What is a good safe boost level?
 

My datalog showed that I reached 207kpa(15.2psi) @ 5300 or so RPMs, on one of my 4th gear accel runs. I couldn't finish the pull due to the traffic ahead. Now, while that is a blast to drive and the thrust is awesome, I am wondering what the long term effects would be running at that boost level. All the parameters on the log looked good, AFR was 12.1, IAT's topped at 106 under full boost, IJ duty cycle hit around 73%, and the timing is fine.

I am seriously considering dialing the boost back to around 12psi(184kpa or so).

I still need to get the car dyno tuned, but every dyno shop in the Tampa area seems to have closed down or they only run dynojets. The closest shop is located in Orlando.

if everything else checks out, make up some det cans (copper pipe flattened end bolted to block, silicon tubing to ear defenders like a giant stethoscope) and listen for sounds of det / pre ign (sounds like spark arcing in your ears)
if thats all clear - I wouldnt change a thing
an EGT gauge would probably be useful as well
but if AFR is in the zone for the fuel used, the timing is in spec - and turbo within efficiency island no reason not to run that boost - but get it on a dyno you may be leaving power on the table

Those det cans sound pretty useful- more so than my stock knock sensor, at least (which doesn't play well with SEMS setups).

Will 15 psi shorten the life of the engine or drivetrain though? It seems like that is starting to get close to the limits of the engine, which leaves less room for error in the long term.

Not if it's tuned right. I was running 15 psi (with occasional spikes to 18) on my EGT (bone stock bottom end) with a Haltech, and a friend of mine was running 15 on his EGT with a BPT (lower compression) with the GTX ecu. Neither of us baby the cars, but when the motors were torn down, he had melted pistons, and mine were mint. The BP is a tough little motor.

I pussed out and backed it down to 12psi. I daily drive this car and I seldom get to use the full powah anyway.

Thanks for the input guys.

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(wtf guys?)