I have a 01 FWD 180 and the boost peaks at 20 sometimes too but I've been assured that's normal. I've had two things fixed before that has somewhat similar symptioms... Coil pack maybe or a belt tensioner... see what the others think.

 

timing belt was just done along with all acc so its not a tensioner and also, it doesnt really just jump to that. it nromally gets up to there and flutters at like 19-21psi when floored.

 

do you accelerate smoothly if you press the pedal slow and when you gun it the whole car jerks/twitches around 3500-4000 ? if so i'd check the plugs and coils, had the same problem.

also if your gettin 20 psi or higher its gotta be chipped !!! good luck !!!

 

would it hurt anything to run the 28 gap vs 32

 

Is there a cel on? If so, definately check that. I've had the same symptoms simply from plugs. And after i changed them, There was no reoccurance. Ahh the fun in troubleshooting

 

well it seems to be more of a fluttering noise.

 

ghetto, did you have a cel, i didnt and also was it a fluttering sound or did it just bog down

 

20 psi... must be chipped... and since you didnt know about it id start by regapping the plugs

 

does it have ti be chipped? I will take a video of the boost gauge tomorrow to show what it does