Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) 370's are in, is my boost gauge frelled?

[danandamy]

I'm running the Westach combo gauge from Geno's (0-35psi model). Here's my boost number progression.



Stock, about 18psi (yuk)



Tst number 6 plate full forward with the wastegate fitting in place 30psi.



Same as above and adding 215injectors 30psi. I'm thinking, 'Hmmmm, thought the boost would come up a bit more than that but maybe not. '



Next, same set up as above only now blocked the wastegate off completely 32psi. 'Hmmmm,not much more boost but it does stay there longer. '



Now, I just put in the 370 injectors (man gotta love those things), still have the #6 full forward, still have the wastegate blocked off completely. I've definitly got more power than the 215's but surprisingly not that much more smoke BUT I'm still only reading 32psi on the boost gauge?! This doesn't sound right to me. All boost hoses are hooked up and the truck is performing as expected but I'm thinking the boost gauge is just refusing to read more than 32psi.



What do ya'll think?



dan

"feeling like my boost is smaller than everyone else's"

 

[Cooker]

Sounds like boost leak for sure. You need fab a fitting out of common plumbing pieces and pressurize the system to check for boost leaks.



There is a past thread with great info about making a fitting to test for leaks. A search will probably find it.

 

[nfox]

boost

You should check your clamps on the intercooler hoses and make sure the gasket where your intake horn bolts on to the block, that the bolts haven't loosened up and the gasket may have blown out.

 

[Jim Fulmer]

Dan, 370's are on the way for me too, right now I'm at 35-36 PSI depending on temp. Bet your EGT's are plasma torch hot(Joe D. saying)



Jim

 

[danandamy]

I really don't think I have a boost leak, I'm leaning toward the gauge being bad. I resnugged all my intercooler connecting hoses before I even went for a test drive. The smoke is bad but actually not much worse than with my 215's. I'm thinking if I had an actual loss of boost I'd have bad. . and I mean BAD smoke.



J Fulmer... hehe, well um, what would you call 1200*... ... ... ... . POST TURBO :--)



It doesn't stay there but for a few seconds and then it levels off. Hell, by then the quarter mile run is over



dan

 

[Jim Fulmer]

Now your right up there with Don M, Strick-9 and Cumminsgetme, mine run around 1250-1300 Pre-turbo right now depending on the air so well see how long it takes to peg my gauge. I have my plate in the stock position right now but I may get to push it back.



Jim

 

[QRTRHRS]

Re: boost

Originally posted by nfox

You should check your clamps on the intercooler hoses and make sure the gasket where your intake horn bolts on to the block, that the bolts haven't loosened up and the gasket may have blown out.

95' ? Also check the rubber o-ring between the cast elbow and your turbo.

 

[danandamy]

It's definitly the gauge

Well, got home tonite and unhooked the hose that goes to the boost gauge. Had my air compressor standing by with the regulator turned down to 35psi. Hooked it up directly to the gauge, gauge reads 30lbs. Turned the regulator slowly up until it was at 45lbs, boost gauge never would budge off 30#. The gauge is accurate up to the 30#'s though, just won't read past that. Oh well, I was planning on ordering a replacement combo gauge with a highter boost reading anyway, guess this just confirms that I need it.



dan