Hi everyone,
I am jumping ahead of myself but I would like to know if my issue is tuning related or mechanical.
I purchased a few parts off of someone on the classifieds since I cant afford them new!
I purchased and installed:
JM Fab race version intake manifold - that replaced my evo 3
Holset HX35 turbo with BEP housing that replaced my 20g
Purchased new Wastegate springs 17psi to replace my 13psi spring in 38mm tial
Also purchased and sent for flow testing/cleaning FIC 1650cc injectors but not installed yet.

Currently I run a 250 walsbro pump, Meth injection set at 8psi, FIC 950cc injectors etc.. Tuned with dsm link at 440hp

Car ran perfect with the 20g, parked it and replaced all of the items mentioned above at once, it started right up but figured the tune cant be too far out so thought I would take it around the block. I cannot build any boost. Not even one PSI. I hear a bunch of exhaust leaving my external wastegate pipe which is VTA and I don't recall this from before.. Do you think I pinched the Diaphragm when I installed the two springs? Using a clamp the install was simple so I'm leaning against this being the issue.

I did not run a boost leak test yet.. I just created the tester tonight and will tomorrow. My question is with the new intake manifold, and 4" intake, would I be running super lean preventing boost? Or is there a chance I have a bad turbo? No smoke out of the tail pipe and unfortunately my new downpipe dosent have the o2 provision to install my wideband just yet so I cant see my AF ratio. I also do not have any logs yet. I have to get another laptop. Sorry I'm such a mess. Can you give me some other ideas? I will do the boost leak test when I get home tomorrow. I miss my DSM!

Even if you pinched the wastegate diaphragm I imagine it'd still make SOME boost. Maybe the vacuum lines to the wastegate are switched?

Thanks for the reply. I will add checking the mbc vac line diagram to my checklist for tomorrow. Is there a chance the turbo is no good even though there is no smoke or chatter? I don't even hear blow off if I rev it from the throttle body like I did with my 20g. I think its a little more than a boost leak!

AFR has little to do with boost. If you're at 4000 rpm and open the throttle, that turbo should be producing boost. It sounds like your wastegate is stuck open (check the movement of the WG itself), or you have a massive boost leak.

shifttsi said:

I hear a bunch of exhaust leaving my external wastegate pipe which is VTA and I don't recall this from before.. Do you think I pinched the Diaphragm when I installed the two springs?

Click to expand...

Just from the above tells me that your external waste gate is stuck open. If you pinched the diaphragm, you would technically over boost as the boost pressure is what opens the waste gate.

Block the external gate somehow, and see if you can hear the turbo spool while free revving the engine..

Is BOV stuck open?

Boost leak test the car. You'll probably be surprised at what you find .

Thanks! I completed my little boost leak tester so as soon as I get home today I will check for leaks, and check the BOV to see if its stuck open. I think a BLT would show this as well. Thanks guys. I will report back. I'm hoping the turbo isn't bad. But I think I would see something like smoke with a bad turbo

shifttsi said:

hear a bunch of exhaust leaving my external wastegate pipe which is VTA and I don't recall this from before...

Click to expand...

This is your biggest clue. I'd skip the boost leak test and fix this first. If you have exhaust coming out your wastegate, then you're definitely not going to build any boost.

But also boost leak test when that's done. It's super important, but not likely your main problem right now.

JayRome said:

Just from the above tells me that your external waste gate is stuck open. If you pinched the diaphragm, you would technically over boost as the boost pressure is what opens the waste gate.

Block the external gate somehow, and see if you can hear the turbo spool while free revving the engine..

Is BOV stuck open?

Click to expand...

Hey! Think I can remove tye external wastegate temporarily and install a blockoff plate? To see if I can hear turbo spool? Its a VTA with the 2 bolt flange.

So I found there is a bunch of exhaust leaking between the turbo and exhaust manifold. I should have done my due diligence and belt sanded both surfaces. I will definitely have to look into that wastegate too. When I put my hand under the little wastegate exhaust pipe I can feel exhaust leaking out. Is a little normal or should it be fully sealed at idle?
Boost leak test didnt go too well. It started with oil gurgling in the block which research tells me isnt too big of a deal but around 8 psi i have a loud whistle coming from around the jmfab intake manifold. Lol please tell me this is common! I doubt it though. Kinda annoyed/ nervous because the fittings and hoses are under it and difficult to get at. Looks like I have my work cut out for me this weekend! Thanks everyone. Any more thoughts and suggestions are super appreciated.

Did you forget the fire ring in the wastegate?

Hi I did forget the ring originally but unfortunately I had the same results when I installed it.

What would you guys suggest. I found a huge exhaust leak at the manifold because my hx35 compressor housing is hitting the block and the water inlet banjo bolt. Do you suggest I grind it down? Is plugging it an option or is it needed?

https://www.dsmtuners.com/threads/hx35-hits-block.492131/

Pretty common, check out that link for fixes.