i finally got my turbo installed! problem is it's only making 4-5lbs of boost according the the boost gauge?! what could the problem be? im taking it to sam at GT motorsports this weekend to get tuned so hopefully i can be making at least 8 lbs.

my mods that i had installed with the turbo

act clutch
exedy flywheel
kinetix ssv manifold
apexi titanium 2.9 inch exhaust
1 step cold plugs
defi boost gauge and link-meter

thanks in advance

 

What are you using for a boost controller?

On a side note, did you have that SSV on before you went FI? I bought one, then someone just paypal'd me for it cause i needed the money back for some other parts, but... Man, it just looks so damn nice that i want to put it on my car and give dude his money back. I have the AAM angled spacer to use, but... The SSV is just so pretty

 

Do you have the forged actuator and right spring? It's also possible your boost gauge isnt accurate.

 

yes i did the the ssv b4 i went turbo. I didnt buy it for gains really, more for looks. Everytime I pop the hood i get oooooo's and aahhhh's, i love it.

 

?! im new to boost so im not really sure what you mean?! does the forged actuator come with the kit?

 

?

 

probaly like 3whp to the wheels...... havent got it dynod yet, i have an appointment with Sam on saturday. Although I dont even want to know how much whp im putting down with only 4lbs of boost, I will be to pissed after already spending close to 9k on this whole thing to see poor results!

 

I don't really like that kinetic plenum. i havent heard of anyone making gains with this system. you really should have done some research before you bought the aps kit. there are only a few exhausts that match well with this single kit. i went from the fujistubo, to the jic and finally the aps single turbo exhaust. its a great kit, but it does have quirks. one of which is the actuator that is part of the wastegate setup. some people have swapped out the actuator for a beefier unit from Forge. you can get it from forged performance in GA. if you have any more specific questions about the kit, pm me.

 

Also if your installer just bolted up the kit with no mods, there is a bottleneck in the exhaust portion. the kit is made to bolt up to the stock exhaust and there is a reducer flange that goes from the downpipe to the exhaust. it goes from 3 inch to like 2.25-2.5 inch. my shop took that reducer pipe and modified it so there is no reduction in exhaust diameter.

 

First thing that comes to mind is your exhaust. You NEED to run the APS ST exhaust with this kit, no ifs ands or buts about it.

Second thing, is the preload on the actuator may no properly be set

3rd is that you may not have the boost solenoid wired properly and you may only be making spring pressure

4th is that you have a boost leak

5th is ditch that POS plenum and get one that does more than look shiny

Who did the install? In regards to Synth's question I am 99.99999% sure you would know if whoever did the install changed the actuator

 

Yes, Forged has this actuator. You probably don't need to upgrade the spring if you're only running like 7-9 lbs of boost, but some ppl have some quirks, so the spring may need to be tweaked a bit/tightened to get the boost to hold. I don't know Sam, but I believe he is on here and knows all the issues with the APS ST. I'm sure he can verse you more in what you need or need to do. If not, call GRD as they have done quite a few of the APS ST's.... You might want to get the APS plenum and also consider the APS ST exhaust system. It really was made specific for the APS ST. MANY people had the most gains when they switched out to the exhaust system. I believe GRD may have a few in stock as they are extremely difficult to find. (GRD: (630)369-2800).

 

Polish the APS plenum for aesthetics if you wish...

 

In this situation, the very first thing that needs to be done is verify the install is correct - proper preload on the actuator, proper wiring to the boost solenoid and check for boost leaks. While that is being done, don't think about changing the exhaust, CHANGE the exhaust. Order up the proper exhaust. If you get the APS ST exhaust, verify the install is correct, I am very confident you will make proper boost

 

I don't have that kind of money to be spending it on polishing a plenum

 

Come on, bling it baby!!!!

 

maybe if I had your money. At this point I am on the verge of sitting on side of the road holding a sign that reads

"Will work for clutch"

 

i dont want to drop 1500 on another exhaust and plenum if its not a 100% sure. could it be that just the waste gate is opening to soon? or if it was a boost leak how could i tell?

 

no the actuator was not changed, i heard the kit comes with a few different springs, is this true?

 

on a side note, should i even bother going to get tuned this weekend if it's not running properly?

 

You can pressure test the system, or have a shop do it. What does your vacuum look like at idle?

I would 100% without a doubt buy the APS exhaust.

You don't have to buy a new plenum, I would just swap back to stock, sell the SSV and put that money towards the exhaust


I would not have the car tuned without the APS ST exhaust