2nd gear pull: 8psi from 2-3k up to 5ish then tails off to about 2 or 3psi
Change to 3rd: No boost.
Let off the throttle for a second in 3rd then WOT again: 8psi from 2-3k to about 4.5k then nothing

Anyone know anything specific before I rip into vacuums and solenoids.

Thanks

 

Sounds charge control valve related.

 

Thank you. Maybe I will start here.
Forgot to mention completely stock JDM car apart from catback.

 

Go through the sequential troubleshooting. Start with boost leaks.

Dale

 

This too. Make one of these:

 

Forgive my ignorance but what is that and how is it used? I don't think I remember seeing that back when I had my stock-ish TT FD.

 

Its a boost leak checker. Google.

 

Thanks guys.

Was looking for a 'X is your problem, do this and your life will be sorted' sort of answer :P

Bought the car recently and just didn't want to rip it apart while the summer was still here but I think I'll dig in. Arguably better than standing around looking at it being all pretty on the driveway.

 

Make sure the lines to the vacuum chamber and the chamber itself is good.

 

Ok. I don't want to stretch my begging much more but the vacuum chamber - am I correct in thinking this is the little black box directly in front of the upper intake manifold? Thanks
EDIT: I just realised that's the pressure chamber.

 

Just do a damn boost leak check first.