TurboXS hybrid BOV review

[shadow1]

I ordered the BOV direct from TurboXS. Very nice piece. Comes with gasket preinstalled on the flange. Includes extra vacuum line (silicone rather than cheaper rubber) to extend the factory vacuum line. Install took 5 minutes. Fits perfect. Clears the engine cover. Nice Phsshh BOV sounds. So far no driveability issues like stalling or surging. There is some part throttle flutter but I have noticed this with TurboXS BOV's on other turbo vehicles as well. Theoretically should hold more boost than the cheapy stock plastic BOV. Thumbs up.

[MadMax]

Any pics avail?

MadMax

[shadow1]

Here you go....

[AWmustang]

I ordered the BOV direct from TurboXS. Very nice piece. Comes with gasket preinstalled on the flange. Includes extra vacuum line (silicone rather than cheaper rubber) to extend the factory vacuum line. Install took 5 minutes. Fits perfect. Clears the engine cover. Nice Phsshh BOV sounds. So far no driveability issues like stalling or surging. There is some part throttle flutter but I have noticed this with TurboXS BOV's on other turbo vehicles as well. Theoretically should hold more boost than the cheapy stock plastic BOV. Thumbs up.

Hold more boost?!?!?! This engine is already dealing with 15.6 PSI from the factory. How much more boost do you think this valve will allow? Is it safe for the engine?

[shadow1]

According to TurboXS, the stock BOV leaks boost at redline. So a better BOV helps on the top end. The same is true of some other factory turbo cars like the 2nd generation DSMs (Eclipses).

[aussiehoudini]

is fitting a BOV like this going to affect my warranty?

[AWmustang]

is fitting a BOV like this going to affect my warranty?

ANY change made to the vehicle can affect warranty if they can prove the aftermarket part caused the problem.

In other words it is illegal for them to deny your suspension warranty because of this part however, if you blow a head gasket or something, they could deny warranty.

[captaingoodvibes]

Here you go....
hey there i noticed you also have the cai .is there any real performance gain that you can feel, for example feeling the power push on past the 5000rpm level

[shadow1]

Adding an intake is night and day. The stock airbox is very restrictive. An intake will add a good amount of mid and high rpm power.

[vroooom]

I ordered the BOV direct from TurboXS. Very nice piece. Comes with gasket preinstalled on the flange. Includes extra vacuum line (silicone rather than cheaper rubber) to extend the factory vacuum line. Install took 5 minutes. Fits perfect. Clears the engine cover. Nice Phsshh BOV sounds. So far no driveability issues like stalling or surging. There is some part throttle flutter but I have noticed this with TurboXS BOV's on other turbo vehicles as well. Theoretically should hold more boost than the cheapy stock plastic BOV. Thumbs up.


What is the price of the TurboXS BOV? and is your intake just the filter or is it the whole kit?

thanks.

[shadow1]

The BOV is only available from TurboXS directly for 229 + shipping. The intake is a kit - pipe, filter, plus some hardware that is Mazda 6 specific.

[shadow1]

Update:
I've been adding washers to tighten the BOV spring to eliminate part throttle flutter. I'm running all 6 washers with pretty good results. Also I found that the engine cover just touches the vacuum line. It was starting to cut into the line. So a dremeled a small notch into the cover for added clearance. All good.

[vroooom]

Hey Shadow..

where abouts you in MD. Im in NOVA. perhaps we can meet up, so I can checkout your setup.

cya

[rexercx7]

Update:
I've been adding washers to tighten the BOV spring to eliminate part throttle flutter. I'm running all 6 washers with pretty good results. Also I found that the engine cover just touches the vacuum line. It was starting to cut into the line. So a dremeled a small notch into the cover for added clearance. All good.

So what's the verdict? That's a pretty damning comment on your new BOV to say it has "throttle flutter" at low speeds, which is where we do 50%+ of our driving. I wouldn't want a BOV that "flutters", this much I'm certain of!:p

Is it possible that yours is defective? And has your "adding washers" cured the problem 100% or are you still experiencing "flutter" as you called it? Why don't you return it and get something else if this problem can't be fixed, or "adjusted out" of the unit's operation. And finally, haven't you complained to the supplier/manufacturer about what's going on and told them that you don't like it? (I certainly would if it were my BOV doing that!)?

I'm going to replace the OEM BOV on my CX-7, but it's going to be with a product that's *made for the CX-7*, fits correctly, works with the ECU system/turbo system properly, so I've not yet decided what to do about it. There apparently is no BOV specifically made for the CX-7 at this time.
And even though I've seen all the "online BOV sound and video clips" they were quite unconvincing to me, because to a one they were all using BOV's made for other turbo systems, not the CX-7's.

