everybody recommends getting a mbc as one of the first few mods, but how do you know how much to turn the knob if you don't have a boost gauge?

or, put more simply, how do you know how to effectively use the mbc without going to a tuner or without gauges?

 

1. Boost gauge
2. MBC

Those who say MBC is #1, most likely have a factory or dealer installed boost gauge already in their car.

 

Get a boost gauge first because if you dont you would have no clue where your boost is. So you can look at it this way boost gauge or new motor

 

Dude you're killing me, if you're asking these types of questions just go to a shop and have somebody that knows what they're doing hook it up for you.

 

I think having a boost gauge for a mbc would be common sense, no?

 

Just get an electronic boost controller with a gauge built in.

I love my Blitz SBC. Adjustable in car. Peak hold. Boost Gauge.
I use it in both my cars. I get them used for about $300.
Get the SBC ID v3. Not the new i-Color.

I can't justify spending about 70-100 bucks on a manual boost controller that a lot of people buy on this forum. You can buy them on ebay for 15 bucks.

 

why is it that big name shop cars/race cars all use mbc and not electronic?

70-100 isn't going to break the bank...and a boost gauge and pod is another 100 bucks tops

so for $200 you are still saving at least $100 over an electronic boost controller

 

your first mod should be a boost gauge

 

Well, firstly just because some bigger name EVO tuners don't use EBC's doesn't mean that it's the right thing to do. Maybe they use them because they don't know how to use/don't want the hassle of EBC's? Setting up an EBC is slightly more complicated than setting up a MBC.

There are lot more cars out there than just EVO's. Most of the major IS300 aftermarket turbo tuners all use EBC's. It's pretty much standard. I don't know many supra guys on MBC's either.

There is a lot more functionality when using an EBC. If you have weather changes like I do, it's nice just to be able to turn a dial to get your boost back where it should be. There is auto/peak hold. Essential to me. There are graphing features so you can see whether you have boost abnormalities. The blitz SBC gives you an audible warning when boost exceeds a certain limit as well as takes steps to correct it. You're never going to get those things with a simple boost gauge and a manual boost controller.

I've used Defi stuff. Crap. Everyone thinks it looks so cool etc etc. Lame.
Most gauges are so difficult to use properly that it makes them useless.

Hell, even the stock ecu uses electronic boost control.