I know this is a 3rd gen section, but I figure turbos are the same and I need help with my TII. I was wondering if something could be wrong with a turbo even though it makes boost? My turbo spools up pretty quick but I can't feel the power come on. Really laggy and comes on slow and not hard at all. I took off the TID and it feels fine and spins freely. It's the original stock turbo w/150,000+ miles on it. Even though it boosts, could there be something wrong?

 

Do you have a boost gauge?

 

Yup, depending on temps, I usually hit between 8-10 lbs of boost.
Don't turbos go bad, maybe the seals, and leak oil? Could this be the cause of my symptons? Thanks for responding.

 

Yes the seals can go bad and leak oil. But if you are getting the proper lbs of boost at the right rpms I don`t see how you`r turbo could be you`r problem.

 

I figured as much. I've been slowly chasing this problem for over a year. On a student budget, but I do what I can. I figured it was maybe a clogged precat, so I put a dp on. That wasn't it. Next logical step, main cat replaced with a mp, still a no go. Secondary throttle plates not opening maybe? Throttle body mod and still not fixed. Checked timing, changed plugs and wires, fuel filter, vacuum hoses, still subpar performance. Thought maybe the stock bov might be leaking boost, so I installed an Apexi bov. Then I really reached out far and thought maybe clogged mufflers. Greddy Power Extreme and my girlfriends prelude still whoops my ***. It's all stock too!!! Very frustrating. The engine pulls really good to redline, I just don't feel the turbo kick at all. It actually kind of bogs when the turbo boosts up. I've heard of some cars having lame ecu's from the get go, so that's what I'm trying next. I figure it's possible since I never hit fuel cut, which is at 8.6 psi, since I can regularly hit 10lbs w/no problem. If anyone can chime in, please do so. Thanks again for both replies. It's cool that I can post in the 3rd gen section and get a response even though I have a TII.

 

Mine would give me boost but no snap and even revs. It was plugs.