Hey everyone... I'm just starting out looking into modifying my Evo6 and (thank goodness for forward planning) I'm stuck at the very first stage

My question arises at the point where I get to altering boost levels and dealing with the ILO signal sent by the Mass Air Monitor. I'm currently looking at an Apex-i Power-FC replacement ECU. This has the ability (with an additional module) of running a remote boost pressure controller, and the engine fueling is adjusted by the ECU itself (a good thing right?) However, this (apparently) necessitates fitment of a manifold pressure sensor rather than taking a signal from the Mass Air Monitor. (or so I'm lead to believe)

Now, most tuning shops that I've seen on the web go about things slightly differently... they generally employ an HKS F-Con5 piggyback ECU (Ignition Settings) and EVC-4 (or Apex-i AVC-R) boost controller with a Fuel Cut Defencer...

Now - It seems to me that having the boost and fueling controlled by the one unit (Apex-i Power-FC) is a much more elegant solution, and I have heard that using a Fuel Cut Defencer is not an entirely acceptable solution... so I'm leaning more towards the Apex-i ECU... although there must be a reason for most shops going the other way (I'm wondering if it's simply because they have a good deal with HKS - but I'm keen to hear otherwise) Anyone have any opinions on this so far?

How does this effect me so early on in the game?

Well, it all has to do with the induction system. If I go with the Apex-i ECU, I don't use the factory Mass Air Monitor - so options like the HKS Racing Suction Kit aren't an option... In this case, a nice "Battery Relocation Kit" and some generic Pod Filter will be the way to go. If I go the other way, like most tuning shops, I do use the MAM, so can't very easily go with the battery relocation, but will use the Racing Suction Kit instead.

Point that needs clarification:
OK - I might be totally clueless about this, so thought I'd ask a question that might answer all of the above in one hit...


Is the signal from a manifold pressure sensor the same ILO signal as the ECU gets from the Mass Air Monitor? If so, does anyone know if the Apex-i Power-FC ECU can work without it and get it's signal from the MAM? Conversely, can the HKS F-Con5 take it's ILO from a manifold sensor rather than the MAM? If so - then I'm making a big deal over nothing One last point - can you run the HKS Racing Suction Kit without an Airflow Monitor?

Thanks guys. Any info greatly appreciated.
Sorry for the small novel ;-)

Cheers,
Doc.