I was just wondering what the difference is between a boost controller and a turbo timer. I'm a turbo noob and trying to learn all I can! Also what do each of them do and what are the benefits?

 

basically a turbo timer just keeps the engine running for a set amount of time after u have taken ur key out of the ignition. this allows the oil to cool down and i guess the turbo to. the boost controller is so u can control ur boost. basically more boost = more power. but u need the right mods. thats they do i think.

 

Boost controller:
A boost controller allows you to raise the boost by adjusting the signal that the wastegate sees. A wastegate come set at a predetermined level from the factory. Wastegates are usually controlled by a BCS (boost controll selenoid) that is also in turn controlled by the ECU. When the wastegate hits a cetian level (boost level, lets say 10)It opens the flap ( Im talking internal wastegates here) and the excess pressure is bled off. So when the ECU "sees" 11 psi comin it opens the waste gate to bleed off the extra psi to maintain a level of 10. By installing a boost controller you are now determing the amount of boost that can be held. On a manual controller (not bleeder type but spring) You turn the knob to the level you want and the spring inside will not open until the set boost level you told it to, say 13. With that in mind the wastegate does not open at 10 but 13, instead it will continue to build boost by not opening the wastegate flapper. The longer the flap is closed the more boost you will build.
Turbo timer:
Allows the turbo to cool down and keeps oil from coking up your system.

 

So the boost controller wont let you turn the boost below the set level at the wastegate only above?

 

Correct.