taper, etc. Also, it allows you to reduce torque in the lower gears (to avoid wheel-spin) without affecting boost in the higher gears. This is really critical for a RWD car running big boost and skinny tires, like an E30.

And, like all good electronic boost controllers, you can "set it and forget it." You tell the AVC-R how much boost you want in each gear at each rpm range (500 rpm increments IIRC) and it automatically adjusts itself. With manual boost controllers, you're constantly fiddling with the damned things since your boost goes up and down depending on temperature and humidity. Plus, manual boost controllers generally force you to choose between big mid-range boost followed by high-rpm taper, or stable boost throughout the rpm range but lean-running in the midrange. The AVC-R does away with all of that.

Seriously consider it. The price looks high, but they're easy to find cheaper. I bought one new-in-box for under $400. Don't cheap out! Even the cheapest manual boost controller will run you $100. The price difference will be the best $300 you've ever spent on any mod.