How much boost is too much?
 

I havent read much of this on the forum so not sure if everyone is aware of this or not. Just foward of the firewall (on the 225HP enigne) there is a "charge air controler" that is adjustable. By adjusting the rod on the controler you can increase your boost. Just figured this out today! So anyway I adjusted mine. I was spiking around 9 lbs and maintaining around 8. Now I am spiking 17 and maintaining 15 lbs. I have not done anything to the fuel, or air with the car. The car has been chipped but that is it. Am I safe with this, bearing in mind the auto-manufacture safety margin that they have figured into their tuning? The car runs great and seems to like it, just curious if any one else has done this, and if anyone can fill me in on how much is to much. Because it will do MORE!!!! So far seems to be a great way to get FREE HP. Let me know. Thanks

RE: How much boost is too much?
 

I would think that the 17 and 15 lbs would have been where you were at from the chip. When I had my 180 chipped by GIAC I went up to a spike of 16 and an average of 13 lbs. Now I have the GT2X in and have a dual boost controller set for a low of 13 and a high of 18 for now but may jump it to 20 when the new injectors are in.

RE: How much boost is too much?
 

Yeah, Im not sure about the whole chip thing. I bought the car used, and I took it to a tune shop to have it chipped. They said that it already had an ATP chip in it, and that it was soldered in so they couldn't change it out. They said if I wanted to put a newer chip in that I would have to buy a new computer. So I left it alone. About 4 weeks ago I had the shop install the TT Stuff boost vent gauge. (LOVE IT!!!!) The gauge was only showing up to 8 lbs, now 15 lbs. I dont know? In any case do you think 15 is playing it safe or could/should I kick it up another 5 lbs to 20? Keeping everything stock.

RE: How much boost is too much?
 

I have a 2000 180hp, in 4th gear, on a slight incline, I can get 13psi with the pedal to the floor. Car is stock. Any other time, 10 is about as high as it will go.

On a 225, I'd boost 20psi, with everthing pretty much stock, on a 180 though, I wouldn't be so sure with just the one tiny SMIC. On a 180, I'd set it to hold around 15.

RE: How much boost is too much?
 

Alright lets see how it goes. I bumped it up to 20 psi peak and 18 psi continuous. I did some city driving today and didnt get on it at all. I wanted to make sure everything was ok. Boost comes on immediatley even in first gear, and forget about 2nd and 3rd, it pretty much maintains about 6 psi boost while doing standard exelaration through both gears. Now when I step on the throttle boost is immediate no matter what gear I am in. I just detailed the car this morning, and when I pulled into the garage tonight I noticed some very light black soot an my right rear fender. The left was clean. Not sure if this is due to the boost increase or not. I cleaned it all off so I can check it out tomorrow. I have to be at work at 05:00 so I think I will push the car, while on the freeway, as there is no traffic and the air is cooler and more dense. I will post the results when I get in to the office.

RE: How much boost is too much?
 

I wouldnt push it that much esp if you dont know what the fueling situation is, if you run too much boost you risk leaning the motor out way to much and blowing a hole in the side of it.... so porobably not the best idea to boost that much

RE: How much boost is too much?
 

Well, I ran it this morning on the way into work. I thought my minor adjustment would put me at 20 PSI but it turns out that at peak boost it seems to hold a strong 16 lbs. It deffinately made a difference in performance and I think the car likes it. It accelerates a lot smoother than before, and the power band is HUGE!! I think I agree with you BadLuckAudi, as I laid in bed last night I was considering everything and 20 psi might be a bit much until I can dial in all of the other numbers. Im gonna leave it as is for now. Anyway, I am very impressed with the performance now and very dissapointed I didnt realize this adjustment was possible sooner. I LOVE free HP!

RE: How much boost is too much?
 

ehhh, maybe more fuel pressure to be safe? 4 bar FPR Bosch # 0 280 160 575

RE: How much boost is too much?
 

Yeah, the more I think about it the more concerned I grow. I will start looking for the those today. Thanks for the P/N.

RE: How much boost is too much?
 

im new to this forum but am definatly a fan of free HP..i just order injen CAI and am soon gettin APR chip..but how can i make more boost to a 180 TTQ