Ape Flex boost User manual

Warranty

Alternative Performance Engineering, LLC offers a one-year manufacturer’s warranty from the date of

purchase. The warranty applies only to the Flex Boost module, the flex fuel sensor, the included wiring

harness, and their functionality. Always read the instructions in this user manual before attempting to

install or use the flex fuel power module.

The warranty does not cover damages caused by improper installation by the buyer or by the buyer’s

agent, or if the product has been damaged by wear that is not caused by normal use or by a

manufacturing defect. Any modification done to the flex fuel power module or wiring harness without

the consent of the manufacturer voids the guarantee.

If the product has a fault that can be regarded as a result of a faster than normal wear or a result of a

manufacturing defect, the manufacturer will provide the buyer with a new product or repair the faulty

product. The manufacturer has the right to redeem the faulty product if it is replaced by a new one. In

no event shall this warranty exceed the original purchase price of the flex fuel power module nor shall

Alternative Performance Engineering be responsible for special, incidental or consequential damages or

cost incurred due to the failure of this product.

The manufacturer reserves the rights to any modifications, expansions, attachments, or improvements

made by customer.

The use of the flex fuel power module happens at the user’s own risk. The manufacturer commits only

to make up for damage caused to the flex fuel power module, the accompanied wiring harness, or

accessories as covered by the guarantee.

The manufacturer does not make up for damage caused to the car by the use of ethanol containing fuel

or the use of the flex fuel power module. Neither does the manufacturer make up for damage caused by

the installation to the product, the installation’s target or the person carrying out the installation, if the

installation is carried out by the customer or by customer’s agent.

Returns

If you are experiencing an issue with your Flex Boost module, please contact us so we can help resolve

it. If you wish to return the system, all components must be returned in original packaging, in resalable

condition. The flex fuel power module will be inspected for damage prior to any refund being issued. All

returns must be made within 30 days from the date of purchase.

Alternative Performance Engineering, LLC

Instragram/Facebook: @apeflexfuel

Email: support@APEFlexFuel.com

Web: www.APEFlexFuel.com

San Diego, California

Programmable Boost Controller

ALTERNATIVE PERFORMANCE ENGINEERING, LLC

Gauge Customization

You can change the end points in the color bar to change the upper and

lower limits shown on the gauge. This can be useful if you have a

sensor that displays a much higher range than what is needed for your

application.

You can drag the colors around and rearrange them to determine how

the gauge is shown.

Table of Contents

Introduction ............................................................................................. 4!

Getting Started ........................................................................................ 5!

Vehicle Health .................................................................................. 5!

What’s Included ............................................................................... 6!

Module Passkey ............................................................................... 7!

Installation ............................................................................................... 8!

Flex Sensor Installation .................................................................... 8!

Flex Boost Solenoid Connections ..................................................... 8!

Wiring Harness ............................................................................... 10!

Wiring Harness Connections .......................................................... 11!

Gauge 1 & 2 Installation ................................................................. 12!

iOS / Android App .................................................................................. 13!

Flex Boost Features ................................................................................ 14!

Ethanol and Fuel Temperature Gauges ......................................... 14!

DC Gauges ...................................................................................... 15!

Landscape mode ............................................................................ 16!

Data-Logging Screen ...................................................................... 17!

Boost Controller Screen ................................................................. 18!

Boost Profile Editing ....................................................................... 19!

RPM Based Boost Control .............................................................. 20!

Over-Boost Safety .......................................................................... 21!

Fuel Calculator Screen ................................................................... 22!

Settings Screen ............................................................................... 23!

DC Voltage Output ......................................................................... 24!

Raw Ethanol Sensor Output ........................................................... 24!

Gauge Customization ..................................................................... 25!

Warranty ................................................................................................ 27!

Returns ........................................................................................... 27!

