Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) TST Powermax boost elbow

[DrewGzy]

I got the boost elbow with my TST PowerMax, with the box on the higher levels, and the boost elbow in place, I can only get up to 26 pounds of boost. I'm fairly happy with this but I always read about people getting in the mid 30's. Is the 26 PSI I'm getting about normal? Or should I order a different adjustable elbow, should I try the turnbuckle, or should I just be happy with what I got.

Thanks

 

[RowJ]

Low Boost

With the stock HX-35 turbo, I would expect 32-35 boost, min.

Something is not right. Were you getting full boost (20-22) when stock, before the TST?

 

[Steve St.Laurent]

Something's wrong. The turnbuckle is only for the HY35 and you have an HX35 - if you have the brass elbow then the turnbuckle isn't for you. You either have a major boost leak somewhere or your gauge or line has a leak in it or isn't working. With a street PM3 and BDI's with a stock completely open elbow my HX35 would hit 33 psi - yours should be higher than that even without the adjustable elbow. Start looking for leaks - check your intercooler and intake boots, check the boost gauge line, etc. Are you sure the PM3 is working? If you change the levels does it make a major difference in seat of the pants power? What are your EGT's?

 

[DrewGzy]

The first thing I did was gauges, and I could get 21 PSI at WOT.



I can tell a difference with the PM3 on higher levels. The engine idles different as the level goes higher, and there is noticeable more black smoke before the turbo spools up. The power is there too, not as much as I expected with everything, but definitely more than stock.



My EGT's are easy to get up to 1300+, I usually let off the throttle around 1350. They climb high very quickly; If I try to really get up and go I usually have to let off around 70 MPH because the EGT's.



I will check the boots and the intercooler; Is there an easy way to check for a leak in the boost system?



If there is any information I left out or need to give more details on, please let me know: I'm still new to the whole diesel thing.