So I put on my STS intercooler this weekend. First the pipe fitments were not that good, second the intstructions sucked. The first pipe must have been bent wrong because it did not come close to fitting, had to cut part of pipe # 2 in order for # 3 to be where it was supposed to be.

Now on to the real problem... My truck has always pulled hard in 1st gear despite not wrapping my pipes. Now I barely make 2lbs of boost in first. 4 to 4.5 in second. and third. Now I know there is a pressure drop of about 1lb expected but not 2-2.5 as well as the spool time has increased tremendously. I did install a 2 stage boost controller but I have yet to wire the essentials. I am not making anymore power as a matter of fact she feels slower by sotp meter.

Question #1 Do you think I have a leak somewhere?

Question #2 Should I replace the wastegate spring so when I am in low boost I have my 5lbs of boost back?

IAT's are about 7-8 degrees above ambient so I know the IC is doing its job
but I can't start tuning until I get this boost issue handled.

 

Run your wastegate reference somewhere very close to the intake on the engine, like where your BOV is(if you have one), sounds like you still have it referenced right off the output of the turbo.

 

I have an STS kit,Isn't that alot of tubing to use? Why would that much intake piping affect that?

 

it does make alot of diffrence...i changed mine off the turbo to the intake and it came alive like it was supposed to and i could control my boost better since it was diffrent going into the intake...

 

Should I cap the outlet coming from the turbo?

 

1) possibly, check all your fittings. If you used a screw driver, get out a 7mm socket and go at then all again.

2) no (more below)

Yes it's a lot of tubing, but it allows you to hit 5psi regardless of the intercooler. It will overspin the turbo (e.g. the turbo might measure 6 psi while the manifold measures 5 psi).

Cap the turbo port.

 

The addition of the intercooler could have a small effect on that too....I have seen some of them cause a slight pressure drop at the manifold.

 

I'll try some tubing, anyone know the size off hand?

Should I tee from the same line I used for my gauge?

 

I changed the reference point for the wastegate and it made a huge diff. I get about 6.5 lbs in 2nd 3rd and 4th. 1st is still low at about 4lbs max with very slow spool. How can I get rid of it?

 

Put a boost controller on it and get rid of that problem.