So I've done the Tennis Ball trick and looked at VAG-COM, but they seem to disagree. VAG-COM says I'm no where near requested boost at any level of throttle, but I can't seem to find a boost leak. When I did the test today, there wasn't any whistling, and I could only hear the air going into the intake manifold. However it did disappear pretty quickly, it seemed. Anyone else experience this type problem? I just (about a month ago) got the ST chip, and noticed more power, but something seems wrong. Yes, I have regapped to .28.

Any help would be super appreciated.

And no, I don't have a gauge yet. I need more money.

 

Also, I'm not getting any codes other than Bank 1 too lean. I'll post up the exact number tomorrow.

 

its gonna be hard to tell whats going on without a boost gauge.
If you are doing it right the tennis ball method can be quite good at finding leaks. when I do it I have to remove the "pancake" valve from the tip and plug it there, or all the air just goes out there and I cant find any other leaks.
I wish I could help you. I have had the ST chip for a few months and im convinced it is MY problem. but if your car is requesting the boost then maybe yours is ok

 

Yeah, I'm getting huge requests from the ECU for boost, but not much from the turbo. Or at least it seems that way. I guess I'll have to find a cheap decent boost gauge until I can afford one to really mount. Any suggestions? Or any other comments?

 

you can find a gauge for $40 and use a dremel or something to make a vent mount.

when i use the tennis ball, i tunr the pressure down to ~15psi and charge the system for 5 seconds or so then stop and listen for leaks, it wont be loud and you need to check the entire charge system, never had an issue with the pankake valve

 

Idk if this is the same problem but i get almost no boost off my car even at around 5K rpm. I think it spikes at like 4psi when i put the pedal down. My car is totally stock, other then K&N air filter. Is this normal? Sorry if this is the wrong place for such a question.
~Pibb

 

no. that is definitely not normal. you most likely have a boost/vacuum leak
search the DIYs and look up how to and then do a check for boost leaks.

what year is you car? if you are 2000+ I think you can get a VAG-COM and run a log of block 115 and look for requested boost vs actual boost.
If you dont have any external leaks you then need to check out your n75 valve and your diverter valve for issues.

 

When I had a bad leak, the sound my car made when the turbo kicked in reminded me of a diesel.

 

My Car is a 1998, and im not sure, cause apparently the turbo spools, I cant personally hear it but my friends say that it's spooling. But i'll have to look into checking for leaks. thanks.

 

check all the vac lines coming from there then, inspect the big one under the bottom of it and check the crank case vent pipes while your down there.