DC Voltage Output

The Flex Boost also has a 0V-5V DC Output signal that can be configured

to send out either one of the two 5V generic gauge inputs or can be

configured to send the E85 content out as a DC voltage: 0V = E0 content,

5V = E85 content. Note: The DC Out signal has a weak drive strength, if

feeding into an ECU with a pullup resistor, the Flex Boost may not be able

to drive this signal all the way to ground. In this event, calibrate your low

voltage point accordingly in your ECU. For example, if DC Out is

configured for ethanol content output, then gas(E10) would normally,

put out 0.6V,if however your ECU is reading 1.6V when the Flex Boost is

displaying E10, then you should configure your ECU input as 1.6V = E10,

5V = E85.

Raw Ethanol Sensor Output

The Flex Boost has a raw ethanol sensor output with integrated 10K

ohm pull-up resistor to 5V that can be sent to stand alone ECUs.

Settings Screen

Display Name is what

is shown when Gauge

is in the Center.

Abbreviation is what is

used when Gauge is in

the corner.

Displays Module

Firmware and App

Version

Pass Key not used for

Flex Boost

Can Set the Glow

color around the

Gauges on main tab

A visible warning

range can be set for

each gauge here.

The Color ranges for

when this gauge is

selected for the

center can be defined

here.

Reset values

Hit the Save button

after any changes are

made

Can turn off Gauge

Display on dashboard

if not used

Changes Gauge Trim

from silver to black

How you enter the

values in the boxes

will be how the

numbers are

displayed on the

Gauges. For example,

of you put 7.35 and

29.4, the gauge will

display 2 decimal

points. If, however

you put 7.4 and 29.4

the gauge will only

display one decimal

point, and if you put 7

and 29 then the gauge

will not display a

decimal point. You

can also enter 0% and

100% if you want it

display the number as

a percentage.

Gauge scaling values

see below for

formatting rules.

Select DC Output.

This determines which

value is output on the

White wire.

E85 (E0 = 0V, E85=5V),

Gauge 1 or Gauge 2

Turn on Tach input

and set divider.

Select which DC gauge

to use for Over-Boost

safety and set the

level.

Introduction

The Alternative Performance Engineering Flex Boost is an advanced

electrnoic boost controller, ethanol gauge and generic Bluetooth gauge

all in one. Flex Boost combines all of the features of our Flex Boost

product with the addition of a programmable boost controller. Boost can

be configured based on Ethanol content or RPM and if you add a manifold

pressure sensor you can configure an Over-Boost Fail safe. The Flex Boost

also has two generic 5V sensor inputs that can be used for additional

sensors like a wideband or map sensor. All of this data can be monitored

and data-logged wirelessly via Bluetooth Low Energy on our Android or

iOS application.

The Flex Boost provides a raw ethanol sensor output with built in 10K

pullup resistor to 5V that can be sent to external ECU. There is also a 0V-

5V DC Output signal that can be configured to send out either one of the

two 5V generic gauge inputs or can be configured to send the E85 content

out as a DC voltage.

• Simple plug and play installation

• Bluetooth phone application available for iOS and Android.

• Boost Controller functionality is configurable via Bluetooth

• Can configure 4 separate profiles with custom frequency and duty cycle

• Has Flex Boost mode that allows the boost controller setting to change automatically

based on ethanol content

• Has a tach input that can be used to configure boost settings by RPM

• Has an Over-Boost Safety feature that allows you to use one of the 5V sensor such as a

wideband or boost inputs to monitor boost and will automatically kill the boost

controller if the over-boost condition is met.

• Monitors Ethanol Content and Fuel Temperature

• Has two generic 5V inputs that can be used to convert any linear 5V sensor such as

wideband or boost to a Bluetooth gauge.

• Gauge format is completely user configurable

• Has built in Fuel Calculator to figure out desired E85 to gas mix ratios when filling at

the pump

• Has a raw ethanol sensor output with integrated pull-up resistor that can be sent to

stand alone ECUs

• Has a DC 5V output that can be configured to send out Ethanol Level or the value of

one of the two 5V sensors.

