New engine... same old problem...

[Wildewinds]

Hey Guys,

I just installed a new engine (for me) in my '92 Plymouth Laser RS Turbo. Got me one of those imported Japanese engines with "hopefully" around 50k-60k miles. The old engine had 160k and it burned oil like there was no tomorrow and smoked like an old Mexican bus.

Here's the issue, near the end of its life, my old engine's turbo maxed out at around 7 psi (according to the stock gauge) and now this new engine's turbo is doing the same thing. So, I'm guessing there's something outside of the engine/turbo keeping the turbo from boosting like it's supposed to.

The question is this, what can I replace/clean/inspect to find out what's causing the turbo from boosting to what it's supposed to boost to? I've already got a new K&N air filter I'm gonna install today, along with a new fuel filter. I've already checked the cat and that's clear.

ps, the new engine had a different intake manifold (at least I think it's the intake manifold. here's a picture of the part):

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so I used the one from my old engine. could that be an issue?

 

[candela]

Try an intake leak test

http://www.vfaq.com/index-main.html

This should help. It usually helps people even if they think they dont need one. Theres usuall a small or even big leak somewhere

 

[notagst]

just a few side notes here from a fellow JDM motor owner, the intake manifold you removed probably said "CYCLONE" on it in big red letters. Technically its a much better intake mani the u.s. models b/c it provides better low end torque, they are highly sought after too, so If you dont want it, Im sure somebody else does. Secondly, dont listen to your factory gauge, its only there for your entertainment. Your motor should be making about 9psi in factory form, which is 100% normal. If you want to boost the boost for a day or two, you can pull the vacume line off of the top of the wastegate (i really recomend you do this with an after market boost gauge to measure psi acuratly and so you can get off the throttle if the psi goes to high) With this pulled, you should be hitting about 15-18psi. It should be safe to do it for a couple runs, but dont make it a habit. To crank the boost up safely, get a manual boost controller ( www.extrememotorsports.com ) This will maintain your idle, and still keep boost up. I cant stress enough how IMPORTANT it is to get an aftermarket boost gauge, $50 tops and you know what your running. (ps, I have a galant vr4 with a jdm cyclone motor)

 

[Wildewinds]

Thanks for the info, guys. I'm going to try the leak test once I put one of those doodads together.

I put in the K&N air filter and replaced the fuel filter (that was a pain in the butt) and there was a BIG difference. Now it's pulling almost as good as it did back in the good old days. I'm gonna do the leak test and clean out the intercooler next.

The boost gauge is also on the list, along with the boost controller. Then comes the 3" exhaust.

 

[Low Flying GS-T]

The boost gauge should of been first even if still stock. The 7psi the stock gauge is reading is most likely false you need a true gauge before you make any assumptions.

 

[HondaKilla]

Where can I find a JDM motor for my eclipse...startin to get miles on it 113000 as of right now.

 

[90TalonTsiAWD]

www.roadraceengineering.com

They dont sell them directly but have a good sized list of vendors w/ some hints on the subject as well.