Low Boost.....need quick help!
 

Alright, I just took my car out for a spin (FB w/ S4 Turbo engine) and according to the boost gauge, im not hitting much boost, if any at some points. The highest i've hit was about 5 psi.

Mods :
Microtech Lt8
Full 3" exhaust w/ a 3" cat
3" TID
3" Intercooler pipes into a massive FMIC
no emissions
550/680 injectors

the car is hitting about 11.5 a/f all the way

Any ideas on why it isnt boosting? I ported the wastegate, but it does still have the factory size flapper door so i expected some creep...
I redlined 1st and 2nd gear so far with about 5 psi of boost. Boost also comes on pretty late (4k up)

I know that once the pipe did come off, but is there any way to check for leaks? ie, spraying somthing on the joints?

This is a J-spec engine BTW.

Thanks

Is the rod on the waste gate stuck open? If not you have a leak in the charge setup somewhere. You need more fuel when you get boosting properly you will max out your injectors.

I'll have to check the wastegate arm, but before installing the turbo i tested it, so i assumed it was good.... As for the fuel, Its running very rich even at the 5psi, so im sure that i'll be fine for slightly above stock levels, espically with the bigger secondaries and my upgraded pump. Is there any way to check for leaks on the couplings? like somthing i can spray on and watch etc.?

Thanks

With a 3in exhaust how do you plan on keeping the turbo at stock levels? It will easly climb to 12psi without creep.

No I dont know anything to spray just make sure evrything is right and tite and welded good.

I forgot to mention that its heavily ported aswell...But thats besides the point... I also have a Turbo XS Bov, if that was leaking at idle (need to double check) would it continue to do so as i build boost...meaning im losing boost all the time? But then again, i only hear it when i let off the gas. All my pipes are professionally welded so i know thats not the problem, the couplings seem to not have any leaks, but i'll see what i can find...

Yeah, if you have a leak in the vac./boost system, it'll bleed off at all times... If you think you might have a vac. leak, spray around the engine bay with carb cleaner. Spray on all the suspected areas thoroughly. If the idle rises at all, you've discovered a leak.

Unless your idle is shaky, it's doubtful you have a vac./boost leak.

Part of your poor boost response could be attributed to your large IC piping... 3" is pretty frikkin' big running the stock turbo.

What are you using for boost control? Do you have an EBC?

thanks for the carb cleaner idea....Someone also told me to try using insents, see if the smoke is sucked in... Well, the reason for the 3" piping is because once i got the car running nice and reliable, i plan to upgrade the turbo (but really its 3" ouside o/d...its more like 2.75") As for Boost control, im planning on getting a MBC this week, but before anything i was hoping to see a little more boost so that i knew what i really needed.

I am runing 3in pipe on stock turbo runing 10psi by 4 to 4.5k with a 2.5in exhaust