Got myself the manual boost controller from http://www.dawesdevices.com. It works pretty well so far. The hoses that it came with were too small to fit on the wastegate and turbo, so I had to buy some vacuum connectors and some larger hose. I managed to get it all together and am pleased at the results.

The "stock" boost controller setting was (surprisingly) at 10 psi! After a couple adjustments and test drives, I locked the boost in at 13.5 psi (0.9 bar, upper limit of factory spec) and the ALDA was turned 3/4 turn counterclockwise. Acceleration is much stronger, and the car continues to pull strongly at 90mph. I have the 85mph speedometer (1982 model) but I removed the restriction pin after the 85 mark. I have not clocked my "new" 0-60 times, but I would estimate them to be about 10 seconds.

Some smoke prior to full throttle, (as was before the boost adjustment) but no noticeable increase in smoke. Overall I am very impressed. Please let me know if you are considering the procedure, and I can elaborate on the specifics. (ie, which vacuum adapters and connectors you will need.)

Congrats on a mod well done. Does the boost controller vent excess boost to the atmosphere? If so, is there a cool sound? I am trying to figure out the difference between a boost controller and a blow off valve. To me, they seem to be the same thing except for the price.

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2001 Dodge Ram 2500 Cummins Turbo Diesel - 4x4, auto, 3.54 gears, long bed
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'92 300D 2.5 Turbodiesel - sold
'83 300D Turbodiesel - 4 speed manual/2.88 diff - sold
'87 300D Turbodiesel - sold
'82 300D Turbodiesel - sold

In a gasoline car, the blow off valve is (ideally) mounted as close to the throttle body as possible. Diesels don't have throttle bodies though (the throttle pedal controls the injection directly) so they don't really need a blow off valve. Even though they sound cool.

Gas cars need them so that air doesn't get backed up behind the throttle plates. But diesels don't have throttle plates! When the throttle plate snaps closed the air has somewhere to go. A blowoff valve has pressure coming at it from the intake side and the manifold side of the throttle body. When the throttle snaps closed, there's vacuum on one side and increasing pressure on the other. This causes the blowoff valve to open, thus venting air, and making the cool "psssshsh" sound too.

How much did it cost?

Boost controller was $35 shipped, but I had to buy a few vacuum adapters from my local auto parts store. About $7 bucks for all of them.

This is cool. I got to try it too. The stock wastegate is hard to adjust.

David

Good Job! Speedy

I'm thinking about the dual stage from JCwhitney once I got that $600 check from IRS...

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BJ

09 GL320 Bluetec 65K+
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07 Kawasaki Vulcan 900 5k+ gone
87 300SDL 158k+ gone
91 300D 113k+ gone
83 300SD 220K+ gone
89 300E sold
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I should also add that you get quite a bit more turbo whistle when you turn up the boost. And it sure sounds cool.

I am purchasing one the these controllers from Dawes Devices and would be interested in what you had to change to install it on your car. I have an 85 300SD and current boost is about 7 psi. I just want to bring it up to spec. Did you purchase the Deluxe Installation Kit ?

Shopping list:

1. One foot of high quality 3/8 inch hose.

2. One foot of high quality 3/16 inch hose.

3. Two vacuum adapters to join 3/8 inch hose to 3/16 inch

4. One "soft vacuum connector" that is 1/8 inch by 5/32 inch

5. Metal hose clamps

6. One 3/16 inch ribbed vacuum connector


First of all, it is a MUST that you have a boost gauge installed. Second, you'll use some 3/8 inch hose to replace the wastegate hose, and then some 3/16 inch hose to run from the boost controller TO the 3/8 inch hose. Use the two vacuum adapters to join the 3/8 inch hose to 3/16 inch hose.

Also, notice that the metal nipple on the "elbow" end is slightly larger than the one on the other side. It is just SLIGHTLY too large for the 3/16 inch hose, so you will need a "soft vacuum adapter" that will fit. I used a 1/8 by 5/32 inch. Additionally, you will need to connect this soft adapter to the 3/16 inch hose, so purchase a 3/16 ribbed vacuum connector. You may also want to use some metal hose clamps to ensure a tight fit on everything.

I purchased the standard kit, not the "Deluxe" version, because you'll end up not using any of the hose that they supply you with.

I already have a boost pressure gauge setup. Hope to install the controller next weekend. Thanks for the information.

Speedy,

How long did the whole installation take? I think I'm going to order myself one of these boost controllers and I'd like to know what I'm getting myself into. Thanks

Alex

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1983 300D (parked for four years)
2012 VW Sportwagen TDI Manual
2001 Miata SE
1962 Chevrolet Corvair Rampside

DieselHead:

Installation will take you less than an hour, but you have to be patient with all the road tests that you'll have to do in between adjustments! The entire process will take you less than two hours.

Speedy,
It sounds like you're already up to speed on this but for others I just wanted to point out that without making a proper adjustment to the alda you will not be making efficient power. On a virgin alda 1 1/2 turns counter clockwise is in the ball park. Too much or to little fuel will limit power and economy. A further adjustment can be made by looking for faint dark smoke in full sunlight, full acceleration, full load, at operating temperature, at about 3500 rpm. Turn in to lean, out to richen. Once in the ballpark, fine adjustments make a big difference. Please note It is reported that every so often adjusting your alda will cause it to fail without warning. I have adjusted several without trouble and have looked inside one and found it to be of robust construction, but if you try this and yours breaks your on your own. (I have picked up a couple at the local u-pull for <$20. MB gets over $400)

Bob D.
83 300SD
84 300SD

Speedy, one more question. I noticed in a past post that you had a link to turbologic.com (Joe P MBC) as source for a good controller. Why did you decide to purchase from Dawes instead ?