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SRTforums Member
Join Date: Oct 2004
Member Number: 19255
Location: GreensburgPA
Posts: 4,380
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Gizzmo IBC review:
Well, I haven't done one of these in a while, but I thought I'd post up my opinion. I'd been looking for a new EBC for a while. I was considering the Truboost, and am REALLY glad I didn't buy it. I have experience with the dtec FCBC, Blitz SBC, Greddy Profec, and the AVCR. I chose the Gizzmo because of all the reviews I read online, price, build quality, and ease of operation/installation. So here goes.
First, price: I bought this from Modacar. It was under 300 shipped. Compared to the other EBC's in its class, this is DIRT CHEAP. I give it a 5 out of 5. Other multi stage EBC's with a >2bar boots limit are all in the 350-400 dollar range. Some may have more capabilities, ie., Turbo timer, boost by gear, etc. But really none compare in price to the Gizzmo.
Second, reviews: Every review I read about the Gizzmo was top notch, and I have to agree. It is amazingly simple to install and operate. Boost is adjusted up or down via a duty cycle adjustment for the solenoid(the basic MAC boost solenoid). It is a 0-100%. Each % is 1 millisecond of cycle time. Gain is also adjustable, and also a 0-100% function. With gain set at 25% and DS at 20%, I have never seen such stable boost before. The Gizzmo is also VERY HIGHLY recommended by drag racers because of its boost stability. One great addition would be boost by gear, but for 300 shipped, you can't ask for much more.
Third, build quality: Extruded aluminum, (3) 7 segment LED readout, big numbers for blind dickheads like me, ONLY 2 BUTTONS! weighs about 150grams. Comes with nitrile tubing and like previously said, the standard AMERICAN MADE Mac boost solenoid. This is the same thing as the Perrin boost solenoid, and most of the others you'll see on the web. Not some cheapo Chinese POS. The internal MAP sensor is good to 29psi, which is the most I (and most other SRT drivers) will ever need. It has 4 independent boost settings. During startup or boost map switching, the LEDs read out which map your in 1-4, then flashes the highest stable boost achieved in that map (will record after a 3-4 gear pull with about 2-3 seconds at a stable boost pressure), and then reads the current boost pressure. It only reads boost, never vacuum. Looks great, its about the size of a pack of Virginia Slims. You know, those cigarettes that your aunt Marge smokes?
Lastly, installation: I mounted my Gizzmo between my Game Boy and my stock boost gauge pod. It comes with double sided tape, which I utilized, but will switch to velcro soon. It only requires splicing 2 wires, power and ground. I spliced both into the Cig lighter socket. Works great. Next, the boost line to the Gizzmo. It is too short by itself to reach the throttle body. My best advice would be to 'T' into the line for the boost gauge under the dashpad. I just went to my local parts o' rama and bought 10 ft of vac line. I should have bought like 50 ft, cause you never know when you need it. Next, the solenoid. It mounts under the hood anywhere you want. Connect the 3/8 vac line to the solenoid and the WG/WGA and the nipple on the turbo and your done. Dont forget to zip tie! Lastly, the wiring. The wires from the Gizzmo to the solenoid are pre-wrapped in heat shrink the entire length. It is perfectly long enough to get from the Gizzmo to the solenoid just about any way you want to route them. Total install took me about 30 minutes, give or take. I would say anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours depending on skill level/familiarity.
So all in all, I think this is a great EBC for the price. I would recommend to anyone this EBC. If you're willing to spend the 700 bux, Get the HKS EVC or the Blitz IBC Color. If you don't care about a digital boost readout and you have a windows computer, get the boost box by N2MB. If you want a decent in-cabin EBC with a nice readout, and real ease of use, get the Gizzmo!
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