My factory boost gauge only shows .05 MPa when in 1st gear. Even from 3500 RPM all the way to 6000 RPM in 1st gear at WOT the turbo doesn't spool to the maximum boost level of about .09 MPa. It just will sit at .05 and won't go any further. Is this normal? This doesn't happen in any other gear. In every other gear the turbo puts out full boost (about .09 MPa) at above 3500 RPM. Thanks for any info you can provide.

 

This is normal for first and even 2nd gear. There is not enough load on the engine to build boost. It has nothing to do with "slipping the clutch."


If you want full boost in the lower gears, you will need some sort of aftermarket boost controller. The Apex AVCR is a good one that can do gear based boost controls.

 

Thanks for the information. I appreciate it. This is the identical explanation I received over at the NASIOC forums. Interestingly though, I get full boost in 2nd gear like there is no tomorrow. This is definitely a good thing.

 

hey does anyone know about Cobb stage 2 building boost in 1-2 gears?

I know CObb stage 1 retains 9 psi for 1-2 gears but man if stage 2 does it too I'm really going for a boost controller...

 

it is also a safety feature programmed by subaru. they calculated that in first and second gear, there isn't enough air flowing to the intercooler to provide safe boost.

 

i just have the HKS exhaust and the AVC-R (set to 1.05) and i get full boost in all gears from 2900-6500 rpm's. (i set it to drop boost to .95 from 6500-7000 so i dont risk runnin lean) i can email all the setup details if you get it. so far its the best bang for the buck i've found yet. with the size/shape of the unit (the blue face matches my WRB paint too...) it fits infront of the cig lighter like it was designed to go there. you need this part! my buddy's got a twin to my car, without the AVC-R, and when he drobe mine he said it made his feel like it didn't even have a turbo. no lie, it makes that much difference, and from my research, it does it safely and reliably. i cant yet vouch for the EGT's it creates, i'm still tryin to figure out where to mount the probe, but so far so good. i highly recommend installing this unit.

 

no need for a boost controller to get full boost in all gears.
Search for 3/16th mod and do it.
you are .49cents away from full boost in all gears

 

Negative on that my friend.