I'm pretty sure the car spools way too slowly. I usually don't get to full boost (12.5 LBS) until 5k. Is this normal for my setup?

GT2860RS
BEGI S4 with big intercooler
FM exhaust with high flow cat


What should I expect? I'm petty noobish about the factors that come into play when it comes to spooling. Fill me in?

 

You're going to have to post way more details than that. What engine, boost control, etc.

But 5k is still too slow. Any exhaust leaks? Boost leaks?

Something is wrong.

 

I"d say check for boost leaks, broken couplers, ripped vacuum plugs, etc

 

Manual boost controller. I have a TurboSmart eboost2 controller but i'm not using it.

I have an exhaust leak but not pre turbo? Does this cause issues related to spool?

Its a 2002 1.8 stock head and bottom end. I don't think i have a boost leak because my vac is at about 18-19 and my boost doesn't fall off at all once it's spooled.

Any other info that might help you guys help me? Let me know, thanks.

 

.86 or .64 A/R turbine housing?

Where is the leak. If it's at the turbo->DP, this is a huge problem.

 

A bleeder type MBC doesn't help spool any. Ball and spring will rise faster. EBC is bestest, imho.

As stated, vacuum leaks are a good place to start.

 

What is your EMS? Are you controlling VVT? I ask because if you screw up somehow and advance the cam all the time, you will spool VERY late.

I also recommend checking all your charge piping, upper/lower intake manifold bolts, and also your S4-turbo bolts.

 

you can have plenty of air leaks that can kill spool
Also I had same amount of vacuum at idle 29-31kpa with pre tb leaks and boost wouldn't fall off either, it would just take forever to build up.

with leaks at max boost setting on my MBC I was hitting 200kpa, after leaks pluged not even close to max out on it I'm hitting 220kpa+

 

Pre throttle body boost leaks won't show on a vacuum gauge.

 

charge pipe size? intercooler dimensions?

 

Eight inch.

 

Alright so I shot a video. I'm using the turbo XS manual boost controller. Standard BEGI s4 piping. It changes size a couple of times. The intercooler is their number two option - a 65$ upgrade when purchasing the kit. Here is a the clip of 3rd gear full throttle.

 

You have 5sp or 6sp?

 

5spd

 

Anything after watching the video? This probably isn't normal. If so, I'd rather have a smaller turbo and be able to use it.

 

why too slow of boost, even with a .86.

 

I thought so too. I'll start with connecting my TurboSmart controller.

Any other thoughts? It's probably not the boost controller.

 

how does it spool with just a line to the wastegate?

 

I just wanted to be the 7th person to suggest that it's most likely a boost leak. As stated previously, a leak between the turbo and throttle body will not affect idle or drop off boost at high rpms.

When I first turbocharged my car I made the exact same thread, everyone said it was a boost leak so I pressure tested the charge piping. My blow off valve (that came with the BEGI kit) was leaking quite a bit of air. I swapped it out and the problem was gone.

 

I'll be the 8th.