Kindest regards,
rexercx7:cool:

[shadow1]

TurboXS BOV's all flutter to some degree. I think it is inherent in the design. I have tried TXS BOV's on my old Eclipse and my Evo. Although on the Evo I sold the TXS part and went with a different (also Australian like TXS) BOV. The BOV with all 6 packing washers only flutters slightly if you let off the gas from like 10% throttle. Letting off the throttle from >10% just lets off a nice PHSSHH. This is not a problem. It is just the acoustics. Street Unit is going to offer a Turbosmart BOV kit for the CX7. It is an Australian brand as well and their Evo specific model is also known to flutter. I currently use the APS BOV in my Evo and it has zero flutter.
The TXS BOV on my CX7 is Mazdaspeed specific. No adapters unlike the HKS kits that are being sold. The stock BOV is the same on the CX7, MS6, and MS3. The TXS part is the only one out at the moment that is Mazdaspeed specific. The only thing that you need to do for the CX7 is to notch the engine cover a bit so it clears the vacuum line. The MS 3 and 6 do not have engine covers like the CX7. But this takes all of 2 minutes with a Dremel.

[rexercx7]

TurboXS BOV's all flutter to some degree. I think it is inherent in the design. I have tried TXS BOV's on my old Eclipse and my Evo. Although on the Evo I sold the TXS part and went with a different (also Australian like TXS) BOV. The BOV with all 6 packing washers only flutters slightly if you let off the gas from like 10% throttle. Letting off the throttle from >10% just lets off a nice PHSSHH. This is not a problem. It is just the acoustics. Street Unit is going to offer a Turbosmart BOV kit for the CX7. It is an Australian brand as well and their Evo specific model is also known to flutter. I currently use the APS BOV in my Evo and it has zero flutter.
The TXS BOV on my CX7 is Mazdaspeed specific. No adapters unlike the HKS kits that are being sold. The stock BOV is the same on the CX7, MS6, and MS3. The TXS part is the only one out at the moment that is Mazdaspeed specific. The only thing that you need to do for the CX7 is to notch the engine cover a bit so it clears the vacuum line. The MS 3 and 6 do not have engine covers like the CX7. But this takes all of 2 minutes with a Dremel.

OK, now I'm totally confused.:confused:

What about this unit that is offered at *many* after-market suppliers:
http://www.streetunit.com/Blow_off_Valve_Kit_Mazda_CX_7_p/hsfckmcx7.htm

It's the HKS BOV valve which operates in either recirculating more or VTA mode, and it has in the kit a $55 billet aluminum CX-7 specific adapter so it's made for the CX-7...what do you know about the HKS BOV valves? This one seems to be the only one that's specifically made for the CX-7 right now, and yet you have to wonder if it's going to "flutter" like the TurboXS systems does, or not...

I think that the OEM BOV valve just has to go if you're doing the mods I am doing, ie going with the 3" ETS TMIC and the CPE CAI System, which is going to change the way my CX-7 "breathes" a bunch! I don't think that the OEM BOV is going to be able to handle the extra punch and power very well, and my mechanic is urging me to find a replacement like *right now* and put it on when we install the other two items.

I've got to do something pretty quick, and I don't have any choice except the one above right now, which IS CX-7 specific. What do you think?

Kindest regards,
rexercx7:cool:

[shadow1]

The HKS BOV is a universal BOV with a Mazdaspeed mounting adapter. The HKS BOV is a reverse piston type BOV that is adjustable. I've heard it flutter badly on some applications, but it may have been poorly adjusted. I've never used an HKS BOV. Not sure if any one on this board has either. I personally give a thumbs up for the TurboXS hybrid BOV. Street Unit is coming out with a mounting flange for the Turbosmart BOV. But it is not available yet. If you get the HKS one, make sure you get the recirculation kit as well. venting to atmosphere will cause driveability issues. The TXS part has zero driveability issues!

[Raider]

Amen to the recirc. Our engines are expecting it. Only reason for VTA is the who PSSSSSSSHHHHHHHHHHHHHTTT sound the kids like so much.

[shadow1]

I spoke with TurboXS about the fluttering issue at part throttle blow offs. They said it is inherent in the piston design. Adding washers (which I already did) minimizes this. So there is nothing wrong with the flutter as I had suspected. What you do not want is high boost blow off fluttering. That is a symptom of compressor surge and is bad for the turbo. One more thing, You really need to dremel at least a 1.5" notch in the engine cover. My engine cover rubbed through the vacuum line and set off a CEL. I placed a piece of 3/8" rubber fuel line around the vacuum line for added protection as well. TXS originally designed the BOV for the MS3 and MS6 which do not have engine covers.

