Manual Boost Controller Recommendations
#1
![Default](https://www.miataturbo.net/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Hi all,
Getting to the final stages of my turbo build (!!!), and after having to clock my T25 I need to tackle some boost management problems.
Firstly, I need an adjustable MBC. Does anyone have any recommendations? Ideally under $100. I've read the FAQs etc about making my own, but since I won't be the one tuning my car I'd prefer to get something professional and adjustable.
Second, the wastegate actuator that came with my secondhand T25 looks like it's a POS. I'll probably pick up a new one to avoid any headaches. Anyone have an aftermarket actuator that they're fond of? The thought of figuring out how to mount it to work with the newly clocked turbo is already making me stressed....
Getting to the final stages of my turbo build (!!!), and after having to clock my T25 I need to tackle some boost management problems.
Firstly, I need an adjustable MBC. Does anyone have any recommendations? Ideally under $100. I've read the FAQs etc about making my own, but since I won't be the one tuning my car I'd prefer to get something professional and adjustable.
Second, the wastegate actuator that came with my secondhand T25 looks like it's a POS. I'll probably pick up a new one to avoid any headaches. Anyone have an aftermarket actuator that they're fond of? The thought of figuring out how to mount it to work with the newly clocked turbo is already making me stressed....
#4
![Default](https://www.miataturbo.net/images/icons/icon1.gif)
I personally always recommend hallman, and lately started to recommend grimmspeed and turbosmart. Solid/high quality built and proven to work consistently. All right around 80-100.
I've also used the cheapy ebay units with semi-decent results, particularly the "NXS" ones. Way more finicky, harder to adjust, and not as smooth IMHO. But they will "get the job done" for most people's needs.
Couple things mandatory: ball+spring, not "bleed type", and don't ever get those silly bleed type ones that come in two pieces/units, those are the worst.
I've also used the cheapy ebay units with semi-decent results, particularly the "NXS" ones. Way more finicky, harder to adjust, and not as smooth IMHO. But they will "get the job done" for most people's needs.
Couple things mandatory: ball+spring, not "bleed type", and don't ever get those silly bleed type ones that come in two pieces/units, those are the worst.
#5
![Default](https://www.miataturbo.net/images/icons/icon1.gif)
If I were in your shoes.. this would be a first pick for $20.
NXS MOTORSPORTS MANUAL BOOST CONTROLLER 1.8T TS STI MBC | eBay
NXS MOTORSPORTS MANUAL BOOST CONTROLLER 1.8T TS STI MBC | eBay
![](http://nxsmotorsports.com/ebay/mbc/images/apart2.jpg?)
#6
mkturbo.com
![](/mt2011/images_td/ranks/supporter1.gif)
![](/mt2011/images_td/ranks/admin.png)
iTrader: (24)
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Charleston SC
Posts: 15,189
Total Cats: 1,685
![Default](https://www.miataturbo.net/images/icons/icon1.gif)
If I were in your shoes.. this would be a first pick.
NXS MOTORSPORTS MANUAL BOOST CONTROLLER 1.8T TS STI MBC eBay
![](http://nxsmotorsports.com/ebay/mbc/images/apart2.jpg?)
NXS MOTORSPORTS MANUAL BOOST CONTROLLER 1.8T TS STI MBC eBay
![](http://nxsmotorsports.com/ebay/mbc/images/apart2.jpg?)
#8
![Default](https://www.miataturbo.net/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Can't vouch for the no name ebay units but can vouch for the Grimmspeed unit. This is the same one I have. More expensive but rock solid boost control.
GRIMMSPEED MANUAL BOOST CONTROLLER MBC Universal (Black) | eBay
GRIMMSPEED MANUAL BOOST CONTROLLER MBC Universal (Black) | eBay
#9
![Default](https://www.miataturbo.net/images/icons/icon1.gif)
I have run the Kinugawa Universal Turbo Adjustable Wastegate Actuator w/ 6 x spring & 4 x Rod | eBay for a while . works fine I guess. I had to bend the rod a bit to get it to fit exactly the way I wanted.
#12
Junior Member
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: Toronto, ON, Canada
Posts: 133
Total Cats: -7
![Default](https://www.miataturbo.net/images/icons/icon1.gif)
I made my own with parts from hardware store. Pretty much same thing as the brass ebay unit other people posted.
Links to both DIY videos that showed me how to do it. First link was the original one:
Links to both DIY videos that showed me how to do it. First link was the original one:
#13
Senior Member
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Farmington Hills, MI
Posts: 1,218
Total Cats: 175
![Default](https://www.miataturbo.net/images/icons/icon1.gif)
If I were in your shoes.. this would be a first pick for $20.
NXS MOTORSPORTS MANUAL BOOST CONTROLLER 1.8T TS STI MBC eBay
![](http://nxsmotorsports.com/ebay/mbc/images/apart2.jpg?)
NXS MOTORSPORTS MANUAL BOOST CONTROLLER 1.8T TS STI MBC eBay
![](http://nxsmotorsports.com/ebay/mbc/images/apart2.jpg?)
#16
![Default](https://www.miataturbo.net/images/icons/icon1.gif)
I guess I'll look into fixing this, the NXS MBC that I bought was only $20 so it wasn't that expensive of a mistake to make.
Thanks for pulling my head out of my ***!
#17
Retired Mech Design Engr
![](/mt2011/images_td/ranks/supporter1.gif)
iTrader: (3)
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Seneca, SC
Posts: 5,011
Total Cats: 859
![Default](https://www.miataturbo.net/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Even if you control boost with a MBC, you should still utilize over-boost protection. That safety feature is separate from EBC.
However, I agree EBC> MBC if the MS2 can do it well (I'm not familiar with MS2's capabilities). Generally more control. One can taper up with RPM to maintain torque, or taper down to protect duty cycle on injectors. Lastly, an on-off switch can return you to waste gate boost, if desired.
However, I agree EBC> MBC if the MS2 can do it well (I'm not familiar with MS2's capabilities). Generally more control. One can taper up with RPM to maintain torque, or taper down to protect duty cycle on injectors. Lastly, an on-off switch can return you to waste gate boost, if desired.