Our 2010 Mustang has been turbocharged thanks to the folks at Hellion Power Systems in New Mexico, but this article is about how we will be managing the boost in our street machine.  Turbosmart USA, one of the largest players in aftermarket turbocharging accessories and products, recently released their e-Boost Street boost controller, and we knew we had to get our hands on one.

Based on their eBoost 2 boost controller (which provides a state-of-the-art boost controller in a gauge form factor), the e-Boost Street boost controller instead resides in a ¼ DIN-sized package – 80mm wide, 25mm tall, and 90mm deep. It’s simple and easy to set up with a max boost capability of 40 psi.

However, don’t think that’s all this system does, as it has many other features that appeal to the buyer. It allows the user to control dual stages of boost which are easily selected via the turn-and-push-style button. An external switch can also be used to change between boost groups if you want that stealthy, street-racing style package.

The boost correction factor that’s built into the unit eliminates a problem that many street cars suffer – boost drop-off at high RPM.  There’s also an auxiliary output that can switch a device on or off based on boost and RPM, making this one heck of a street-friendly package housed in a small footprint, black anodized aluminum case.

There’s even a PIN function to prevent unwanted tampering with the unit.  The display mode features a live display of boost or RPM depending on the user’s settings, and the built-in software package has been designed to incorporate many different settings and adjustments, but remain easy to use and simple to understand.

This thing has an absolute ton of features; all Turbosmart e-Boost controllers have a unique adjustable gate pressure feature, which means that wastegate creep is minimized and turbo response is more aggressive earlier in the RPM range.  As a result, the engine can be tuned to perform better at the same boost level by the introduction of boost earlier in the curve.

The user has the ability to control the maximum boost pressure point (set point), the spool-up rate of the turbocharger (gate pressure) and the reaction time of the controller (sensitivity).  By controlling these three aspects of boost pressure, vehicle performance is greatly improved while gaining consistency.

A Brief on the E-Boost 2

Since Turbosmart USA offers two different boost controller models, we thought we’d mention that there are a number of differences between the eBoost Street controller we installed and Turbosmart’s big-dog controller, the e-Boost 2. First off, they use completely different form factors – where the eBoost Street is housed in a box like a mid-90’s Valentine radar detector, the eBoost 2 is completely self-contained within a simple 2-5/8ths-inch gauge housing. The eBoost 2 is Turbosmart’s second-generation boost management system.

Additionally, it will control up to 60 psi, offers up to six levels of boost control, gear-based mapping to set a different boost level for each gear, programmable boost settings versus time or RPM, and an auxiliary output that will control water, methanol, or even nitrous injection. In addition, the peak hold/max boost recall allows you to check the boost at the end of a run to see exactly what you’re working with. The e-Boost 2’s industry-leading features run a wallet-friendly $599 MSRP.

Installing the E-Boost Street Boost Controller

We installed the e-Boost Street into our Mustang with a minimum of muss and fuss by following the excellent directions provided by Turbosmart USA. There are a minimum of four and a maximum of six wires to connect, each with a specific purpose.

Turbosmart’s Marty Staggs explained, “The first four wires are all you need to run the unit. You can change boost settings with the Up/Down arrows on the face. The other two wires allow external switching, re-set, RPM referencing as it will do RPM based boost compensation – no other manufacturer has anything like that – and auxiliary outputs that can turn on things based on boost or RPM such as additional fuel pumps, intercooler pump, nitrous, etc.” There is also a simple peak-boost-hold recall feature accessed by pressing the knob twice after a run to display peak boost.

Once the wiring is all set, the boost reference tube needs to be attached to the back of the controller. Follow the install instructions, and then you’re ready to program the unit. Programming consists of a single control knob that uses a three-second press to start the menu cycle. The knob is then turned to access each individual setting before the “End” selection is made to lock in the changes.  The simplicity of the $329.99 E-Boost Street’s operation takes us back to the days of the Apple IIc, but the functionality and consistency is all 2011.