Ok guys and gals... Its BOV time! Im having a difficult time making a decision on which valve would be best for my set up, so I thought I would run it by those w/ experience w/ either, before I pull the trigger... I'd appreciate it if some of you tuners could chime in, and give some input.

(IX) Im running a full Injen intake kit, a GM 3-Port, w/ stock turbo, which may be an issue w/ the Synapse...

Before you tell me to stick w/ the stocker, I believe its leaking right ~ 20 ish psi, and I run 24 - 25 psi. And yes I have searched quite a bit in the last few days...

APS Ive found many good reviews, and 0 negative reviews, w/ the ONLY 1 downfall, being that it needs to be lubricated/cleaned every so often. (~2 years) this doesnt bother me too much, as long as it performs as it should after it gets lubed/cleaned. From what Ive gathered, @least 2 top shops that are well respected vendors on this forum praise the APS unit. saying, "we run these all day".

Synapse From what Ive gathered this seems to be "The Best" BOV on the market, but is a PITA to set up properly, and since each car is different, the proper configuration changes... I have read the couple different ways to configure it, as well as taking out the small pre load spring. Im just not sure Im up to spending a long period of time trying to configure the bov properly. Ive also read pretty much every1 (DIY'ers) have issues getting this to operate in all conditions properly, but if you can figure it out, its worth it... Then I have the Injen intake kit, so the I believe that the valve would need to be vertical, and I have read that the valve operates better when its horizontal... On top of that, Ive also read that running a GM 3-Port/stock turbo in conjunction w/ this valve could possibly cause issues while cruising as the boost pulse along w/ the fast actuating valve, is a lil to quick... (not sure on that) almost all of the posts I found, are w/ MBC's.

I like the fact that both of these valves are somewhat quiet, just want something thats gonna hold whatever I throw at it, and gonna give me stock driveability! stock driveability being the KEY! PNP would be nice!!! Also, I believe my stocker is leaking causing a bit of reversion just before full spool, so Im hoping this will cure that.

Help me decide! any installed pics would be much appreciated, and if your running the synapse, list the configuration please.

TIA sorry bout the long read...

Phil

 

Its not as big a pain in the a$$ to set up as everyone makes it out to be. Theres a boost source which should stay hooked up and then two different vacuum line options. Either use one leave the other open or try both.

As for the spring the directions say it shouldnt have to be touched and I didnt touch mine. Ive been running the synapse now for 2 1/2 years and love it. Moving to a 2.4, black, and high boost so well see how it holds up. Say there pressure tested to 100 psi so well see.

forgot to mention I was running a gm 3 port, stock turbo, 30 psi and meth previously with no issues what so ever.

 

I have a synapse and love it. I dont like the postion of the APS. If you mount it to your upper i/c pipe it sticks up too high for me. The Synapse lays flat and looks better I think.

 

synapse is great, have the blox vacume block and the closed off boost port
i can not get it to flutter and i try holds 34lbs of boost perfect

 

I like the Aps but why not get the new TiAL that recirculate?

 

Ive been kinda leaning towards the synapse, since I found the stocker leaking (which has been a while) seems like a great peice, but in my searching for "the best bov" for the evo, I came across the aps unit... and considering who was giving it praise, I was like that'll do, but I still wanna do my homework.
The main thing for me is the issue w/ my intake set up... Im not too concerned w/ how the vac lines go, as Ive read up on that, just rather avoid the issue all together, if the aps unit is as good as they say it is... Id like it to be hassle free if possible. I believe in the video synapse shows, its w/ the injen set up, but Ive read a couple threads where it was said that the synapse operates more efficiently in the horizontal position, which the injen is not, and in the stock position. Which requires the unit to be vertical. Id rather avoid dealing w/ trying to sell the UICP... But if they have an injen kit in the video, and they say it operates perfectly, it should, right? Will I need to purchase a new flange or will the one that comes stock work w/ the injen unit? not sure on that. obviously.. lol IDK Im picky, and want to have stock driveability! Im also trying to avoid having to try multiple valves... I think the aps should fit nicely.
It seems like the ppl that are happy w/ their synapse units, have it on the UICP in the horizontal position. As you guys have reported...

as far as the tial recirc. one of the local tuners, said it was a POS. Im not here to debate that, just didnt add that valve to the list. Havent really seen any reviews on the boards either... well maybe 1 or 2 for the X's... Maybe I'll look into that unit as well...

Im ready to pull the trigger, just cant make up my mind yet... Need a lil more input when running the "INJEN" set up, and whether the synapse will operate perfectly while in the vertical position...

 

good to know. I think you have it on the UICP in the horizontal position as well, right?

 

you said hassle free. you want aps twin vent. my crushed oem bov fluttered and didn't hold boost as well. i picked the aps because i need my car to look as unmodded as possible, and compared to the synapse, it's discrete. cbrd recommended it to me and they were right on the money.

servicing the aps twin vent is incredibly easy. installing the aps twin vent is incredibly easy. you will need a vac line longer than stock, but again, this is incredibly simple.

i do not have experience with the synapse. but the aps twin works quite well for my app (30psi) and is hassle free.

 

Phil....I've been running an APS for quite some time. Yes it does require re-lubes every so often, but setup is a breeze and it will hold anything you throw at it. Because it is dual vent, it is louder than full recirc units, but the dual venting does allow more air to pass since there are 2 holes for outgoing air rather than just one.

I say, save yourself the potential headache of setting up the Synapse and get the APS.

 

I just recently purchased the synapse bov ... looking forward to using it !ive heard lotta good things about it

 

Hey Paul, thanks for chimin in. Ive been hearing great things about the aps unit... Like every review is positive! (on multiple forums) Did you have to wrap the adjustment screw with teflon tape?
I was leaning heavily towards the synapse unit, but after reading many threads on both valves, Im starting to lean towards the aps. I think if I had the UICP flanged for it, I would go w/ the synapse, but...

 

this is exactly what Ive been reading about the aps, all day! Every1 says the same thing! So I think its safe to say, that the aps is gonna be my choice... Im still gonna wait for a few more reviews, hopefully more ppl find this thread and report their experiences, but definitely now leaning towards the aps...
thanks for the responses!

just for reference... did u need to wrap the adjustment screw with teflon tape?

 

Yeah, I wrap it with fresh Teflon tape every time I service it. In cooler, wetter climates you have to service it more often as it will begin to stick. It takes all of about 15 minutes from removal, service and reinstall.

Combine the APS dual vent with a competent Boost control method and an 18psi WG actuator....you will have any awesome turbo setup that will hold well.

 

i wrapped the adjustment screw in teflon tape as a good practice. i don't know if it was necessary, but i read the same reviews that you've probably looked through and went ahead and did it. teflon tape, mob1 synth grease, and a new vac line cost 9 bucks.

 

I use the APS twin vent BOV for my IX setup. It holds boost very well, I am up to ~32 psi. I have cleaned it once and do use teflon tape on the adjustment screw, just in case. I also like the fact that it can vent to air in case of a boost spike, so it releases the pressure out to atmosphere instead of merely recirculating it all back into the intake.