3 Stage Variable Boost

[cannon24889]

Just had a email from Tom saying the car is ready apart from the carbon wings, when I specd the car I missed off the 3 Stage Variable boost. Would this be a big task to retro fit? If it was a simple task I will ask the factory if they could do it before collection. My knowledge on cars is limited so this may be a stupid question!

Thanks in advance

[John Scherrer]

Without this option the engine will produce its designed maximum output, so the option itself is mostly software and a switch to select the required power output.

It doesn't sound like a lot of work to retrofit, but it may be better to order it now and have the factory fit it when they do the carbon wings. In this cold winter weather, just tread more carefully on the loud pedal whilst you get used to the insane power under your right foot!

Either way, a quick call to the factory will confirm.

[Peter255]

As John says just ask the factory.

Its just a switch on the dash and some software so it should be easy to fit. Its not as if mechanical components need to be removed.

If you have driven s/c Atoms in the past though there really is no need for it, especially if your car is 320. The 320 map is very smooth and the suspension and wider tyres are easily upto the job of putting the power down.

However if your new to the experience and want lower power "modes" for whatever reason then go ahead..... IMO the money would be better spent on tuition and track day experience though.

Either way enjoy your car.

[Anon]

I opted for the boost controller, it's called the "right foot". It's based on human intelligence and not AI - or imperative software code!

It cost me all of £0 - bloody expensive but worth it! No seriously, I would put the money towards Ohlins TTX dampers or something else but each to their own as they say.

[Karl V]

I opted for the boost controller, it's called the "right foot". It's based on human intelligence and not AI - or imperative software code!

It cost me all of £0 - bloody expensive but worth it! No seriously, I would put the money towards Ohlins TTX dampers or something else but each to their own as they say.

I did a similar thing with ABS and power steering 'options' ;-)

[Peter255]

Both traction control and variable boost are definitely below uprated suspension and brakes in the priority list.

If money is no object then who doesn't like extra toys! I would fiddle with them a few times if i was bored on a long run, but otherwise it would just fill some blank space on the dash. Its not worth the cash IMO. Add more boost not less!

[John Scherrer]

There are of course the road safety aspects to consider ..

In some road conditions, these options could prevent an accident ..

Think of all the pros driving superstars where they have said you be mad to disable the ESP.

[Peter255]

There are of course the road safety aspects to consider ..

In some road conditions, these options could prevent an accident ..

Think of all the pros driving superstars where they have said you be mad to disable the ESP.

But conversely having that safety net there might lead someone to rely on it and to go faster than their skill really allows. This is not 4 wheel drive with active diffs and stability control. Neither of these two on an Atom are fool-proof. So they could encourage people to go faster than they should. And what about when they turn them down / off? What do they do then?

IMO ABS would be a better option for purely safety reasons for road driving.

[markwetherall]

I personally love the 3 stage boost control on mine. I use it all the time and found it brilliant when I have been caught out in the rain or using the car in the winter. It also decreases the boost noise so on a motorway run I turn the boost down as you don't need the full power when cruising. Monza summed it up brilliantly in a previous post. In the wet with boost and traction the car was much faster with the electronics. It is a personal thing but I certainly am glad that I have it and I do use it all the time

[Anon]

Regarding the boost noise - are you referring to the dump value on de-acceleration? I wanted to change the stock valve and there are options to fit a quiet one. Have you looked at that? Of course it won't stop the turbo spinning up noise.

[Peter255]

Regarding the boost noise - are you referring to the dump value on de-acceleration? I wanted to change the stock valve and there are options to fit a quiet one. Have you looked at that? Of course it won't stop the turbo spinning up noise.

I might be interested in a quieter dump value if there is no performance loss. I didn't realize there were options.

[Anon]

Yes I am going to speak to an engine tuner that specialises in Honda. There are a couple options, 1. you change the blades to circle type ones that cut the noise, possibly fitting a recirculating value so you get no noise at all or just generally fit a different valve like a HKS one that sounds much better than stock like a churpy sound. I really don't like the stock valve. This one might even be configurable to sound better.

[Peter255]

Yes I am going to speak to an engine tuner that specialises in Honda. There are a couple options, 1. you change the blades to circle type ones that cut the noise, possibly fitting a recirculating value so you get no noise at all or just generally fit a different valve like a HKS one that sounds much better than stock like a churpy sound. I really don't like the stock valve. This one might even be configurable to sound better.

Simon,

Please open a thread on this when you have some info and options. I am interested in this and i suspect others will be as well.

Cheers
Peter