Aerocharger or Boondocker Kit?

[beans]

Want to know the pros and cons with either one. Originally the Aerocharger looked like the way to go. Now I hear that Boondocker has made some updates...not sure which direction to go.

The turbo will be going on a 13 Pro 163.

Any real world experiences with either kit helps. Thanks in advance.

 

[Boston Racing]

Want to know the pros and cons with either one. Originally the Aerocharger looked like the way to go. Now I hear that Boondocker has made some updates...not sure which direction to go.

The turbo will be going on a 13 Pro 163.

Any real world experiences with either kit helps. Thanks in advance.

I think you would be happy with both. Have you ruled out Silber kits?

 

[Kestrel2126]

I think you are asking the wrong question. There are multiple turbo manufacturers, that use both Aero or Garrett Turbos. I would maybe decide which you want as far as strictly turbo, and then narrow down by manufactures that use your preference of Turbo. Based on the features outside of the turbo itself (Fuel control, intake design/style, rideability features, etc)

All that said, I truly believe that Boondocker builds the most well designed and developed Turbo kit on the market. There are several companies that are pushing the envelope this year however, and it will be interesting to see how things stack up once we get some snow on the ground.

 

[friscospices.com]

silber said in my best subliminal voice. check them all out, where you from? where do you ride? All vendors have pro's and con's weigh out you options.

 

[beans]

Ok so there are some Silber fans on SW. What kind of turbo is in a Silber kit? And what are the benefits of the system when compared with others.

But the dealer doing the build is giving 2 choices on turbo kits. BD and Aerocharger. I guess I want to know what has changed with the Boondocker kit this year. The variable vane with the Aerocharger system sounds like a good thing.

Riding in Washington State.

We park at 2500 feet typically in WA. Spend most of the time riding off trail at 4500-6000. Trees are tighter around here and pulls are rarely longer that 1000 ft.

 

[Kestrel2126]

At relatively low elevation, a variable vane turbo (Aero) may actually be nice, because you will not need to run as high of boost. Who's Aero Kit are they pushing?

 

[jwentzer]

Customer Service

I checked them all out. Did alot of research in regards to the benefits of this particular turbo manufacturer vs that particular turbo manufacturer. Contacted a few friends that have ALOT of turbo experience, they ride one and have ridden/owned most of the other brands. Then, I called the Turbo Dealers themselves and visited with them. I asked alot of questions in regards to their fuel controllers, possible issues with the kit itself, ease of installation, how the gauges mounted and where they mounted...etc. BUT, most importantly are they going to be there for me after I/my snowmobile leave their shop?

There was ONE Dealer of a Turbo Manufacturer that I didn't have to ask that question. The Dealer (Next Level Powersports) aka Boston Racing here on SnoWest...came out and specifically told me that he will support me and be there for me while I run his turbo. Hell, he even gave me his personal cell number (He does this for everyone) and said "Call anytime, I always answer if I have signal, even when I'm riding and I'm on top the mountain". His shop is about 1.5 hours away from my house, this was huge for me. Just in case I need huge help, new parts, etc. I can load the sled up and be there in no time. Seriously, I probably would have went through Next Level even if they weren't the closest dealer, I have that much confidence in them.

Needless to say, I went with SILBER Turbo. I seriously think all kits are pretty good right now, some have better this or better that. This will be my first turbo and customer support was big in my decision. Plus, the pricing is great too.

 

[Kestrel2126]

I checked them all out. Did alot of research in regards to the benefits of this particular turbo manufacturer vs that particular turbo manufacturer. Contacted a few friends that have ALOT of turbo experience, they ride one and have ridden/owned most of the other brands. Then, I called the Turbo Dealers themselves and visited with them. I asked alot of questions in regards to their fuel controllers, possible issues with the kit itself, ease of installation, how the gauges mounted and where they mounted...etc. BUT, most importantly are they going to be there for me after I/my snowmobile leave their shop?