[vroooom]

looking for answers....

is there any difference in placing the BOV? for example I have seen ppl place the BOV between the turbo and intercooler, whereas ours is placed between the intercooler and intake manifold.

[shadow1]

I do not believe BOV placement matters. Not that it matters with the CX7. With a TMIC, there are not a lot of options for BOV placement. On my Evo, the BOV is plumbed very similarly to the CX-7.

[Raider]

^ What Shadow said is right. I have a TurboSmart and an aftermarket TMIC. Kind of limited to where it will go unless you are into heavy fabrication.

[S_T]

Is the Turbo XS kit recirculating or VTA?

[shadow1]

TXS sells two. One is recirc. The other is a hybrid BOV - recircs and VTA.

[CX7POS]

I just ordered the MS3-HYB, the Hybrid version of the TurboXS. Hopefully will get it soon.

[shadow1]

Assuming you ordered from TurboXS, they ship very quickly. They are based out of Maryland.

[toby]

Hey Shadow, I just installed my TXS BOV today. Just sittin reving the engine it does fine, but I noticed a flutter when there's a load on the engine, just letting off the gas at low speeds.

I remembered this post and discussion of flutter so I searched for the word to dig it up! It makes me feel better that you talked to TXS and they said the flutter is normal, cuz I'm getting a little at ANY setting I try.

I was wondering about adding washers like you did. I'm assuming you used washers that fit on the inside of the adjustable top and that what they do is tighten the spring tension. Was TXS cool with that? How's it working out for you, still got'em installed? Any issues taking the BOV apart to do this? I don't wanna break it you know! lol! I hate breaking new toys.

And Raider, I know you're reading, your input if you dont mind. I was wondering if you have flutter and if so, did you add washers, or just roll with it?

Finally, I think I did pretty good on trimming the cover. I took my time with the dremmel and tried to make it look like it's "supposed" to be notched like that. I'll try and get a pic and post soon.

Over all I'm impressed; while the BOV it'self doesn't 'make' power, it sure lets you know how powerful our engine is and how much the PIECE OF CRAP OEM BOV was wasting before! What a difference!

[Raider]

Hi Toby, I do not have the TXS, I have the TurboSmart. There are no washers to add or remove. I rotated the top from harder to softer settings. About 1/4 inch space, we stopped fluttering, so I do not have a solution. It seems the TXS flutters, and not much can be done. Perhaps buying more washers, but I really cannot help, and Street Unit does nto carry their line, so I cannot get their help either.

Bottom line, OEM is crap, that we can agree on.

[shadow1]

The top just unscrews off. Careful it is under spring tension. Then drop in all 6 washers and screw the top back on. All done! The flutter should be nearly eliminated.

[toby]

I do have the Turbosmart like you Raider. I thought TXS made the Turbosmart, my bad. So I'm assuming I can't/don't add washers to this one. I'll keep playing with the setting and hopefully find its happy place. So you cranked it all the way down to the harder setting until it stopped and then backed it off 'til you got around a 1/4" gap? I'll give that a shot. Like I said it only flutters at low speed throttle back offs. The only difference between yours and mine Raider is the TMIC; could that possibly make the BOV behave differently? Thanx for the input!:D

[Raider]

The Turbosmart is nothing like the TXS in its tuning. I will PM a good pic for you.

[CX7POS]

Ok I been driving around traffic and some open road with the TurboXS Hybrid BOV for the past 3 days. I started out putting in 4 washer, now I am down to 2. going to drive one more day with 2 washer and see if it still holding boost. So far during normal driving no fluttering nor stumbling. Open throttle seems to be good all the way to 5000rpm. Will let everyone know if one washer will work.

[shadow1]

I found 6 washers worked best for me. I went one washer at a time until I ended up with all the washers were installed.

[CX7POS]

I can't imagine just a CAI would make so much pressure that it out would deviate balance on the manifold side and that it would need 6 washers.

I drove around today both in traffic on the freeway(doing 120) and it was holding with 2 washer.

I have just taken out 1 more washer, and going to sit in traffic, and do some high speed run tomorrow.

[Raider]

Well, the CAI and TMIC made it feel our BOV was hit with buckshot. It lets in more air with the intake, and TMIC.

[shadow1]

The CAI has nothing to do with boost. You may spool up faster but your intake does not determine boost level. The ECU, wastegate and boost control solenoid, controls the boost. CX7POS I did not add washers to hold boost. I added washers to eliminate low boost flutter. The BOV will hold 15 psi fine with no washers actually.

