13 replies to this topic

[Donalds]

Hi guys just got my bug wrx and realized it's got a grimmspeed electronic boost controller fitted anyone else using these and know of there any good? Also when I g it the car it was peaking at 15 psi which is what I have had on most imprezas I've had running a td04 20 but in the last few days it's decided to hit 20 psi I only realized as the boost gauges was beeping when it hit 20 I can't imagine 20 psi will be doing my motor much good so if anyone has a few common causes for this to happen please let me know

[Matt]

Boost controller or 3 port boost solenoid?

The gd engines will take 20psi fairly easily with a tune aswell

[WillC]

Hi Donald,

 

I have a 2 x Grimmspeed boost controllers, 1x Standard WRX wastegate control solenoid valve, and a B4 wastegate control solenoid valve. They are all different and they're not drop in to each other.

 

What diagnostics have you tried so far? where is your boost sensor / guage situated. What supportive mods are on the car.

 

You mention you had a td04 was this changed?

[Matt]

Ive seen the grimmspeed manual boost controllers and the EBCS, but unless its now discontinued i have never seen an actual electornic boost controller..as in programmable??

[WillC]

Ive seen the grimmspeed manual boost controllers and the EBCS, but unless its now discontinued i have never seen an actual electornic boost controller..as in programmable??

Yep ur right matt. My poor choice of words relating to the OP's terms.

I have 2 x Grimmspeed wastegate control solenoid valves, these things are controlled by the ECU and will plug into the factory plug but the valves themselves behave very different to standard valves that come with your car.

[Matt]

 

Ive seen the grimmspeed manual boost controllers and the EBCS, but unless its now discontinued i have never seen an actual electornic boost controller..as in programmable??

Yep ur right matt. My poor choice of words relating to the OP's terms.

I have 2 x Grimmspeed wastegate control solenoid valves, these things are controlled by the ECU and will plug into the factory plug but the valves themselves behave very different to standard valves that come with your car.

 

yep had one on my gen3....they are a 3 port design, more more efficient at controlling and building boost...will be chasing a new one with the new engine later aswell...though after all the stories i hear about grimmspeeds ones i may go a cobb or a pierburg

 

When you say you have two...as in two on the car..or two just sitting around??

[WillC]

one in the car, one in the box. Dylan is already trying to call dibbs on the one in the box.

[Matt]

damn..i was just about to do the same lol...if he falls through

[Donalds]

It just seems a lot to me i have no warning lights but will check for a fault code. I'm fairly sure it was only hitting 15 psi a few days ago I definitely didn't notice my boost gauges beeping at the peak. Sorry Yeh 3 port here's the link to what I see in my engine bay http://www.grimmspee...rx-sti-lgt-fxt/

The guy I got the car from gave me the usual story about different internals a re bore skimmed block and remap but I don't believe it I don't know why you would do all that and keep the td04.

[WillC]

The guy I got the car from gave me the usual story about different internals a re bore skimmed block and remap but I don't believe it I don't know why you would do all that and keep the td04.

It should be consistent, it doesn't just change on a whim, thats why you put a Grimmspeed in. I have the same one.

 

A few questions

 

- Rebore / skim block and heads? did he blow the engine and get it rebuilt ?

- remap ? are you referring to the ecu map, if so you can find out easy by borrowing or if you have an obd2 tool and downloading the ecu map and compare it to a standard map from the same year. ( if you are in NSW near Wetherill Park, Parramatta, Liverpool area I can help you with this )

 

If you thought about it he could of just sold the turbo and put the factory one back in, check your engine bay does it have factory heat shields does any part look molested. I dare say if internals were changed then your engine bay will have pocket holes everywhere, from missing parts.

 

We're a friendly group, we have multiple meets per month per state and people are generally eager to help out so maybe just join one of those and grab some advice there.

[Donalds]

Hmm well it may just be me and I've not had my foot right down until that occasion. I couldn't tell you mate I assume it's a standard block no receipts. I appreciate the offer thanks mate but I'm on vic il try and find a good garage this weekend. Il definitely get to the next meet when I'm off work mate thanks for the quick response and info.
Just to get you opinion and anyone else's. Is 20 psi to much for 2002 wrx internals or for the td04 ? I was always told not to go above 1 bar -15 psi. It's good a good few other mods such as a deeper tmic woth water spray a turbo back exhaust system and it seems pretty healthy no oil use or smoke etc

[WillC]

20 psi at what rev range and at what load.

 

For example, 2nd gear 20psi @ 6000 rpm 2nd gear under full load is not the same as 20psi @ 6000 rpm 4th gear under full load. The difference is in the airflow required for that rev range under that load.

 

You will generally need more air. This means the compressor will need to spin faster, spinning faster has a general efficiency drop which pushes your curve to the right. When it does this it requires more energy to make the compressor spin faster.

 

TL:DR

 

on a 1998cc engine this turbo running at 15psi will run out of puff and you will notice a boost drop top end. Pushing it to 20 psi won't really do anything better for the car or the turbo as you are pushing it past its optimal efficiency.

[Donalds]

Il investigate today when I'm out for a drive this morning it decided to start beeping at 15 psi I don't know what's going on. Is it easy to turn the boost down on these grimmspeed solenoids ?

[WillC]

It is controlled by the ecu. For the boost to be spiking you may need to investigate it further. eg wastegate function or if that solenoid is working right. Chevk vac hoses for boost to make sure they are clean and unrestricted.