Hey all,

I need some help in making a decision on getting either another Apexi AVC-R or Gizzmo MS-IBC boost controller.

I ran with an Apexi for a few years on my old coupe which was written off and carted away with the Apexi inside it I can't tell you the amount of times I have kicked myself for not removing it before the recovery lifted it, it was one of my favourite mods on the car and I REALLY miss being able to control boost dependant on revs and gear etc. I think now that I have an aem wideband gauage/sensor in the car I will love the Apexi even more as I can adjust boost according to fuelling how awesome would that be(what a geek)! Despite my love for this boost controller I have taken note of Rogs comments and it sounds like they can be unreliable and need replacing of parts this combined with the fact that they are now ridiculously expensive has made me think twice about getting another.

Due to the cost of the Apexi I have been looking into the Gizzmo MS-IBC and it sounds very good! Not as technical as the Apexi with less functions but perhaps makes up for it with 6 boost programmable boost settings and according to users quality parts which are able to hold boost very well, It also has a scramble function to raise boost for a number of seconds.
It is also much cheaper than the Apexi........

Basically my heart is saying get another Apexi and my head is pushing for the Gizzmo. I need help from anyone on here who runs or has run with either boost controller and can comment on how they perform and more importantly any problems........ any comments/help is appreciated!

Cheers
John

Hi John, i had a simlar problem with what boost controller to buy. I moved from a blitz duel sbc which was a very good controller, but i was getting boost fluctuations on my setup.
I went for the gizzmo ms-ibc and its a great bit of kit, looks good and when its off you can't see it very easy (good to stop thiefs noticing it). The only thing i noticed is that i had to extend the wiring to the boost control solenoid as it wasn't quite long enough for the coupe.
It can be abit tricky to setup as first with the odd button combinations you need to press, but once your used to it then your fine.
The controller holds boost extremely well and i have no problem with any boost spike (got boost spike stop on) you can run it with open loop or closed loop (i got more power and torque from open loop).
I would highly recommend this controller to anybody after using it (had it for 4-5months) i can only run low boost at the minute though as my torque increase has started to make my clutch slip.

Hope this helps you decide.

Ash

Ash, thanks I appreciate the input thought this was going to be a dead post for a while there........... I think i'm being pulled towards the Apexi due to feeling it was taken from me wrongly and I really miss it.
The Gizzmo sounds like the sensible option due to the quality and price and what you say from 4-5 months use seems to back that up, also I think the price of the Apexi has gone up so much as they have stopped making them or was this a rumour? Might not be good if it goes wrong and there is a lack of spare parts as they are expensive as it is!


Cheers
John

hello,

I m currently running a Blitz I color...
have you consider this option?

I think you won't be disappointed whatever your choice
if you go for a BC in a recognized Brand (Apex, Blitz,Greddy,Hks..)

we are all facing the same dilemma ... lol

I bought the i color for the many settings offered..
but this makes makes a big difference:
"Data logger function enables POWER, TORQUE, BOOST, A/F readings to be shown as graphical display on the color screen."

if you want to refine your settings, the blitz is higher (for me ..)

Did you buy the Coupe with your heart or your head?

Use which ever works best, for me it's never the head.

Hi mate,

just looked at the Blitz a bit more and it is expensive like the avc-r although yes it has got alot of functions and probably newer technology!

MattW I think you're right and no I didn't buy the coupe with my head and it's the best toy I have ever owned . I know if I buy the Apexi I will have a smile on my face everytime I see it and maybe if I get the Gizzmo I'll be thinking I should have got the Apexi, unfortunately for me my head might need to rule due to the cost!

Thanks for your thoughts so far guys.

Cheers
John

Quote of the month. Completely sums up Coupe ownership for me! I've just gone for a brand new Apexi, got it off ebay and no issues, can't remember exactly what it cost but it wasn't massively more than a second hand unit.

I have the gizzmo,it holds the boost well and its really easy to install and set up yourself.
I have fitted mine in the ashtray so it can be closed away out of sight, it is quite small but as Ash said i had to extend the wire for the solenoid for it to fit in the ashtray.
The only problem i have had is when i went to flea's the solenoid was sticking,he cleaned it for me and all seems well again.(you can buy the same solenoid on ebay for £60 as a replacement in the worst case.)
They are meant to be bringing out an add on module so you can have in gear specific boost like the apexi.
They are both good ebc's,the gizzmo does what it say's on the tin, but it sounds to me you have a fetish for the apexi

Haha yes I do have quite a fetish for the Apexi it takes me back to happy times and I didn't have any problems with my old one.

I read a post, I think from Grant, who was selling them a while back and I think it was him that mentioned the possiblity of the add on to the Gizzmo to enable gear specific boost being introduced but I haven't heard anything since. I might try and track him down on here or his website and ask about this.

Thanks again.
John

Little piccy closed and open

Jonone, what does the Gizzmo have on its display? Is it PSI/Bar.... Good install BTW.

It can have either!