Turbo guage

BOBA

New member
Well, I've been trying to pinpoint a turbo issue for a little while now, and am now starting to think that it's the guage. It says I'm only getting 10-12psi, but if there is a performance issue, I don't see it(other than my comparitavely slow spool, but I think that's just how she is). I mean, I just smoked a mid 90's(?) vette(couldn't resist), and I doubt I could do it as easily without full boost, if even at all.

Quick rundown of what it's doing. Guage shutdown reads -5psi(sometimes just under 0), idles at -10, moves smooth throughout acceleration, once I hit higher boost levels, it stops and flutters at 10-12psi with the accelerator about 3/4 or a 2/3 down, don't want to push it all the way in fear of breaking something, but it is comparable to my dad's in speed at that point, his reads full boost. I know I have a "slow" ty, it seems to just not spool up as fast as other ty's I've dealt with.

Is there a way to check the guage? Or anyone know what they do if they don't work correctly, like jump around or otherwise act "funny"? I though the guage was working fine... but I know how "reliable" the stock guages are. Opinions? Something I'm missing?
 

turbodog

Donating Member
Re: Turbo guage

Best method to check guage is to spend $45 on mechanical boost guage, like the Autometer ATM 3303. Get it from sytyguy if he has recovered from his fire. Summit has them as well. I dramatically improved my boost control by replacing the boost control solenoid valve. Of course, look for leaks, either exhaust, prior to turbo (like a cracked manifold); or after the compressor (IC-to TB rubber connector, etc). Also, slow spool could be due to an incorrect torque converter installed at some point.
HTH
 

purdaddy

I ate a big red candle.
Re: Turbo guage

Do NOT rely on the stock gauge. Period. It's not measuring actual boost pressure or vacuum, if I recall. It's just an ECM guestimate.
 

blk00z28

Forced to by choice
Re: Turbo guage

Get a aftermarket one and hook it up somewhere in the cab. ;)

You'll be alot happier, and you'll never look at anything else again in the dash. lol. I watch my boost gauge all the time. :D
 

BOBA

New member
Re: Turbo guage

I'll probably try replacing the solenoid, since it cheap and easy to do, might as well. I have gone over my truck with a fine toothed comb looking for leaks, found a couple and quickly replaced almost all of my tubing and re-connected the rest with new fasteners... haven't looked at the manifolds or compressor though, doubt that's it but I'll be checking to make 100% sure.

And as for the slow spool, I should clarify. It's slow in comparison to other ty's, it is a few psi behind on the build up. Anyone that doesn't know better wouldn't even notice it. As far as I can tell, the average typhoon will beat me, but I'll be riding his bumper, definatley NOT a slow truck, just not a fast typhoon. Of course I haven't tweaked the tune much after that was done, I'm sure I can eek out a bit more gusto.

And as for the guage, is there a cluster mount available for the lower dash shelf or do I need to fabricate that? Really hate the pillar mounts... too obtrusive.
 

BOBA

New member
Re: Turbo guage

Oops, almost forgot,

Turbodog, did you replace the solenoid with a new stock, or an aftermarket version?
 
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