Ramen_Noodle

iTrader: (3)

Got the Grimmspeed on the list of things to buy and install prior to tuning, can't wait to get started!

Raptord

iTrader: (10)

Many people use the GS, great part.

Also, just nitpicking, but this is an "electronic boost control solenoid", not an "electronic boost controller". EBCS, not EBC.

GTijoejoe

iTrader: (25)

I agree. Maybe the grimspeed looks a little more fancy and utilizes the factory coupler for simplicity.. I use the GM solenoid without resistor and works like a champ.

mrfred

iTrader: (50)

Yeah, I've had one for four years, and it was used when I got it. Still works perfect. Plug is actually not an issue. Spoolinup.com sells adapter harnesses.

10isace

iTrader: (12)

Thanks for saving me $$! When you say GM, is it OEM or is the AC Delco one just as good?

mrfred

iTrader: (50)

Get the one that spoolinup sells. One stop shopping for the solenoid and harness without the resistor.

mberenis

iTrader: (5)

How much does the GM one with harness adapter actually cost?

mrfred

iTrader: (50)

$40 for the solenoid and $20 for the harness on spoolinup.com. No lie about half the price.

mberenis

iTrader: (5)

Wow lol! I did look into this setup but decided to go with a proven plug and play name brand ebcs. I have a lot of money invested in my car right now and for me, spending the extra sixty bucks was worth it. I wasnt comfortable using the gm solenoid as i feel it is a less than favorable way of doing things. My worries may be unwarranted, but i just wasnt comfortable retrofitting something from another car manufacturer. Im not a fan of obama motors either

Question: is there anything other than price about the gm solenoid that makes it better than the grimmspeed unit??

mrfred

iTrader: (50)

Proven reliability record. I've not heard of any failures. Mine is at least four years old, and is probably closer to six years old. Still works perfect. Performance is a complete toss-up. You certainly didn't go wrong by having purchased the Grimmspeed.

mberenis

iTrader: (5)

Wow thats really good! How about tunability of the gm solenoid vs the grimmspeed? Any differences there?

mrfred

iTrader: (50)

No detectable difference in tunability or boost control range because their bleed responses are very similar. I bench tested both solenoids about three years ago and posted the results on EvoM. If you dig, you'll be able to find the results.

mberenis

iTrader: (5)

How do the boost control solenoids like grimmspeed, tactrix, gm, etc differ from "boost controllers"

foxbat

Boost solenoid is basically an electric gate that works in conjunction with the wastegate (mechanical) to limit boost or keep it under a certain level. This solenoid is controlled by the ECU. To modify the stock boost levels, the stock map needs to be modified using a tactrix OBD connector & a labtop with ECUflash software.
A dedicated EBC such as the greddy or HKS EVC, has its own control unit & solenoid, it controls boost independent from the main ECU. It's like an MBC but electronic. It has many advantages, the driver can always modify the settings & store various settings through the control unit without having to access/reprogram the main ECU every time.

Ted B

iTrader: (6)

The primary reason why one would need to change boost settings is to accommodate a change in fuels. The ECU holds two complete, independent maps that can be toggled from the driver's seat while on the fly. Otherwise, fiddling with boost settings without accessing the ECU's fuel and ignition maps, or datalogging (all of which require accessing the ECU anyway), isn't a particularly good idea.

When it comes to these outboard dongles, I see the disadvantages of cost, added hardware, and a potential source of issues, all for features one already has at his disposal.