16 Turbo lag

MYTOYZ · 09-01-2006

Sorry, title should read 16G.

Another question for you guys...

I've been trying to use the 'Search' but cannot get it to work so I apologize if this has been covered before.

I have a Big 16G turbo and am not real impressed with the turbo lag. I can't get the boost to kick in until the tach swings by 5500 in 1st. By the time I've hit full boost it's time to shift.

Is this normal for a 16G?

**Kracka** · 09-01-2006

No, you have a serious problem, you should be hitting full street boost around 3000 RPM's. Either your turbo has already walked out the door or you have a serious boost leak.

MYTOYZ · 09-01-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by S2kracka

No, you have a serious problem, you should be hitting full street boost around 3000 RPM's. Either your turbo has already walked out the door or you have a serious boost leak.

Should I be able to build boost by revving the engine in nuetral? If I stab the throttle from idle I cannot build any boost.

**JET** · 09-01-2006

Generally no, you need a load on the engine to build boost. Do a boost leak test.

**Kracka** · 09-01-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by MYTOYZ

Should I be able to build boost by revving the engine in nuetral? If I stab the throttle from idle I cannot build any boost.

Thats normal, you will only build boost if the engine is under load (i.e. not free-revving).

MYTOYZ · 09-01-2006

OK, thanks guys.

MYTOYZ · 09-01-2006

I think I will buy a Boostpro leak tester. Anyone had any experience with those?

95talonracer · 09-01-2006

I would make one yourself it is cheap and easy. Just either do a search for how to make one or take the measurements of piping on your car and go to the local hardware. good luck.

Elementality158 · 09-01-2006

They are so easy to make. Ill get a pic of mine.

MYTOYZ · 09-01-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by Elementality158

They are so easy to make. Ill get a pic of mine.

That would be great, thanks.

sleepydsm · 09-01-2006

boosk leak or f-ed turbo.

MYTOYZ · 09-01-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by sleepydsm

boosk leak or f-ed turbo.

Fingers crossed it's just a boost leak. In the higher gears when it spools up it holds plenty of boost. I would have thought it would struggle under all circumstances with a leak but I guess I'll find out.

CDeutsch · 09-01-2006

Could be an exhaust leak (or the wastegate isn't closing and exhaust is escaping out it) if it's a spool issue.

MYTOYZ · 09-01-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by CDeutsch

Could be an exhaust leak (or the wastegate isn't closing and exhaust is escaping out it) if it's a spool issue.

Thanks, I will check out the wastegate too.

94talonawd · 09-01-2006

Could be a boost leak.

But I highly doubt you will be able to build good boost at 3k in 1st gear.

How is the boost in 3rd gear?

MYTOYZ · 09-01-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by 94talonawd

Could be a boost leak.

But I highly doubt you will be able to build good boost at 3k in 1st gear.

How is the boost in 3rd gear?

3rd - 5th is not too bad. It just feels like a slug in the first 2 gears.

My clutch issue is probably not helping since it chatters if I try to launch over about 1800 rpm so I am not laying into it until the clutch is fully released.

I used to have a 92 Laser RS AWD Turbo and it spooled alot quicker with the stock 14b, that's what I am comparing to.

95talonracer · 09-01-2006

Check the wastegate actuator and see if the shaft going into the turbo didnt slide back making the flap not cover the eitire hole inside the turbo. I have seen this before but i dont know what turbo you have.

94talonawd · 09-01-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by MYTOYZ

3rd - 5th is not too bad. It just feels like a slug in the first 2 gears.

My clutch issue is probably not helping since it chatters if I try to launch over about 1800 rpm so I am not laying into it until the clutch is fully released.

I used to have a 92 Laser RS AWD Turbo and it spooled alot quicker with the stock 14b, that's what I am comparing to.

What are all of your mods?

If it is a boost leak like what some are saying, it would have to be extreme. And If the leak is that big, your car should sputter. Does it sputter under boost?

Check your manifold to see if it is cracked (Most likely it wont be cracked, unless you still have the stock 1g manifold). Also check the four bolts on top of the manifold that holds onto the turbo and make sure they are tight. If they are tight, check the metal gasket that lays in between the manifold and the turbo. My guess that there is a leak somewhere around there, causing air to escape and not spinning the turbine wheel like it should, and causing slow boost build.

I would also consider looking at the wastegate flapper to see if their is a crack on the housing (i highly doubt thier is a crack though, but just incase) causing air to go pass the wastegate and not spinning the turbine wheel like it should.

Check also to see that your wastegate is tight. Not moving freely. Make sure the wastegate flapper is closing all the way.

My .02 cents.

**Shane@DBPerformance** · 09-01-2006

When does it hit full boost in 4th gear from a 2000rpm roll? 1st gear is going to be very laggy. Some cars can't even hit full boost in 1st gear.

Gravy · 09-01-2006

I had similar problems on my car within the last couple weeks. No spool till 4-5k rpm in first and second was near as bad. Third and fourth seemed ok, spooling up near 3500 ish. My problem was boost leak AND an exauhst leak as well. One inch of gasket missing from my exauhst maifold as well as two studs missing off the passengers side. Soon i hope to have much better spool up after fixing the studs and the gasket.