[s-cars] diverter valves: an update

[Raymond H. Tomlinson]

After my third "uprated" Bosch bypass valve in 3 months began to fart
nicely over the last two weeks, I broke down an installed a serviceable
unit sold by Stratmosphere, who also carries Forge valves.

The "hyperboost" unit, as it is called, is larger than the stock bypass
valve, and actually a little larger than the Forge units, but clearance
is not a problem.  The unit is very similar to the Forge/Bailey units
(except the top hat threads on, rather than held on by allen bolts) in
that it uses a piston design, but the Hypberboost unit does not use a
plastic or polymer piston.  Rather, it uses a machined-aluminum
cap-style piston that floats between two o-rings, and the outer surface
of the valve is "finned" much like a heat sink, which is supposed to
help keep the valve "cool."  I love marketing.

Needless to say, with a $140 price tag, I was a bit skeptical, until I
installed the unit.  I wouldn't say that lag is drastically reduced, but
it appears to spool faster and definately holds boost better between
shifts.  I requested an uprated spring with mine, which I installed
before installing in the car.  And, the valve is silent compared to the
stock unit, and is extremely consistent and without hesitation.  For
those of you considering software upgrades, I consider this in line with
a hose kit.

http://www.stratmosphere.com/hyperboost.htm

Ray Tomlinson
95.5 S6