There was ONE Dealer of a Turbo Manufacturer that I didn't have to ask that question. The Dealer (Next Level Powersports) aka Boston Racing here on SnoWest...came out and specifically told me that he will support me and be there for me while I run his turbo. Hell, he even gave me his personal cell number (He does this for everyone) and said "Call anytime, I always answer if I have signal, even when I'm riding and I'm on top the mountain". His shop is about 1.5 hours away from my house, this was huge for me. Just in case I need huge help, new parts, etc. I can load the sled up and be there in no time. Seriously, I probably would have went through Next Level even if they weren't the closest dealer, I have that much confidence in them.

Needless to say, I went with SILBER Turbo. I seriously think all kits are pretty good right now, some have better this or better that. This will be my first turbo and customer support was big in my decision. Plus, the pricing is great too.

That right there says a lot. If you are not doing your own install, having a dealer/installer that you can trust, and will help you after your sled leaves the shop, is HUGE! On top of that, if a guy is willing to offer that kind of customer support, chances are, he in knowledgeable and confident in the product he is going to put on your sled.
For those that may be curious, and thinking I'm trying to rep Boston Racing, I have never been into his shop, never met him, and do not ride a Silber kit (BD's that I install myself). Only business I have had with him has been his posts on SW and a replacement ARS FX A-Arm I ordered from Next Level last season.

 

[m1kflyingtiger]

I checked them all out. Did alot of research in regards to the benefits of this particular turbo manufacturer vs that particular turbo manufacturer. Contacted a few friends that have ALOT of turbo experience, they ride one and have ridden/owned most of the other brands. Then, I called the Turbo Dealers themselves and visited with them. I asked alot of questions in regards to their fuel controllers, possible issues with the kit itself, ease of installation, how the gauges mounted and where they mounted...etc. BUT, most importantly are they going to be there for me after I/my snowmobile leave their shop?

There was ONE Dealer of a Turbo Manufacturer that I didn't have to ask that question. The Dealer (Next Level Powersports) aka Boston Racing here on SnoWest...came out and specifically told me that he will support me and be there for me while I run his turbo. Hell, he even gave me his personal cell number (He does this for everyone) and said "Call anytime, I always answer if I have signal, even when I'm riding and I'm on top the mountain". His shop is about 1.5 hours away from my house, this was huge for me. Just in case I need huge help, new parts, etc. I can load the sled up and be there in no time. Seriously, I probably would have went through Next Level even if they weren't the closest dealer, I have that much confidence in them.

Needless to say, I went with SILBER Turbo. I seriously think all kits are pretty good right now, some have better this or better that. This will be my first turbo and customer support was big in my decision. Plus, the pricing is great too.

The support is HUDGE! I prefer a Garrett style turbo to the aero just due to the more rugged design. A guy I ride with broke a chunk of reed off and it took out the veins of his aero charger. I've sent 1/4 of a ring through my turbo without damage. I definatly got lucky, but the aeros are fairly fragile.

That being said if there's a good dealer/installer around you I'd recomend that turbo kit. They are all fairly decent kits with different pluses to each different brand, but if it's not functioning properly and tuned for where and how you ride your going to ruin a riding season. I speak very highly of Next Level and Justin Silber. Justin is a stand up guy and next level will do whatever they can to help you regardless of if you bought a kit from them or not. I live in ak and bought my Silber turbo form Justin directly and have been given part numbers from both of them so I could buy the parts I needed locally and save the money in shipping. They answer whenever I call or call right back and stand behind their products.

I've heard a lot of good about fastrax motorsports for hm turbo kits as well as code red and vohk for boondocker turbos.

I'd suggest try find one who you can physically go talk to. See what they take the time to teach you about their kit and what kind of riding they do with their sled (that should have the kit they sell on it) and go from their.

Either way you go with the kit, if you get a good install and support you'll never want to ride without boost again.

 

[diamonddave]

Want to know the pros and cons with either one. Originally the Aerocharger looked like the way to go. Now I hear that Boondocker has made some updates...not sure which direction to go.

The turbo will be going on a 13 Pro 163.

Any real world experiences with either kit helps. Thanks in advance.

