Alright I went to a local shop today and I was talking to the owner about the Turbonetics kit. Now dont get me wrong the guy seems to be knowlegeable and really cool. But he was telling me that if I were to go with the TN kit that I would have to buy a boost controler because you dont want to run the stock 8.5 psi the kit comes at all the time because of diffirent variances such as outside tempature and running the AC. He also said that he cant believe the kit doesnt come with a return fuel system and that he would never run a turbo with out one? I was just curious as to what everyones opinion is on these two items, and how much should I expect to pay for each?

 

If you want to run lower boosts at times then it would be a good idea.

As for the fuel return that is a borderline requirement at 8-8.5 PSI but you would need a bigger pump at least.

 

Yeah the kit comes with a Walbro 255 fuel pump.

 

You can't run any boost lower than the sized spring in the wastegate. Is the wastegate internal? Can you swap springs?

 

exactly...a boost controller will not lower the boost below what the kit out of the box is set at...for example, if the kit is set at 8.5psi..that is the lowest you can go!...the boost controller would only allow you to raise the boost at this point...

 

So.........Do I have to have one? Should I need one? And how does running the AC affect the boost?

 

If you intend to run the kick the pre-set boost level, then no, you dont really need a boost controller.

However, a boost controller, even if set at the preset level..or close...will increase your turbo response/spool up...since the wastegate will be closed until it nears the preset level.

Without a boost controller, the wastegate starts to gradually open as the boost increases, and this hurts the turbo's response and spool time.

Regarding the question about boost and its effect with AC...i have no idea what he is refering to...so I cant help you.

Boosting with or without the AC will have no effect on your boost, other than providing a little bit more drag on the rotating assembly.

 

Having had my kit for over week I have run my car under boost with and without AC and it certainly never effected boost. Full boost is coming on around 3200 RPMs AC on or off. Unless you want to raise the boost no you don't NEED a boost controller. So far my fuel pressure has been fine without a "return" system. Lowest fuel pressure I've seen to date is 50 PSI...

 

How much boost are you running Mia?

 

8 PSI...