DIY Fix: How to Install a Greddy Boost Cut Controller (BCC) on a 2JZ-GTE with VVT-i (Lexus GS300/Toyota Aristo)

A Greddy Boost Cut Controller (BCC) will allow you raise the boost pressure without hitting the factory boost cut.

Our project Lexus GS300 (Toyota Aristo) has been running great, and we love the flexibility of the VVT-i 2JZ-GTE engine around town.  Boost comes online at 1500 rpm in sequential operation to provide adequate torque, and the 2nd turbo comes on at about 4200 rpm to provide additional power up top when needed.  We switched the car to a parallel setup aka True Twin Conversion (TTC mode), which has a bit more lag with the turbos providing boost starting at about 2800 rpm, but there is no dip in power between 3800-4200 rpm when the 2nd turbo would spool up in sequential mode.  This gives the car a more linear feeling powerband with more midrange punch, albeit at the expense of low end torque. 

We recently installed a bleed valve style manual boost controller to increase the boost from the factory setting of 12 psi.  One thing we noticed with the installation of the boost controller was the immediate increase in low end torque.  Noticeable boost (~5 psi) would come in at about 2200-2400 rpm depending on the gear we were in, which made our GS300 much easier to drive around town at low speeds.  We wanted to set our boost to 16 psi, however we were running into boost cut at 14.7 psi (1 Bar) of boost.  Boost cut is a safety feature where the computer cuts the ignition to the motor if the manifold pressure exceeds a certain threshold (1 Bar in our case with the 2JZ-GTE engine) for more than a second or two. 

To bypass the factory boost cut, we went with Greddy's Boost Cut Controller (BCC).  This device caps the voltage signal coming from the manifold pressure sensor, so the car's computer will not invoke boost cut.  Since Greddy does not make a 2JZ-GTE specific BCC, you will need to source one for a 2nd generation MR2 (SW20 chassis).  Follow along as we show you how to install the BCC on a Lexus GS300/Toyota Aristo 2JZ-GTE VVT-i engine. 

Nostalgia Cars: 11 Japanese Cars from the 1980s

Aaah, youth.  Where the only thing to worry about was whether or not Mom remembered to buy your favorite cereal, and bothering Dad to get out of bed so he could watch the early Saturday morning cartoons with you.

Here's a list of 11 Japanese cars which were usually modified and raced on the street by the local enthusiasts at the time.  Everybody will have a different list compared to another person, but why 11 cars and not 10?  Well, because we're just that awesome.  =)  Also, before you start sending us an email asking why there are cars that weren't available in the U.S. on the list, keep in mind that's where the author spent his youth.  The cars are listed in no particular order.

Bolt on Turbo for Ford Mustang = 500+ Horsepower

Ford's Coyote V8 responds very well to forced induction.

The Coyote V8 powering Ford's Mustang GT is a proving to be a very stout motor.  Why?  You will find out shortly!  While most people would be content with the 412 hp the engine offers at the crank, there are some who appreciate having a bit more punch than what the car has in stock trim. Bolt on modifications can yield decent returns, but for serious power, forced induction is the way to go. 

Your first car, what was it?

Nissan recently posted a question on their Facebook page asking when was your first time driving a Nissan.  This got the ball rolling and the question we would like to ask is:  What was your first car, and what are your memories of learning to drive?  For many people, driving began in our teens with lessons beginning in a parking lot and lots of classroom instruction about safe driving. 

For this author, the first car I drove was a 1986 red Nissan Auster Rtt Euroforma edition. 

BTCC: British Touring Car Championship Neal vs. Plato for 2012

Photo courtesy automobilsport.com

The most heated rivalry in the British Touring Car Championship series is between drivers Matt Neal and Jason Plato.  The two have had on and off track exchanges, with the most notable being at Rockingham. 

Motoring Evolution: Review of the Kia Optima SX Turbo

Mention the name Kia to people, and you will probably hear a response related to the company's current campaign ads with the dancing hamsters and the Soul.  Cute, but what if you're not into the trendy, boxy look and you want something a bit more sporty?  Yes, you can opt for a vehicle with 2 doors and a cramped rear seat, but for practicality's sake you want to keep to something with 4 doors.  Maybe an entry level basic sport luxury sedan, or fire breathing all wheel drive rally car for the street?  No on either accounts?