• Has data logging function

Getting Started

Vehicle Health

It is important that your vehicle is in proper working order and has been

well maintained. The fuel pump and the emissions system are important

for proper vehicle operation. The fuel pump pressure and flow should be

within the standards set by the vehicle manufacturer. Make sure that all

other vehicle sensors are in proper working condition. After confirming

the compliance of the data above, you may proceed with the installation.

Change the oil, oil filter and fuel filter since ethanol will act as a cleaner.

It is recommended to change your oil between 500 and 1000 miles after

the module installation and E85 usage. Change the fuel filter around 1000

miles after E85 usage. From then on, the changes should be made at

manufacturers recommended intervals.

• APE recommends that your Muliti-Gauge is fitted by an appropriately qualified

technician.

• Consult your local tuning specialist before configuring your boost controller settings,

setting your boost beyond your engines capability can result in severe engine damage

or failure

• APE recommends that the engines Air/Fuel ratio is checked once the desired boost

pressure is set. Any increase in boost pressure can cause the engine to run lean

resulting in severe engine damage or failure

• APE recommends that the Flex Boost is not used in conjunction with any type of “Draw

Through” induction System.

• APE recommends that boost pressure is set using a Dynamometer and not on public

roads.

• The Flex Boost may not be able to completely compensate for a drop in boost pressure

at high RPM due to the turbocharger operating beyond its maximum efficiency range

i.e. incorrect turbocharger sizing or excessive exhaust backpressure.

• The Flex Boost cannot compensate for increases in boost pressure at high RPM due to

inadequate waste gate flow capacity; the turbo system must maintain a steady base

boost curve before you start using a boost controller.

• The Flex Boost cannot be used with external waste gates that are in a poor, worn or

non-serviceable condition.

• For best results your turbocharger should be correctly sized for your application.

• Erratic operation of electronic parts can be caused by Electro Magnetic Interference

(EMI). EMI can be generated by aftermarket ignition systems such as CDI which, if wired

incorrectly, generate large amounts of EMI through the vehicles electrical system. This

can cause items such as ECU’s and boost controllers to be effected. Please follow

ignition system installation instructions VERY carefully to avoid EMI affecting the Flex

Boost. Sometimes, using resistor type spark plugs can reduce this problem.

• The Flex Boost is not waterproof and must be mounted inside the cabin. The unit has

an operating temperature range of -5 °C to 70 °C.

Fuel Calculator Screen

The fuel calculator can show you how to mix Ethanol with Gasoline to

achieve a desired Ethanol mixture, for example E65. You can use the

datalogging screen to help determine if you need to lower your Ethanol

mixture.

As a reference, for every 10 percent increase in Ethanol will increase the

pulse width extension by 4%. So, at E50 the module is adding 16% more

fuel, and at E60 the module is adding 20% more fuel.

Enter the capacity of your fuel

tank here

Enter the current Ethanol level

here, app will auto fill this field,

but the user can overwrite.

Enter your desired Ethanol level

here.

Set your current fuel tank level

here, and the app will

recommend the Gas/E85 mix to

achieve the desired Ethanol

level

Fuel Calculator Tab

Enter the Ethanol levels for Gas

and E85 here

Over-Boost Safety

The Flex Boost has the abilityh to

configure one of the DC gauge inputs

for Over-Boost Safety. You must first

configure your Gauge settings and

then you can select that gauge in the

Over-Boost Safety drop down in the

settings tab. You can the set your

desired Over-Boost Safety level. In

this example, we are setting it at 16

PSI.

If the Flex Boost detects the Over-

Boost condition it will immediately

turn off the Flex Boost Solenoid and

display this message. In order to

turn your solenoid back on, the

Over-Boost condition must no

longer be valid and you must tab the

red message in the center of the

gauge.

What’s Included

Check to make sure you have all of the necessary components in your kit:

• Flex Boost Module

• Wiring Harness

• Flex Boost Solenoid and fittings

• Flex Fuel Sensor (optional)

• Quick Connect Fuel Fittings and hose clamps

• 15” of 5/16” E85 compatible high pressure fuel line

• 4 fuel injection hose clamps

• Flex Fuel badge

Module Passkey

On the back of the Flex Boost Module there is a sticker that looks like this.