Beans, do you ride with any of these turbo's you have mentioned?

 

[beans]

Beans, do you ride with any of these turbo's you have mentioned?

Dave,

I don't understand your question. If we had either turbo already I would not be asking for help....If I rode with guys that had either a BD or Aerocharger kit on a Pro I would have started my thread with a different question. All I am looking for is the pros and cons uncovered with either system. The info received already has been helpful. I am still not sure which one is the clear choice for NW riding. The Aerocharger Kit with air/water was the original choice.

 

[edavis0202]

I personally don't have a turbo, but after doing 2yrs of research ( I know that's not the same as riding one, so jump down my @ss), but I would go with Aerocharger.

Here is why: Aerocharger is an engineering firm. They design the turbo itself and has more R&D then most companies selling "kits". For one reason, they need to prove their turbo works before a 3rd party will want to sell their kit to customers like you and I.

Also, they are based out of Kansas. Why is that important? Because a lot of kits aren't tested at low elevation AND high elevation like Aerocharger. They obviously make a kit that is very simple to instal with enough experience of average motor know how and some minor tuning at the end.

Personally, I would go with HM kit because they have taken the Aerocharger kits and added some extra features (no, not just Vipec). With or without the Vipec, I have heard nothing but good things about how simple the tuning is on the Aerocharger.

Last, I have nothing bad to say about boonedocker. They have made some great changes on fueling this year with their boxes.

Hope this helps!

 

[colorado_matt]

Last season I rode a 2012 pro with a BoonDocker intercooled kit. I was very happy with it. The BD kit works very well for my application which is primarily constant varying throttle. I never ride with the throttle in one spot more than a second or so. Except for in the really deep snow or making a climb where it's constant full throttle. IMO BoonDockers electronics are superior and that's why the sled excels for my application. The ebc is pretty amazing. I rode elevations from 7000-13000 feet and I never once had to make any clutching changes. I always run the exact same fuel. If you start playing with mixtures, you will have to program changes to the fuel map to attain optimum performance. I was very happy with the throttle response and that is key for me. Whether it's making a directional change around an obstacle where just stopping or going down the hill isn't an option, or lining up for a precise cliff drop where hesitation is not an option, I won't settle for a boggy sled. There are probably other options that are more ideal for climbing and more constant throttle operations. But for technical boondocking, the BoonDocker shines.

I had one day that I was not happy with mine. I broke a primary clutch spring and replaced it with one that was in my toolbox. Sled ran very sluggish on the bottom and pretty much bogged. When I checked the spring that I put in, it was much softer initially and that was my problem. Once I got the proper stiffness of spring back in, sled was back to being very snappy and responsive. From what I have learned, with the turbo the engine needs to produce more initial load before engagement. With more load, once the spring does compress and clutch engages, the turbo is building boost.

I was so pleased with hat sled, that I will be riding a 13 pro with a BoonDocker turbo. Good luck with whatever direction you go.

 

[turbonium]

slp

 

[Arcteryx]

OMG!!! Here comes the Silber crowd,.... AGAIN. If they keep poaching threads this much I'll probably start getting them confused with the Vipec threads from last year.

I think you'd be happy with either if the Aero is tunned in. I have a BD kit on my 2012 and have owned a BD turbo for the last 5 seasons. I've been happy with my purchase decision. I never really considered an Aero before but last year I had the opportunity to ride more than a handful of times with a Turbo builder that uses Aero. I got some good seat time on the Aero. It ran really strong and was a great turbo but it seemed like there were some tunning limitations with the box. I know he said he had it worked out by the end of the year, but I didn't get to ride it after that. Maybe some of the Aero guys can chime in here but I am pretty sure they run the Doebeck box and that there are "holes" or areas that they can't seem to tune very well. The ones I saw ended up in det mode quite often
I hear good stuff about some of the builders that use Aero's and Tyler had some good video up here last year from his install. But if you can ride em both, I think you'd have a clear answer as to which you like better. I think the one downside to the aero that I have heard over and over is that is something goes wrong with the turbo you'll have to wait forever to get it serviced. Not sure if that has changed in the last few years or not but I think that's something to consider if it's still the case. I really think the water to air intercooler is nice!! I have ridden with several other turbos that have those and they seem to be getting better hp and are definitely getting lower charge temps.

