Looking at purchasing a Manual Boost Controller for the HOLK (F5A DOHC). I have looked on ebay, and apart from everyone saying they have the best one and offering "exhilarating performance", they all "look" very similar.
Ideally I am looking for one that really improves performance and has a manual adjustment, so I can run it low for normal daily use.
Something easy to install (preferably with instructions) would be helpful, as I want to avoid to pay someone few $100s for a 5 minutes job.
Any suggestion appreciated.
Paride
Manual Boost Controller
First we need to work out a couple of things: 
1. What is your current boost set at?
2. What do you want your low/high settings to be?
3. Do you want to be able to adjust the level without opening the bonnet?
1. What is your current boost set at?
2. What do you want your low/high settings to be?
3. Do you want to be able to adjust the level without opening the bonnet?
F8B EFI turbo - Three pots and a snail.
Engine is original, so I assume it has original boost setting (however I don't have a boost gauge, so I can't tell)
As far as low/high.
Low should be slightly higher than now, for normal driving.
High: As high as possible (12-14?) without f*#@ing up the engine.
Yes, for in-cabin adjustment
As far as low/high.
Low should be slightly higher than now, for normal driving.
High: As high as possible (12-14?) without f*#@ing up the engine.
Yes, for in-cabin adjustment
[img]http://www.tamon.org/gallery/d/11796-1/holk3-1.jpg[/img]
Okay, so the answer is that you'd be best off with a dual stage gated boost controller. I would suggest that the best value option is made by Turbosmart. This would allow you to set your high and low settings and switch between the two with a toggle in the cabin.
If you wanted your low setting to be the factory original amount then you could get away with a single stage controller. This uses the factory setting for low, and your preferred setting for high.
Both are listed here:
http://www.turbosmartonline.com/index.php?id=43
Either will be idiot-proof to install. They only require two wires and a snip & plug into the turbo actuator hose.
Whatever you do, get a boost gauge first! You might find it is already running 11+ PSI from the factory.
If you wanted your low setting to be the factory original amount then you could get away with a single stage controller. This uses the factory setting for low, and your preferred setting for high.
Both are listed here:
http://www.turbosmartonline.com/index.php?id=43
Either will be idiot-proof to install. They only require two wires and a snip & plug into the turbo actuator hose.
Whatever you do, get a boost gauge first! You might find it is already running 11+ PSI from the factory.
F8B EFI turbo - Three pots and a snail.
You only need to install the gauge to set up the boost controller, after that you can remove it if you don't like the look.
F8B EFI turbo - Three pots and a snail.
change the wastegate actuator... almost all other turbos come with an actuator around 7-8psi, so it would be a matter of trying to fit one of those.
[url=http://www.tamon.org/gallery/v/members/ike849/][img]http://www.tamon.org/forum/images/per_gall.gif[/img][/url]
Ok, finally installed the boost gauge. It currently runs at 8PSI. What do you think is a reasonable max boost for a F5A with a standard cooler? And what would it be with a front mount (on the way)?
[img]http://www.tamon.org/gallery/d/11796-1/holk3-1.jpg[/img]
The best option is to put the ute on a dyno and up the boost while monitoring the A/F ratio, its the only way you can safely say how much boost the engine can take.
F8B EFI turbo - Three pots and a snail.
iv got a standard 12-14psi actuator il swap for a 7 or eat eva it is psi one