This indicates the Serial Number (SN) and the Passkey (PK) that is used by

the IOS or Android app to allow the user to alter any of the default

configuration parameters of the device. It is recommended that you note

the Serial Number and Passkey here in your manual for future reference

in case it is not readable after the Flex Boost Module has been mounted

in your car.

Flex Boost Serial Number:

Flex Boost Passkey:

SN:

APE-FB-XXXXX

PK:

YYY

APEFlexFuel.com

Contains TX FCC ID: 2AB6YHM-1011V1

RPM Based Boost Control

You can raise or lower the Boost Controller duty cycle across four

separate configurable RPM bands. You must have the Tach input enabled

and configured correctly for this to work. We recommend setting a RPM

range below idle, and then setting it to -100% in order to keep the Flex

Boost solenoid from clicking when the engine is not running.

Range 1 is setup

here to turn off

the solenoid when

the engine is off

0% means the

duty cycle is set by

the basic settings

above, you can

increase or

decrease each

RPM range as

much as you like.

Changing the RPM

range in one range

will affect the

others.

Boost Profile Editing

You can have up to four profiles, and they are completely customizable.

See description of all of the settings below. The Flex Boost allows the

user to set up the boost controller duty cycle for two different ethanol

settings. This is helpful as most vehicles can run higher boost levels on

E85 than gas. The upper limit will always be E85, and the lower limit

defaults to E10(Gas) or you can change this value to anything like E30 for

example. The E85 duty cycle always has to be equal or greater than the

lower ethanol rating duty cycle. The Flex Boost will vary the boost

controller duty cycle between these two points based on the ethanol

content in your vehicle. Setting the two values equal will fix the boost

controller duty cycle regardless of the ethanol rating.

You must tap the

save button to

preserve any

changes.

Takes you back to

the Boost

Controller screen.

Profile Select tabs,

the “+” will add a

new profile.

You can name

your profile here.

Frequency the

solenoid will

toggle at.

You can set up

duty cycles for two

different Fuel

You can change

lower ethanol

limit value here

Lower ethanol

rating duty cycle

Upper ethanol

rating duty cycle

Installation

Flex Sensor Installation

The picture below is representative of the factory configuration of your

vehicle. You will have fuel lines that come from the gas tank and go

through a fuel filter before reaching the fuel rail that feeds the fuel

injectors. The factory ECU is connected to each individual fuel injector

through the factory wiring harness. There may

or may not be a return line.

1) Install Flex Fuel Sensor anywhere in the fuel lines. A good

place is at the fuel filter. Make sure the Flex Fuel Sensor

connector on the Flex Boost wiring harness is able to reach

the sensor.

3) Make sure to

secure the

sensor. Too

much vibration

will cause sensor

errors.

2) You can use the supplied fuel line adapters to connect the

Flex Fuel sensor to the fuel filter. If the adapters are the

wrong size, you can simply use the rubber fuel line and hose

clamps.

Flex Boost Solenoid Connections

LEX

OOST

Port 1: Brass Muffler

Port 2: Wastegate

Port 3: Manifold/Turbo Pressure

This configuration will give

the highest boost when the

duty cycle is over 90%and

the minimum boost will be set

by the wastegate spring.

Internal/Single Port Wastegate Connections

LEX

OOST

Port 1: Manifold/Turbo Pressure

Port 2: To p of Wastegate

Port 3: Brass Muffler

This configuration

will give the highest

boost when the duty

cycle is over 90%

and the minimum

boost will be set by

the wastegate spring.

External/Dual Port Wastegate Connections

Boost Controller Screen

The Boost Controller screen shows you both of the DC gauge inputs and

it shows you the current duty cycle being sent to the Flex Boost Solenoid.

Current value read

by Gauge 2 input.

It is 0.0 to 5.0 by

default, the scaling

information needs

to be entered in

the settings tab.

