VF34 not running hitting full boost

[1fastrex]

I will try to make this simple, this turbo has been installed for about a month now maybe a little less. it constantly hits 13.5 maybe 14lbs max. thast it. kinda annoying, anyways i have a stock top mount and as far as engine managment i'm running copp ap. thast also how i am reading the boost. i wana get this thing runnign the way it should or else i will go back to the stock turbo. The car is a 2002 wrx and i'm down in south jersey (winslow,hammonton area) and would prefer local help if i can. i just don't feel like driving back up to precision b/c its so far away

[igo4bmx]

did u check for leaks?

[S4toSTI]

Did you reflash it right.

[1fastrex]

i listened but i can't hear anything, i have/know of any better way to do it
i don't know where to start.

and yes i reflashed it a few times just to make sure

[igo4bmx]

DIY boost leak tester..

[S4toSTI]

Have you tried reverting to stock then reseting the ecu that may help worth a try. Not throwing a code right.

[1fastrex]

ill search for the boost leak test

yea ill give that a try see what happens...i mean it can't hurt

[TehWagon]

noob here... u checked the wastegate right? is min pressure different for vf34s? (i know its 7 for stock turbos w/stuck wg's)...?

[1fastrex]

well i don't think its stuck b/c than i would only be getting 7/8 lbs. i can get 13-14 just not the 16.5 like cobb recomnends

[S4toSTI]

Yeah wastegate could be it but 14 seems high for that problem, have you gone threw mud recently.

[1fastrex]

nah not as muddy as u haha

[S4toSTI]

nah not as muddy as u haha
Well i say that cause my car was only hitting 8-9 psi after i went in the mud. Anyway here is what i would do... check for leaks, then resent ecu and load map freash also check cobb's site for aan update on the v34 map i think they have 1.30 now.

[the mike]

Is the restrictor in the compressor to wastegate vacuum line? Check the line that runs from the turbo housing to the "T" that runs to the boost control solenoid. If it isn't there you may need to find one, try the NASIOC calssifieds.

Other than that, make sure all your lines are in good shape, no tears or holes.
Also are you reading it on a gauge or on the AP itself? Karl says his gauge is about 5 PSI off, but that is due to where it is tapped into most likely.

[Dave]

make sure the wastgate is bolted on tight. when i got mine it was a little loose and i never noticed till i started turning up the boost...

[1fastrex]

yea i'm gona do all of that s4tosti, yes i have the stock restrictor pill in place, as far as i can see all the hoses and tubes are good, the only one may be the y pipe under the intercooler.

how hard the boost leak test? will i have to rip the maniflold off? b/c i heard that the stock turbo inlet hose won't come off with out ripping it, unless u remove the manifold. seams real easy other than that big problem

[TehWagon]

which manifold? from what we did yesterday i don't think that's the case...

[1fastrex]

the silver spidery looking thing w/ 4 "legs" the inlet tube runs right under it

[TehWagon]

would that be the intake manifold? (sorry, i = dumb)

[1fastrex]

i'm not 100% sure but yes

[TehWagon]

hm. not sure if you would rip the inlet tube, but look at it this way. if you damage it, you can just get some cool samco ones or something! :wink:

[the mike]

Yes, that's the intake manifold. The Y pipe is under the intercooler, real easy to get to if you pull the intercooler. Like a 10 min job.

[1fastrex]

i don't have the money for new hoses right now. plus they are expensive as hell, i'm gona do the test though first b/c i pull the intercooler..

has anyone actually done this test w/ out removing the manifold or ripping the turbo inlet hose

[capaGC8]

if you got the work done at precision, i wouldn't put my money on any leaks... i would point the finger at your AP. it's not an uncommon situation for accessports to not hit target boost - just search www.nasioc.com

i would suggest contacting cobb and going for a more aggressive map. they might be hesistant at first, but they'll cave - they always do...

either that or you could go protune - www.slowboyracing.com

BTW - does it spool fine to 13.5psi or does it seem hesitant?

[1fastrex]

well i mean i know they do fantastic work to say the least. but if a hose is old it may just have a hairline leak somewhere.

what are u sugesting ask cobb to make a more agressive map just for me?

usually it spools right up to 13.5 than just holds, sometime it hesitates but its rare, i think that might be other factors (gas, weather, etc)

[capaGC8]

if it was a leak you would experience slow spool up or it would taper down as soon as you reach the highest boost setting.

as long as you are sustaining boost pressure - i would look towards cobb. you can't look down on them for conservative mapping, but they will offer a more aggresive map to you for no cost.

[1fastrex]

ok lil update...ive been busy so not much has got done, BUT i did uninstall than reinstal the entire AP. and now i get 15.5 in 4th so i gained a lil bit but i'm still not getting up to where i should be.

[slavetothemuzic]

did u check for leaks?That would be my first check too.

If necessary...replace all the vacuum lines under the hood (since it's not that expensive), make sure any connectors or clamps are tight. Make sure your BOV/BPV is adjusted properly. I have an S/C, not a turbo, but I suppose checking your waste gate is a good idea too.

Also, I've heard some of the Eclipse people talking about electronic vs mechanical boost controllers. Don't know if that could be an issue for you.

[Chair-Force]

Trying shortening the Wastegate Actuator arm by half turns counter clockwise. Its not uncommon for people with VF34s to miss target boost without adjusting that arm. Give it a try.