[CX7POS]

True, but there is a chances of boost creeps.. not sure if it does that these days, but my RX-7 (FC) I used to get alot of boost creep, which tends to send the BOV to release prematurely. But I think it that this morning on the way to work with 1 washer, UNLESS it was the semi truck next to me shifting... cuz I SWEAR I heard pressure release during on-throttle....lol..

[shadow1]

Boost creep is usually only an issue when you make changes to the exhaust side - turbine housing, downpipe, etc. Not sure what mods your old FC had.

[shadow1]

BOV update: I trolled the MS6 forums and found that those guys are running 4 washers. So I decided to experiment and try 4 washers instead of 6. It seems to work a lot better. The BOV releases better under modest boost. High boost venting is a very acoustically tuned whistling PSSH. Any fluttering is minimal and only occurs with letting off from a very light throttle at low speeds (parking lot speeds). So for those considering the TXS BOV, use 4 washers. No reason to experiment.

[jaykibs]

to Raider, my mechanic talked to turbosmart, they said their cx7 specific hybrid BOV is still under R&D testing is that true...they said in a couple of weeks it'll be out ..
have you guys heard of Go Fast Bits. they said they have a hybrid that will fit the Cx7 but i don't think it's model specific.

regards jaykibs.

[Raider]

Sounds good about the new TS. I am happy with my current though. It is good for new owners who do not want to trim the TMIC. As for go fast bits, never heard of them.

[shadow1]

GFB is another Austalian company that makes turbo aceesory parts. Their BOV is very similar in design to the Turbosmart. They are not very popular in the US but they are well received in the Evo and WRX communities.

[katie]

ANY change made to the vehicle can affect warranty if they can prove the aftermarket part caused the problem.

In other words it is illegal for them to deny your suspension warranty because of this part however, if you blow a head gasket or something, they could deny warranty.

Haha, don't believe that with a Subaru. My husbands shifter broke in his 07 WRX with 5K miles on it and the Subaru rep ended up being there that day, she said that Subaru wouldn't warrenty the shifter because there were no catalytic converters on the car! LOL! So now our dealer lists the car under a different VIN number whenever something needs to be done on it to keep us happy! :)

As for the TurboXS BOV. I'm glad that you like it. Thats the one my husband ordered for me and its on a super backorder right now so I'm bummed taht I don't have it yet. But he has all TurboXS parts on his WRX, so we wanted to keep it flowing into the CX7 so tahts why we went with that BOV. I can't wait for a louded BOV! Thats my favorite part of a turbo vehicle!

[HunterSwift]

Haha, don't believe that with a Subaru. My husbands shifter broke in his 07 WRX with 5K miles on it and the Subaru rep ended up being there that day, she said that Subaru wouldn't warrenty the shifter because there were no catalytic converters on the car! LOL! So now our dealer lists the car under a different VIN number whenever something needs to be done on it to keep us happy! :)

As for the TurboXS BOV. I'm glad that you like it. Thats the one my husband ordered for me and its on a super backorder right now so I'm bummed taht I don't have it yet. But he has all TurboXS parts on his WRX, so we wanted to keep it flowing into the CX7 so tahts why we went with that BOV. I can't wait for a louded BOV! Thats my favorite part of a turbo vehicle!


When are those Bov's coming in?

[katie]

When are those Bov's coming in?

Couldn't tell ya. It shouldn't be too long...I hope. I have my husband get an update on when they should be in. After they are not on back order anymore, we should have it in a day and get it out to you.

[leshii]

Sorry to resurrect an old thread, but here's a nice big picture of TurboXS BOV installed on a CX-7

http://i531.photobucket.com/albums/dd357/leshii123/bov.jpg

[Raider]

looks cool. how does it sound? Record and link a video! How easy was the tune?

[leshii]

looks cool. how does it sound? Record and link a video! How easy was the tune?

Tune was easy - put 4 washers in and test drive! :) With this configuration if you back off the throttle you can hear the valve venting anywhere from ~2500RPM all the way to the red line. No venting during hard on-throttle. I didn't hear any flutter either during light throttle, but I didn't try it out long enough to be sure.

As to the sound, venting is clearly audible. It's a light "pshh" at low RPM, and a solid "whoosh" when the RPMs are higher.

I'll try doing a video tomorrow, but making no promises.

[shadow1]

You will only hear part throttle flutter with an open intake. The stock airbox muffles flutter.

[leshii]

Tried to record the video on my digicam today. Didn't work - you can't hear the engine. Noise cancelling microphone FTW!