This mini gauge

can be turned off if

not used.

Current value read

by Gauge 1 input.

It is 0.0 to 5.0 by

default, the scaling

information needs

to be entered in

the settings tab.

This mini gauge

can be turned off if

not used.

It Tach Input is

enabled, the

current RPM is

displayed here

Boost Controller

Tab

Press this button

to go into the

Boost Profile edit

screen, you can

have up to four

profiles.

Current Flex Boost

Solenoid Duty

Cycle

Profile Select

buttons, if the

button is

highlighted then it

is the active

profile

Data-Logging Screen

Rotating your device to the right will show the data logging screen. You

can only get to the datat logging screen from the main dashboard, so if

you are on the boost controller tab and want to see datalogging, you have

to go back to the main dashboard tab and then rotate your phone

clockwise. You can select any point on the graph, and it will show you

the values at that point. You can pause, and zoom in and pan to a section,

and hitting save will copy a screenshot to your photos. The data-logging

has a limited buffer, so you should hit pause if you want to look at a

specific event that just happened.

Note: Even though the are not dispalyed on the graph you can still get the ethanol level

and fuel temp from the datalog by tapping the screen anywhere and a box showing all the

values at that point will appear.

Wiring Harness

Below is the definition for each of the connectors on the supplied wiring

harness.

Yellow Wire: Switched

12V input power

Green Wire: Gauge 2

input (0V-5V)

Orange Wire: Gauge 1

input (0V-5V)

White Wire: DC Output (0-5V)

Purple Wire: E85 Raw Sensor

Output (integrated Pull-Up Resistor)

Brown Wire: Tach Input

Boost Solenoid

Flex Sensor

Connector

Ground

Connection

Flex Boost Module

Connection

Wiring Harness Connections

Solder loose wires together and insulate joints with heat shrink.

Unused wires must be properly insulated so that they do not touch

other wires or the chassis.

Yellow Wire: Connect to a Switched 12V input power source

White Wire: DC 0V-5V output that can be sent to an ECU to indicate

Ethanol level or the value of one of the DC gauges

Purple Wire: Raw ethanol sensor output that can be sent to an ECU

Brown Wire: Can input a tach signal or even a port injection fuel

injection signal to let the Flex Boost calculate ROM

These DC gauge inputs can be used to connect any 5V DC

linear sensor, like manifold, fuel or oil pressure or even the DC

output of a wideband controller.

Landscape mode

If you are on the dashboard screen and rotate your phone counter-

clockwise, then you the gauges will rotate to a landscape view.

If you are on the dashboard screen and rotate your phone clockwise,

then you will be taken to the data-logging screen.

DC Gauges

Selecting either Gauge 1 or 2 in the top corners will swap that gauge into

the center and put the Ethanol Content in the corner. The scaling and

visual appearance of the gauges can be configured in the settings tab. If

you set the warning range in the settings tab and your gauge hits that

range, the gauge will turn red.

Gauge 1 & 2 Installation

Example:

APE Pressure Sensor

0.5V = -14.5PSI

4.5V = 30PSI

1) The Gauge 1 and Gauge 2 plugs are prewired to work with

the APE Flex Fuel Pressure sensors. We also include a plug so

you can wire in any 5V sensor.

2) Plug the Flex Boost Module into the harness and mount in

your car.

3) Now it is time to start up the APE app on your phone.

4) Use the sensor manufacturers specifications to configure

Gauge 1 & 2 in the settings tab.

Red - 5V Black -GND

Blue -Signal

Green: Gauge 2

input (0V-5V)

Orange: Gauge 1

input (0V-5V)

iOS / Android App

We have developed both an iPhone app and an Android app. In order to

be notified of updates and availability of the apps, please send your

name, serial number and email address to:

[email protected]

You can install the APE X85 from either the Apple App Store or the Google

Play Store.

Open the app and connect to your device, you should see your serial

number listed as something like “APE-FB-10001”. Select your device and

hit “Connect” to get to the main dashboard of the app. The app may ask

for permissions to access the Bluetooth device, please allow.