The BD kit has the tunnel dump exhaust which I do consider a benefit. It has the EBC that has been great for me. I cover a lot of elevation gain and don't always remember to turn it up or down so that fact that it takes care of it is nice. I do like the push to pass. Kinda nice to know you can have a little more extra boost if you need it. I usually set it at a hp gain that I'm not quite comfortable running all the time but can enjoy if I get myself in a sticky situation. Mine has a air to air intercooler, not sure how much that really helps.

 

[diamonddave]

Dave,

I don't understand your question. If we had either turbo already I would not be asking for help....If I rode with guys that had either a BD or Aerocharger kit on a Pro I would have started my thread with a different question. All I am looking for is the pros and cons uncovered with either system. The info received already has been helpful. I am still not sure which one is the clear choice for NW riding. The Aerocharger Kit with air/water was the original choice.

I am truly sorry you were offended with my question. I don't have the ability to read minds. Good luck to you in your decision. I will stay out of your thread.

 

[friscospices.com]

Slam a guy for asking a legit question may make it tough to get others to help you out later. Which ever dealer you pick Beans I hope it works out for you.

 

[Boston Racing]

OMG!!! Here comes the Silber crowd,.... AGAIN. If they keep poaching threads this much I'll probably start getting them confused with the Vipec threads from last year.

I think you'd be happy with either if the Aero is tunned in. I have a BD kit on my 2012 and have owned a BD turbo for the last 5 seasons. I've been happy with my purchase decision. I never really considered an Aero before but last year I had the opportunity to ride more than a handful of times with a Turbo builder that uses Aero. I got some good seat time on the Aero. It ran really strong and was a great turbo but it seemed like there were some tunning limitations with the box. I know he said he had it worked out by the end of the year, but I didn't get to ride it after that. Maybe some of the Aero guys can chime in here but I am pretty sure they run the Doebeck box and that there are "holes" or areas that they can't seem to tune very well. The ones I saw ended up in det mode quite often
I hear good stuff about some of the builders that use Aero's and Tyler had some good video up here last year from his install. But if you can ride em both, I think you'd have a clear answer as to which you like better. I think the one downside to the aero that I have heard over and over is that is something goes wrong with the turbo you'll have to wait forever to get it serviced. Not sure if that has changed in the last few years or not but I think that's something to consider if it's still the case. I really think the water to air intercooler is nice!! I have ridden with several other turbos that have those and they seem to be getting better hp and are definitely getting lower charge temps.

The BD kit has the tunnel dump exhaust which I do consider a benefit. It has the EBC that has been great for me. I cover a lot of elevation gain and don't always remember to turn it up or down so that fact that it takes care of it is nice. I do like the push to pass. Kinda nice to know you can have a little more extra boost if you need it. I usually set it at a hp gain that I'm not quite comfortable running all the time but can enjoy if I get myself in a sticky situation. Mine has a air to air intercooler, not sure how much that really helps.

I told him that I thought either would be good. I also asked if he considered a Silber. That not poaching...Thats trying to help a guy out. Im sure your BD kit runs great. So does my Silber, Only mine costs less and you dont have to cut a hole in the tunnel.

Beans, As I said earlier. If you get good good service you will be happy with either. Do yourself a favor and call all the turbo manufacturers or dealers on Saturday and Sunday and see who answers, May be best to do it at 5pm or so because that is usually when most folks are headed back to the truck. These are probably the days you will be riding and have issues.

Most of the kits are good. There is only a few with exceptional service.........

 

[2007dragonman]

boondocker

Boondocker has been doing some awesome things, i think the kit for the pro this year is gonna be sweet.

 

[beans]

Boondocker has been doing some awesome things, i think the kit for the pro this year is gonna be sweet.

What has been changed in the BD kit?

Do you have to cut a hole in the tunnel?