More Boost?
 

I have a Begi S4 with a 2860rs, largest intercooler in begi terms (~20x10x2.5), 550's, Xede, and a Turbosmart E-Boost 2 boost controller on my 2002. I have consistently been seeing 11-12.5 max psi even with my boost controller set at up to 16 through 30 lbs for over boost shutdown and set points. Shouldn't this turbo be more than capable of making much more than 12.5 psi in a 4th gear wot run? Not that I'll go much higher because of stock internals, but just very curious why my peak boost isnt responding no matter where my boost controller is set at. Any ideas?

First, I know nothing of ebc. But yes that is way more capabable than 12psi.
Can you feel a difference in power at the diference in boost settings. You may want to try a friends gauge. But if there is no power difference.
Check for leaks. I would think the tubing would blow off if leaking.

You might want to get a $10 manual controller until summer when the temp stabilizes. Just my .02.

I think you should ask Stephanie at Begi about the settings on your Xede. Maybe that's what's limiting you?

If I were you I wouldn't go over 12 psi on stock internals;especially on an NC! (isn't the 2002 an NC?)

Thanks for the reply. There is no difference in power and the gauge is reading accurately. We had set peak boost to 30psi on the controller on a dyno with the same hp results. (My boost pressure lines up with what the dyno measured) Good idea on the MBC, I might try that. Any other thoughts?

Possibly, Ill ask tomorrow.

Haha, I wont go too much more. It just bugs me why my ebc seems like its worthless and not doing what its told. Good thing it didnt start working when we set it to 30 psi! NC's are 05 + I think..

I have a feeling it's just running wastegate....

Isnt it a 9 psi spring though?

Doesn't mean it will run 9psi.

if its cold out I have seen as much as 4psi boost creep so its definitely possible you are running on wastegate. the fact that you turn it up as much as possible and nothing happens is a big give away. believe me, even on a small turbo, if you turn up the controller all the way, that fucker will spike so high you will most likely break something. i'll bet the vacuum lines from your controller are either not hooked up properly or leaking somewhere.

On my way home from work this evening I swapped in the old tube from compressor to wastegate, deleting all e boost controlling. I had consistent runs of ~8psi and peak at 9.5 when I got home. So it seems that my EBC is working sort of, but only letting another 4psi through.. Any ideas?

bad/broken boost controller? leaky? sounds like it

Hope not! Its nearly new.

Courtesy of braineack. I just ordered and got one from ebay but he's got a $10 special on his website: NXS Racing Division

What is your exhaust setup like? A clogged cat or OEM exhaust may be a limiting factor here I think.

i think its the boost controller, cuz i had the same issue, i only saw 6psi through mine, then i swapped controllers, i got that bad boy up to 14 psi real quick

I have the seperated gases downpipe and a FM turbo exhaust. Everything is used for the first time.

Maybe I'll see if I can get one of those mbc's, Rafa, and if that does it, I'll get a replacement solenoid.

Thanks for the input guys.

Every good turbo enthusiast should carry along with him a cheap and simple ball-and-spring MBC in the glove box for situations just like this. Even a year after I went EBC, I still had my $15 eBay Voodoo MBC mounted to the fenderwell exactly as I had before. No matter what, that thing was good for 14psi for any test I might need.

Ha, very good idea.

EBC is my 1st choice for the trouble but what about the adjustment arm on the WG. It could be too loose so the flapper is never actually closed. There's been no mention so far about spool. If it's spooling slow the wg arm may be more of a possibility.

Quite a possibility. Full boost is achieved by about 4k rpms. Its hard to tell really, trying to look at the road, tach, and gauge. Anyway does 4k sound about right?