Actuator direct?

[RobDon]

It seems alot of the Focus RS boys fit Forge actuators with a blue spring and run them direct with no solenoid or boost controller at all, they adjust the actuator arm to run the desired boost pressure and that's it.

What are the pros and cons of doing this?

 

[ibizacupra]

less control imho..

controlled via solenoid you can choose how you wish to spool, so actuator off effectively until desired spool and boost are reached, before allowing actuaot to start to move on the increasing pressure.

actuators have a range of opening, its not ON-OFF, OPEN-CLOSE operation but a creep to push open starting from their static spring pressure + frictional losses.

Its works without question, not as a I want 20psi from my unmapped car kinda way, as ME7 ecus will throw deviation codes that Fords maybe dont worry about.

When I have run actuator only previously, it was with the Apexi in its 'off' mode, and used for wet conditions, lowest power, and the delivery was smooth and tapered boost onset. (ideal for traction limmited conditions)

 

[RobDon]

Thanks for that Bill, just wondered why they do it as they seem to favour it over a boost controller.

 

[ibizacupra]

its simpler and probably cheaper also.. you dont need to be as techy to change springs