I installed Helix flex uppipe and TurboXS stealthback exhaust and now my (OEM) boost gauge is out of whack. Idles at about -.05 and hit's .02 under WOT.

Anyone got any ideas what might be the problem before I start tearing things apart again?

 

.02?? Does your car run okay? If you haven't changed the hose connections for the gauge, try checking the connections to see if they are secure, or look for a split hose (not uncommon when exposed to underhood heat).

--
0==WW==0
"…axles of evil…" - george w. bush

 

Yeah, everything seems to be running fine. Sounds great in fact. I'll go check my lines.

 

I'd check the lines.

 

bah
guy's help me with my problem :P huck's isn't nearly as bad!

 

Okay, all the lines look fine. I've checked everything hose I can find that's anywhere near the turbo and otherwise. Still the problem persists yet everything sounds and feels like it's running fine.

Could it be that the boost gauge is depressurized (making this up as I go along here) or needs to be reset? Is there even a way to reset my boost gauge?

 

I don't think the gauge is resettable, huck. I think mechanical boost gauges just contain a simple spring-loaded pointer that works against a rubber diaphragm.

Do you know anyone with a known good boost gauge that would be willing to let you hook theirs up to your existing line?

--
0==WW==0
"…axles of evil…" - george w. bush

 

Good idea. Thanks.

 

Oh man. Finally got another gauge to swap with and test. Stays in vacumn in everything except WOT! I've checked every hose within reach. Guess I'm doing a full reinstall on Saturday.

 

Thanks for the update, huck. I was wondering if you'd ever tracked down the problem.

--
0==WW==0
"…axles of evil…" - george w. bush

 

Try resetting the ECU??

 

Okay, I have no clue. I did break something upon installation but I don't think it could be the cause of my problem. Please correct me if I'm wrong. The bronze metal pipe that bolts onto the side of the turbo (see pictures below) snapped in 2 but between the 2 bolts. Upon inspection it appears that no lines were harmed. It doesnt look hollow.

I could be wrong though. There may be a reason that this was cast as one piece. Any ideas?

 

It was a clean break along the dotted line.

 

That tube is a coolant or oil line to/from the turbo. I would check to make sure that the uppipe is sealed and is not leaking same with the DP. If the uppipe is leaking then that could explain why you are not achieving full boost except when under WOT.

Also if there is a vaccum hose that you forgot to connect that could also explain why you are not hitting full boost except for under WOT. Quite a bit of boost could be bleeding off because of this. I am more confident in this because engine vaccum is higher than normal and and would explain the boost issue.


Are these pictures before or after it broke?

-skooter

 

After.