Anyone know what might be causing this? My only engine mod is a short-ram intake.

 

Halfway to what? Your description is meaningless...

 

If my only mod is a short-ram intake, that obviously means everything else is stock- therefore my stock turbo is only running the stock 8.5 psi. But according to my guage and the noise it makes, it's only spooling halfway to that.

 

you need to give more info
does your gauge even read 0, engine off, key on?
do you know how a turbo works?

 

I'm pretty sure the stock boost is 5psi and fuel cut starts at 8.5psi. If you don't split hairs 5 psi is darn close to "half way".

 

Of course I know how a turbo works. I'm simply talking about the stock boost gauge. On an S5. The turbo is only spooling roughly half of what it was before (8.5 psi stock), and I was wondering if anyone knew what might have caused this.

 

ok so the needle goes half the way up on the stock gauge. Get an aftermarket gauge and then get back to us.

 

I can tell by the sound it's making something is wrong with it! Plus the fact that she's not responding as well, and it's slower and more sluggish. I don't have the money for an aftermarket gauge. Could this be a boost leak or something else?

 

Then you should've just said "I only get 4psi" boost, then everybody would know exactly what you were talking about.

If the car is otherwise running alright then the most likely cause of low boost on a stock car is clogged cats. If you don't need to pass emissions them either hollow them out or (much better) replace them with a straight pipe. If you need a cat for emissions, buy a new aftermarket one to replace the stock ones.

 

Dittos on the clogged catalytic converter. Also remove the turbo inlet duct and feel the shaft play. There should not be much and the blades should not touch the surrounding housing at all.

 

And if they do, time for a new turbo I presume?

 

http://www.egauges.com/vdo_grou.asp?Series=Z-Series

$50 shipped for a gauge.

I ordered mine a few days ago. A boost gauge is a necessity, if you plan on modding at least.

A very good investment...

 

you sure the sound isnt just from the intake? an aftermarket intake will be way louder than stock.

 

You'd just get it rebuilt at a shop such as Majestic Turbo in Waco, Texas...........or BNR or around the corner from your house.