Boost Spike Problems

[Simmo1985]

I've just finished installing the turbotech boost controller and an Autometer boost gauge.

Even on the lowest setting (boost controller screw loosened almost completely) I'm hitting around 14psi or so. 2nd gear usually comes to around 10-12, but third and fourth go all the way up to 14psi, not sure if it would go any higher as I stop accelerating when I see that. I've tried tightening the screw (can't loosen it any further) and I get the same results.

For some reason my boost gauge isn't showing any boost in 1st gear? I probably just wasn't gunning it in 1st though.

What could the problem be?

I've installed the turbotech bc as per instructions in the DIY section of this site. Fairly sure the autometer gauge is accurate and installed correctly. Seems to be consistent with the dash gauge (i.e. the needle of both boost gauges hit 0 at the same time).

EDIT - Mods include JJ Cooling Pro type 1 FMIC, full 3" exhaust with hi-flow cat.

Edited September 16, 2007 by Simmo1985

[Simmo1985]

Not sure if this means anything to anyone, but before I installed the boost controller I took the car for a spin (just installed the boost gauge) and it seemed to hit low-boost mode (standard boost solenoid was still connected) fine, went to 5psi on the gauge however boost seemed to drop off noticeably in the higher revs.

I've got a feeling the problem is lying with the exhaust. It's a JJR split dump pipe.

[Simmo1985]

Btw, accelerating at half throttle boost seems to only go to around 10psi which is where I want it to stay. When pushing down to full throttle boost rises up past that and fast.

[ZENNON]

what boost do you get if you run a line from the intercooler pipe to the actuator (will be the minimum boost that your car will make) check that the wastegate isnt fouling on the pipe and try taking off the heat shield too or modify it (it was in the way on mine) I had to die grind my turbo wastegate to get the boost down after the exhaust went on

[SevenAngryPenguins]

^^^^that reply was actually me on someone else's computer

[SevenAngryPenguins]

ooops double post

Edited September 16, 2007 by SevenAngryPenguins

[Simmo1985]

Here is a pic of my setup. Is this right? If not what should I change?

I'm not too sure where that cord runs off to the left.. sorta disappears in near my radiator and seems to run to the bottom left hand side of the car.

The intercooler is a Cooling Pro type 1 from Just Jap. I've heard that these kits don't have a nipple or something or other.. Is this apart of my problem?

Edited September 16, 2007 by Simmo1985

[tek_01]

check the other post where you posted about your problem, i replied there but basically bypass your charcoal canister (which is probably where the lines are leading under the bottom left of your car) and see what that does

i had the EXACT same problem as you but as soon as i tried that, it was all good

btw by law you must run a charcoal canister

[SevenAngryPenguins]

looks ok, what boost was it running before the controller went in, maybe try feeding the pressure line straight to the controller i.e no t piece

[Simmo1985]

What is a charcoal canister :S ??

And would the pressure line be the top one running from the T piece on the left? Have to excuse my ignorance as I'm only learning these things still.

[Simmo1985]

Before boost controller it was running just the standard boost, was running it pretty much normally.. However at higher revs boost seemed to drop off, not sure if this is normal as I only took the car for a quick drive after installing the gauge before moving onto boost controller install.

[SevenAngryPenguins]

the pressure feed is the hose that comes off the side of the manifold and goes to your 'T' join. I would first connect that straight onto the actuator take car for a spin and check the boost level to ensure you have a good pressure feed (i assume you have a boost gauge) and that its not running a high boost level to start with

charcoal canister

Definition: A storage device in the evaporative emissions control system. It is a small cylindrical or rectangular container that contains activated charcoal particles. The charcoal traps gasoline vapors from the fuel tank (and carburetor on older vehicles). Later, the vapors are purged and drawn into the engine when the vehicle is being driven.

Edited September 16, 2007 by SevenAngryPenguins

[Simmo1985]

I disconnected the line that is likely running to the charcoal canister and connected only the pressure line to the boost controller. Car is now holding 7psi like an absolute champion. No boost spikes or drops.

What's my best move from here? Just run the car with the charcoal canister lines disconnected and blocked permanently?

I'm just relieved it's not my dump pipe that needs replacing!! Thanks for the advice so far guys, keep it coming ..

[SevenAngryPenguins]

i suggest welding/tapping a nipple onto you intercooler pipe you might want to try and hide the contoller as well as the cops dont like them

[SevenAngryPenguins]

hey mate just looked at your picture and noticed that you used the old rubber hose (the one with the red line on it coming off the 'T' joiner) take it off and check that it doesn't have the restictor inside it if it does just push it out and take for another spin

[SevenAngryPenguins]

i would not bypass the canister as it absorbs the fuel vapour it seems

[DRIFTER]

just T into the vacuum hose going to your bov and leave the canister hose alone.

[Simmo1985]

Ok, status update.. I checked the red hose - it did have a restrictor in the line. Removed it and re-hooked everything back up with the charcoal canister line. For some reasons my car does not run as well with this connected, it was hunting at idle and had hesitation when I was revving the engine in neutral.

Took it for a drive, second gear hit about 7psi stable.. third gear however was again going over 12psi.. must have something to do with the length of the hose or something.. maybe when they installed the FMIC they had to move the charcoal canister to somewhere else? Maybe it is supposed to sit a lot closer? My friends 180sx has that canister thing sitting on the front right side of the engine bay, just to the side of the radiator.

I guess I'll just disconnect the charcoal canister lines for now and block them off. Can anyone confirm this is safe to do?

[SevenAngryPenguins]

as drifter said just 't' of the bov line or get a nipple put onto your intercooler pipe (which will make for nice short piping too) I wouldnt be messing with the canister if you dont have too

[Simmo1985]

Oh ok, I misunderstood what drifter meant. Will look into your suggestions. Thanks for the advice.