I recently installed a boost gauge in my 1.8T. From what I understand, the vacuum should be somewhere around -20 when the car is idling. Mine seems to sit at about -11, when idling and even when cruising.

Does this indicate a a vacuum leak somewhere? I do seem to get close to the stock 7-8 psi when I'm WOT in 4-5 gear, but the fact that my idle seems low has me wondering...

 

Yeah 11 in. hg. is low at idle. Mine idles around 24 and when coasting in gear it sits at about 28 in hg. You might want to take a look at replacing some/all of your vac lines.

 

Yeah that seemed to be the issue. I was replacing my DV valve anyways so I went ahead and replaced all the small braided vac lines. After putting everything back together it holds at about -22 when idling and -25/-26 when cruising. Granted, I'm not sure how accurate a mechanical gauge is but does this seem better? Or I may still have a small leak somewhere?

 

Your idle is sitting right where you want it, good work.