Swap is finally done!!

[andyb16]

It only took 7 years, but I finally got my 3s swap done. I am really impressed with how much better the turbo is than the n/a. Now, I've got a couple of questions.

What is the normal vacuum reading and boost psi. My gauge reads around 20 on the vacuum side and 6 pounds of boost. Is this normal?

What is the max safe boost amount with everything stock? If I remember correctly, isn't it 10 or 12 psi before you need a bigger intercooler? I'm planning on getting a boost controller soon and crankin' her up, but I want to do it safely.

What is the typical hp gain with just upgraded downpipe and exhaust stuff? I've got a little bit of an exhaust leak, so exhaust is gonna be the first big mod I do.

Thanks in advance for all the help!

Andy.

[JekylandHyde]

Congrats on finishing your swap!

-18 to -20 is normal vac.

In low boost mode, you will see 6-7psi, but if everything is operating okay and the ECU is happy, you should see up to 11.8 psi.

[moogleX]

grats on the swap. someday i have a dream that my 2 will be done. anyone have like 10k layin around they could lend me? hehe .^_^.
a while back before i lost my net, Hyde had posted an article that was basically a step by step guide how how to safly boost a 2 up to ~270hp and actually told you why your doing each mod.
http://www.mrcontrols.com/primers/power.htm
give it a read

[andyb16]

What do I need to do to exit low boost mode? As far as I know, everything went right with the swap. Would the exhaust leak I'm having be a factor? Or is it something like resetting the ecu? This is only the second turbo I've ever driven, so I know almost nothing about doing anything to it. Thanks for the replies!

Andy.

[andyb16]

If it's in low boost mode, would it still rev to redline, or does it have a rev limiter/fuel cut thing going on too? My car revs all the way to redline and pulls pretty hard the whole time, so I'm thinking it's probably a piping leak or something causing the pressure loss, not safe mode. I also disconnected my neg. terminal on my battery for a coulpe of minutes and it still feels the same. (my boost gauge line crapped out on me and I haven't fixed it yet, so I'm not 100% sure if the problem is fixed, but it feels the same and I think I could tell a difference between 6 and 11 psi)

So, what does it sound like to you guys? I'm prolly fixing the gauge tomorrow, but I might not have time. Thanks!

Andy.