Why? Honest question. Coming from my STI and all the EBC's out there why does everyone in the EVO community use a MBC? With all of the reflashing with Opensource OpenEcu etc... it was always easier to control boost and keep it stable. Now outside factors such as temp and humidity did not play as nice with a EBC but pretty damn close. The MBC always scared away subaru guys because of the "unreliability" and boost spikes.

So what I'm basically asking is not how they work, rather what your guy's opinions are on what to use and maybe a short reason why YOU use what you use.

Thanks Guys and Gals....

P.S. Would you make the switch to EBC if it was proven???

 

I switched from a Buschur MBC to an Apexi EBC becasue I like to tinker. I hated to have to stop and pop the hood to make an adjustment because of the change in weather. Also adding the EBC allows me to log boost much more easily. Then there is the "shift on the fly" from pump gas boost to race gas boost just by hitting a couple buttons. A final benefit is the ability to control spikes through the use of the EBC. You just have to make sure the solonoid is mounted in a place that does not see much engine heat.

I think most people will agree that the reliability of the likes of Halman for an MBC can't be beat in relation to cost vs. performance.

 

awesome input, any other thoughts out there? I agree with you about the tinkering, assuming optimal conditions I believe EBC can provide a "precise" measure

 

Chances of a MBC failing are far less than an EBC. If one fails, depending on the way it is hooked up it can cause the car to over boost and ultimately blow your engine up.

Ever hear the expression "less is more"? Think of that every time you work on your car and I promise you, you will have less problems in the long run.


-Em

 

Im a lucky one who has been enjoying a hks evc2 since 03. Never had a problem with it. Boost spike is never over 1 psi past its setting.

 

You know, I was wondering the same thing as well. I've always thought that EBC are more accurate, consistent, and reliable then MBC. I only see 2 advantages with MBC is weight and cost.

When other members ask for advice on a boost controller, 99% of the time, forum members would say some kind of MBC and I always wonder why.

 

ecu boost control > both

 

They are proven; cars going back to 80s Volvos have been using electronic boost control to manage the turbo. I think the problem for most tuners/mechanics is that EBCs are harder to understand, so they don't want to bother with setting them up properly. It's a lot easier to attach an MBC and call it a day.

 

On WRX/STIīs, electronic boost control is very simple, on the Evo itīs complex, and thatīs it.

Why more complex? because you either have to change the boost line restrictors or install a different wastegate solenoid to do stock-ECU-based boost control, learn to mod .xmlīs and fine tune in Ecuflash. Also a lot of people donīt feel comfortable with Load based boost control. And finally, you need a JDM or Evo X MAP sensor to log boost, a feature that is present in stock form in the subbies.

From my experience, the stock Subaru EBC is very simple to operate: Set Minimum Wastegate Duty, set Maximum Wastegate Duty, set Boost Target, and the ECU will do most the job. It doesnīt get any more simple than that.

If you do your homework, ECU based boost control in the Evo is just as effective as in the Subarus; itīs just a steeper learning curve.


You can shape your boost curve any way you want, thatīs the beauty of EBC vs MBC.

 

^^^ Great explanation!!!

 

MBC manual boost controller - cheap, allows you to set up a specific maximum boost level. good for mildly modified cars

EBC - Electronic boost controllers - they will offer you much more control over your turbo than a MBC. Some have the ability to set gear and rpm specific boost. The ability to log boost. in car adjustment of the turbo, you don't have to pull over, pop the hood, and turn a knob/screw. I am using the Autronic pnp board in my car to control boost, along with an AEM boost(wastegate) solenoid. It doesn't have all the features that the Autronic SM4 boards have, however it is quite capable, and has most of the above features, as well as the ability to cut injector input if you over boost. Which can be set up to cut after a given over-boost amount or length of time. This type of feature you will find in ECU based boost control. Recommended for higher horsepower vehicles, just because the engine should make more power with one.

 

I still think ECU based boost control is fairly easy to learn on the Evos. Modifying the ROM took 5 minutes... Modifying the .xml took another 5 minutes. Installing boost pill took 10 minutes. The only real drawback is that you need an EVO X or JDM map sensor. That's pretty kickass that the Subbies come with the sensor needed already.

 

I had a MBC, switched to a ECU-controlled GM BCS/JDM MAP sensor setup, and now switched back to a MBC again. Overall, the MBC is easier, cheaper, and one less thing to hassle with. With the MBC boost seems to come on faster and harder, but it does taper more up top which I'm fine with for my setup.

 

i ran a MBC at first since EVERYONE recommends it. Granted its a cheap easy solution. BUT when i switched to an EBC i never looked back. First w/ the Profec and now w/ an EVC... your boost response is SOOO much better w/ an EBC. Perhaps since its actually keeping the wastegate shut until the last second, i dunno... but on mine you can definately tell a huge difference in how it spools. W/ the MBC it was gradual... .w/ the EBCs it is straight up violent. Bam! So if you can afford it... i recommend going EBC for sure! plus the convenience is a plus!

 

I'm currently using the Blitz SBCid and I simply love it. I have sampled various EBCs and the Blitz is hands down the best. I also have toyed with MBCs though there is simply no comparison, other than they both restrict the pressure seen by the wastegate. Yeah there is a fail probability though thats applies to everything.. What if???? The real reason people often opt for MBC over a EBC is the cost. You can control boost for as low as $7.00 for a gas valve from Home Depot.. or as much as $600.00 for name brand, EBC from a performance shop.