Flex Boost Features

Ethanol and Fuel Temperature Gauges

The Main dashboard screen displays the Ethanol content and fuel

temperature as read from the ethanol content sensor. It also has two

mini gauges that are used to display the two 0V-5V inputs.

Current value read

by Gauge 2 input.

It is 0.0 to 5.0 by

default, the scaling

information needs

to be entered in

the settings tab.

This mini gauge

can be turned off if

not used.

Displays Ethanol

Content read by

fuel sensor

Current value read

by Gauge 1 input.

It is 0.0 to 5.0 by

default, the scaling

information needs

to be entered in

the settings tab.

This mini gauge

can be turned off if

not used.

Displays the Fuel

temperature

Selecting this area

Returns to the

Connection screen

Dashboard Tab

iOS / Android App

We have developed both an iPhone app and an Android app. In order to

be notified of updates and availability of the apps, please send your

name, serial number and email address to:

sales@APEFlexFuel.com

You can install the APE X85 from either the Apple App Store or the Google

Play Store.

Open the app and connect to your device, you should see your serial

number listed as something like “APE-FB-10001”. Select your device and

hit “Connect” to get to the main dashboard of the app. The app may ask

for permissions to access the Bluetooth device, please allow.

Flex Boost Features

Ethanol and Fuel Temperature Gauges

The Main dashboard screen displays the Ethanol content and fuel

temperature as read from the ethanol content sensor. It also has two

mini gauges that are used to display the two 0V-5V inputs.

Current value read

by Gauge 2 input.

It is 0.0 to 5.0 by

default, the scaling

information needs

to be entered in

the settings tab.

This mini gauge

can be turned off if

not used.

Displays Ethanol

Content read by

fuel sensor

Current value read

by Gauge 1 input.

It is 0.0 to 5.0 by

default, the scaling

information needs

to be entered in

the settings tab.

This mini gauge

can be turned off if

not used.

Displays the Fuel

temperature

Selecting this area

Returns to the

Connection screen

Dashboard Tab

DC Gauges

Selecting either Gauge 1 or 2 in the top corners will swap that gauge into

the center and put the Ethanol Content in the corner. The scaling and

visual appearance of the gauges can be configured in the settings tab. If

you set the warning range in the settings tab and your gauge hits that

range, the gauge will turn red.

Gauge 1 & 2 Installation

Example:

APE Pressure Sensor

0.5V = -14.5PSI

4.5V = 30PSI

1) The Gauge 1 and Gauge 2 plugs are prewired to work with

the APE Flex Fuel Pressure sensors. We also include a plug so

you can wire in any 5V sensor.

2) Plug the Flex Boost Module into the harness and mount in

your car.

3) Now it is time to start up the APE app on your phone.

4) Use the sensor manufacturers specifications to configure

Gauge 1 & 2 in the settings tab.

Red - 5V Black -GND

Blue -Signal

Green: Gauge 2

input (0V-5V)

Orange: Gauge 1

input (0V-5V)

Wiring Harness Connections

Solder loose wires together and insulate joints with heat shrink.

Unused wires must be properly insulated so that they do not touch

other wires or the chassis.

Yellow Wire: Connect to a Switched 12V input power source

White Wire: DC 0V-5V output that can be sent to an ECU to indicate

Ethanol level or the value of one of the DC gauges

Purple Wire: Raw ethanol sensor output that can be sent to an ECU

Brown Wire: Can input a tach signal or even a port injection fuel

injection signal to let the Flex Boost calculate ROM

These DC gauge inputs can be used to connect any 5V DC

linear sensor, like manifold, fuel or oil pressure or even the DC

output of a wideband controller.

Landscape mode

If you are on the dashboard screen and rotate your phone counter-

clockwise, then you the gauges will rotate to a landscape view.

If you are on the dashboard screen and rotate your phone clockwise,

then you will be taken to the data-logging screen.