Specific Product Information
Features and Benefits
- Repeatable and stable boost curve
- 100% reliability, zero maintenance
- Easy to install in minutes
- Easy to adjust, set-and-forget
- Precision needle valve bleed system, more stable than “ball-and-spring” types
GFB Atomic - Manual Boost Controller
The Atomic has earned a reputation as being one of the most reliable and effective manual boost controllers on the market, boasting a repeatable and steady boost curve, quick rise rate, and great bang-for-buck!
The Atomic Boost Controller was tested on an MY02 Subaru WRX (whose only mods were a turbo-back exhaust) back-to-back with the factory controller. A base-line power run was performed with the factory boost control, and the boost level was measured at the same time. The Atomic was then installed and set to the same peak boost level of 0.9bar (13.2 psi) so that the spool-up time could be accurately compared before and after the installation.
The dyno graph shows the Atomic boost curve in green, and the factory curve in blue. 4th gear is used for both tests, and proof that the Atomic was set to the same peak level is seen towards the end of the chart as the two curves meet. However, notice the massive gains down low in the rev range, as much as 18kW (23.4hp) AT THE WHEELS!
This increase in power shows that the Atomic allows the boost to rise significantly earlier than the factory controller, which on the road represents much better acceleration from a whopping 1700RPM earlier in the rev range. All this WITHOUT exceeding the factory peak boost level, and for a pocket-money price!
It is important to note that the MY01-02 (MY02-03 in the US, GDA chassis) model responds very well to this modification, because the factory boost mapping is very conservative in an attempt to keep the torque curve flat and the power delivery linear (which totally kills the feeling that you are driving a turbo!). Note of course that boost can be increased above the factory level for more power gains, but the purpose of this experiment was only to show the improved spool-up potential on this particular model WRX.
So, if you want your GDA WRX to REALLY feel lively, fit an Atomic or Reactor boost controller for the best “bang-for-your-buck” modification you can make!
Use Cases
Able to be installed on most turbocharged vehicles that utilise a pneumatically actuated wastegate. Is not compatible with vehicles that utilise an electronically controlled wastegate.
FAQ:
How do I ensure that my Atomic has been plumbed correctly?
Etched into the body of the Atomic are two little arrows indicating the required direction that boost is required to flow to your wastegate. The nipple with the restrictor hole will need to be connected to the hose from your boost pressure source, where the vacuum nipple without the restrictor hole will connect to your wastegate actuator. If in the case the Atomic is installed in the opposite orientation, the Atomic would not be operating as intended.
Can my Atomic be installed with the OE boost control system on your vehicle?
If your vehicle comes factory with a boost control system alike a factory boost control solenoid, you will need to disconnect the various hoses leading to the solenoid but ensuring that you leave the solenoid electronically connected. By leaving the solenoid connected, your ECU will assume that it still retains control over boost and that no CEL codes are triggered.
I’m finding that my boost is overshooting uncontrollably:
Screw the needle fully clockwise, if the problem continues check that a hose has not come loose or been connected incorrectly. Check that all hose connections are secure and leak free
I’m leaking air at idle! Help!
If you can hear air hissing through the controller at idle, the boost source is hooked up to the intake manifold. It should be re-connected to a boost source BEFORE the throttle body.
Warranty Information
We offer lifetime warranty on all of our products, so provided that there is a genuine manufacturing or assembly fault with your product – please send us some photos of what’s going on so that we’d be able to assist with either replacement parts or components. It’s also worth noting that we our lifetime warranty does not extend to those who have purchased our parts second hand.
Next steps: https://gfb.com.au/contact-us/
If you are still having some trouble, then the next steps are to contact our Tech Support team. Videos, photos and a clear description of the symptoms you are experiencing would give us a better understanding of what is going on and how to resolve this issue as quickly as possible. Remember, we can’t see your car or product, so our diagnosis is only as good as the information you provide us.
