0 boost

[HULK]

Ok guys and girls, I have a question. What could I check if my 1990 GSX is not boosting? The car is very sluggish, and you can not hear any signs of turbo spool up, boost, or even an air leak. I barely bought the car, so I am not really familiar with it. The car is stock, for the exception of an open air intake, and a boost controller.
I have searched and found some possible things that can be my problem.

The wastegate: How do I check if its working. I have read that if you you can easily move the spring, then it is shot. Is this correct?

Timing: The seller told me he had sent the car to be a mechanic because it was out of timing. Supposely it was fixed. When I was gonna go test drive it, the car had a hard time accelerating. Even to get to 10 mph. Then a friend moved the sensor on the passener's side of the valve cover, and the car is now a little bit better to drive. You can drive it to 40 or 50 mph, but it wont boost. Not even if you floor it.

Air leaks: Could a leak be the cause for not boosting. My old SAAB turbo, would still spool, even with a major intercooler leak.

14B Turbo: Can it just be the whole turbo unit? How can I check if its the turbo?

Cat: Maybe a clogged cat?

Please help narrow down the problem. I don't even know where to start.

 

[99gst_racer]

Probably not the cheapest one, but it's a good one and easy to use: Flaming River FR1001 - Flaming River Timing Lights - Overview - SummitRacing.com

This one's cheaper, but I can't vouch for it: http://www.summitracing.com/parts/EQU-3551/

 

[BigRSnail95]

you can probably use the loan a tool program at a autozone or advance auto. I myself do not know if they loan a timing light but its worth a try and you get your money back when you return it.

 

[HULK]

Probably not the cheapest one, but it's a good one and easy to use: Flaming River FR1001 - Flaming River Timing Lights - Overview - SummitRacing.com

This one's cheaper, but I can't vouch for it: Equus 3551 - Equus Inductive Timing Lights - Overview - SummitRacing.com

Wow, I always thought they were really expensive.

you can probably use the loan a tool program at a autozone or advance auto. I myself do not know if they loan a timing light but its worth a try and you get your money back when you return it.

Im gonna go ask if I can borrow one. I'll keep you guys posted.