[dave850r]

Anyone ever install a manual boost controller on an 850 Turbo (installed in line with the pressure hose running from the positive pressure side of the turbo to the wastegate actuator system) ???

 

[Kai]

Sorry to go OT, just curious if you would be coming to the Volvo event at FedEx field this Saturday.

Plus, c70pusher(Phill) will be there this weekend, too. He has an MBC on his car, and he's going to try my ECU this time and see the difference and if they will work on his car.

So, if you want...you can always come to check us out. Haven't seen you since last year at the Sugarloaf GTG, right?

 

[David Mackey]

I installed the Dawes MMC on my 850 T5 Wagon and decided to build my own MBCs with the help of this website. You can make one yourself for about $17 each (US). Here's the link http://pages.cthome.net/gus/mike.html

For good instructions on how to install go to this link and click on "Manual Boost Controller". This is specific to Volvo and has great images.
http://www.t5uk.com/main.htm

The MBC is a great little toy, BUT do not let the boost increase become addictive. Run a boost guage and determine what max boost is best for you. I have seen some recommend 14PSI and others 17 PSI, personally I would stick to the lower side with some of the connecting rod issues I have read about.

Important - Since this device sets the boost and no longer allows the ECU to adjust, you should be careful to make sure that the unit is adjusted for colder air in the winter months and I again suggest a boost guage and insist that good fuel in used.

Hope this helps.

David M

 

[Kai]

quote:

Originally posted by David Mackey:
The MBC is a great little toy, BUT do not let the boost increase become addictive. Run a boost guage and determine what max boost is best for you. I have seen some recommend 14PSI and others 17 PSI, personally I would stick to the lower side with some of the connecting rod issues I have read about.

So, how do you guys ensure you have enough fuel?

 

[billyray]

A good air/fuel meter, I picked up the one from Dawes as well as their MBC but there are a lot of meters out there. It depends on personal preferance.

 

[VolvoAddict]

quote:

Originally posted by billyray:
A good air/fuel meter, I picked up the one from Dawes as well as their MBC but there are a lot of meters out there. It depends on personal preferance.

eGauges.com is a good place to check as well.

 

[Kai]

Sorry, I meant how do you control and get enough fuel at the right timing...didn't mean "how can you tell"....

quote:

Originally posted by billyray:
A good air/fuel meter, I picked up the one from Dawes as well as their MBC but there are a lot of meters out there. It depends on personal preferance.

 

[jesse850GLT]

quote:

Originally posted by The_one_n_only:
Sorry, I meant how do you control and get enough fuel at the right timing...didn't mean "how can you tell"....

I have to agree with Kai.I wouldn't trust my car with just the MBC set higher then 1-2 psi over stock.

I installed a manual boost controler in my 850 low pressure turbo like the instructions on T5UK. I notice with the stock ECU on cool nights I would get a slight hesitation at WOT. I am guessing it was not getting enough fuel or maybe overboost . I removed the MBC and replaced the ECU with the ipd ECU but didn't think that it was aggessive enough for me. My stock psi was 6-7 and spike at 9 with the ipd ecu it went up to 9-10 and spike at 13 . With the ipd ecu and the MBC I have it set at constant 12 psi with almost no spikes!!

 

[David Mackey]

The stock ECU works quote well and the fuel cut off will step in when things get out of hand. Seems Volvo built in this safeguard and will not allow boost to climb higher than what fuel is available from the stock pump.

I have done the same upgrade on my other car (1996 Saab 900 Turbo) and have gathered lots of information from another site. The Saab setup with the Trionic is almost bullet proof. You set the MBC just below the fuel cut and you get the maximum boost available, while the ECU dumps in the fuel to match. The person that turned me on to this now has over 140K on his car with zero issues.

David M