Air Flow Meter is the way to go. I had a very similar problem with my car, and this is what fixed it.
pc_evo,
Aug 20, 2:10am
ok I'll answer in sequence
no.yes no leaks. standard. yes constant (it's got new fuel pump) done that. constant at 7psi.
pc_evo,
Aug 20, 2:10am
afm is done
hijacka,
Aug 20, 2:43am
mmm ok remember i couldn't find the hose length required to fit my old hks boost gauge to set it up. Mechanics will generally laugh at others work to get the work themselves as there job/income depends on work that comes there way. Its totally up to you where you go mate and what you do but don't be a sucker. As i said you will need to change the manual boost tap(bleeded gate type controller) for a EBC 'electronic boost controller' asap. On the plus side though having success with fitting it we now rule out any turbo problem or turbo actuator issue.It took me less than 1minute to fit it with little light and it was raining. The EBC are obviously abit more difficult to install and setup but even a noob can do it! ;).Will probably only take around 1 hour to fit and set up. there is no need to set it up on a dyno! A nice clear 100km straight will do fine, i think its also best you learn how to set it up so your more familiar with your cars accessories, personally i couldn't stand having something adjustable in the car and not knowing how to adjust it.Don't buy a knockoff EBC, Go for a reputable brand like Turbosmart eboost,GFB, Gizzmo. they come with fitting and setup instructions, (usually less than 2pages) remember that you don't get a warranty with secondhand unit. Of course MBC=spike in high gear. when we drove your car after fitting it i told you to''give it to it'' ringing it out in 1st,2nd and 3rd without hitting boost cut so we can find a good street-able balance without sacrificinglow and midrange power and throttle response as its not like your going to drive it around and floor it in 5th gear at 2500rpm right up to the redline aye! Your wrx will probably spike at around 17-18psi being standard wrx tune i can't be 100%sure on that figure though as of its origin but will be there abouts, as a general rule of tumb 1 click on a mbc= around 2psi Its paramount that you replace that controller with a ebc or fix the factory issue in the long run, but you will be able to squeeze another 1-2 psi out of it running a good ebc and with the success from running a mbc you can now justify the cost of a good ebc to the misses;).
bayrock,
Aug 20, 2:43am
Does it still have the CAT on it!
pc_evo,
Aug 20, 2:49am
hijacka yeah I know. wasn't having a go. cash is the issue. wouldn't worry about other mechanics. so the gizzmo one I mentioned would do the job and quite well!
and yeah won't be running round flooring it in fith.
hijacka,
Aug 20, 2:52am
Thats the going rate(no special) and you don't need a built in turbo timer as you already have one that pisses you off lol. A gizzmo MS-IBC is $100 less and will do fine. i like the look of the GFB better thats around 450 can look here.http://japrace.com/categ- ories/Boost-Controllers/Electr- onic-Boost-Controllers/
incar.,
Aug 20, 2:54am
so constant boost when clamped, so its a boost problem fo gods sakes
pc_evo,
Aug 20, 2:56am
thanks mate you a bit behind. read whole thread helps
incar.,
Aug 20, 2:57am
sorry dude half a sleep lols
pc_evo,
Aug 20, 2:59am
yeah all comes down to which is better for the money!
Not sure who might supply eboost maybe redline! i think you can land it for around $420nz so i doubt they could beat that and will be under the $400 customs tax limit so you won't be stung tax duty . i see nz performance have special on gfb controller though http://www.nzperformance.co.nz/store/Boost-Controllers-Electronic/GFB-G-Force-Boost-Controller/prod_706.html I would ring japrace and low ball there price. they usually price beat and both are local (christchurch)
I bought an 89 RS Legacy out of japan back in 1992 . It went awesome for about 6 months then developed the exact same issue. Can you imaginetrying to get that problem sorted out 20 years ago! Ha what a joke.I ended up taking it to Snow Mooney who eventually replaced the knock sensor and fixed it. Then he threw a chip and exhaust on it. dam that was a fun car
pc_evo,
Aug 23, 1:34am
I can imagine. Tried the knock sensor, wasnt it (gutted) think its boost control solenoid not able to control a spike. Or blocked cat! (if hijacka reads this, that's an idea only) im tempted to throw an exhaust on it anyway and an uppipe, get rid of all the cats. Tempted on the chip too, but no idea what there worth
hijacka,
Aug 23, 6:18am
There are plus sides to cat removals but the problem with removing the cats is it will increase the chances of turbo compressor surge and can lead to premature turbo failure aswell. This is the reason why cats are so close to the turbo exhaust housing in most turbo cars as when your coming off boost and theres no back pressure(freeflow) to slow down the fast spinning turbine wheel so the compressor wheel thats attached to it on the coldside makes compressed air which hits the closed throttle body and bounces back out the turbo inlet making a fluttering noise as the compressor wheel chops up the air, this put massive load on the turbo bearings and will lead to premature turbo failure. While getting rid of the cats has its good points like improved throttle response and faster boost recover through gear changes it does come at a cost. You want the car to last and your sick of spending money on it remember!lol Why you replacing other parts for anyway man! The problem is fixed with a electronic boost controller and it will be a great upgrade to start with. No need to go catless or any other part for that matter.
pc_evo,
Aug 24, 12:29am
True, i knew you'd set me straight!
Im not opposed to spending on it, (talked to the bank and thought fuck it) i just wanted to make it more free flow, am i best to use highflow cats instead! do uppipe anyway!
What would you recommend mate!
hijacka,
Aug 24, 6:57am
If your going to spend money on it then get a electronic boost controller sorted first. next would be cat less uppipe and down pipe, prefer 3'' turbo back or divorce down pipe. If you are going to put a exhaust on it make sure its a decent one and not the typical cheap ass fart cannon you see people mounting sidewayz that won't give you any more added performance. Give Tim at Borla exhaust a call in Christchurch, They are not getting any jdm exhaust anymore but when i bought mine they had 1x v7 exhaust system left. they are usually 1500rrp you could twist his arm and get it for $1000 i recon. try $800 first and go from there lol. will be lucky last if he still has it that is! This is the same system i run on my subby if you liked the sound of that, 3'' stainless mandrel bent with a very nice muffler thats quality is pretty much second to none. Buy quality so you don't have to buy gain! Also you should buy my Advan RG's! ;)
bayrock,
Aug 24, 6:45pm
Just go and take it off. Get a big puch and knock out all the stuff inside it and put it back on. You have nothing to lose! I always do that, car always goes better!I have known them to get blocked up and cause the same problem as you describe.Don't be put off by the fact that is seems like to simple an answer. Just do it!
pc_evo,
Aug 25, 12:22am
sweet man I'll have a go
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