97 GST Problems

[xrobbx03]

Ok I have no idea what is goin on with my car maybe someone can help me out. Out of nowhere my car is acting weird. At low rpms i have no problems what so ever, once i stomp on it sounds like bubbling sound come out from the exhuast and feels as almost as if my car is skipping a little and seem like im losing a lil bit of power. I happen to look back and noticed a cloud of black smoke behind me. I changed my spark plugs and wires just about 3 weeks ago with E3 triple electrode plugs and racing wires. For my other mods i have apex N1 turbo cat back exhuast and N1 Downpipe. Injen intake with K&N filter. Greddy intercooler piping, Greddy BOV and also did the restrictor mod. Does anyone know whats goin on with my car.

 

[BlueTurboSpyder]

First things first, check for boost leaks. If you have a coupler that is partially off or a major boost leak somewhere that would explain the large cloud of black smoke (fuel) behind your car. Do you have a boost gauge? Is you car boosting normal? Is you vacumm where it should be? Keep us updated.

 

[98gst14b]

is your turbo blown?????? Just a thought

 

[xrobbx03]

you kno what i was thinking that too. It could be the turbo. I only notice it the higher rpm range. How will i know if the turbo is no good. And no i dont have a boost gauge. I had one had it installed one day and it got stolen. Never got around to getting another one. As for a boost leak i dont think i have any leaks in the couples all my pipes have been in for close to a year now so i think i would notice it then.

 

[98gst14b]

well a boost gauge would probly tell you for sure, whats your oil level looking like? A blown turbo usually blows oil like crazy (check to see if you got a blueish tint to your smoke, but usually a blown turbo will smoke all the time not at just high rpms.) I guess another thing you could do is remove the intake pipe and check the shaft play, trust me you will KNOW if the turbo is blown with the intake pipe off. good luck

 

[xrobbx03]

ok im new to this so bare with me. When i take the intake pipe off. Rev it up right? and im goin to be looking or listening for what?

 

[98gst14b]

nonono dont do that i doubt your car will even run w/o the intake pipe. Just leave the car off and feel the compressor fins wiggle it to see how much play it has. Also visually look at it inspect to see if the fins are chewed up or bent believe me you'll know if somthins wrong when you feel it.

 

[xrobbx03]

oh ok i getcha now. So what everyone saying tho that what is going on with my car right now can either be a leak somewhere or my turbo is blown. Nothing else?

 

[BlueTurboSpyder]

You will learn if you really get into the dsm world that a boost leak tester is you friend. Dont assume that you have no boost leaks just because everything is visually sound. If you had a blown turbo, you would see blue smoke coming out of you exhaust at all rpm ranges as 98gst14b stated. If you want, take off you intake and check for in and out shaftplay. This is a sign of a bad turbo. A small amount of side to side shaftplay is normal. When you do this the car must be off and the turbo must be cool to the touch so you dont burn yourself. But DO A BOOST LEAK TEST when the intake is off. They are very simple to make. Here is a link --> http://www.vfaq.com/mods/ICtester.html

 

[98gst14b]

I 2nd that. Thats a good idea take the intake off and do a boost leak test as stated in the vfaq's. While the intakes off u might as well check the condition of the turbo too!

 

[xrobbx03]

ok so tomorrow i will check for leaks and for shaft play. So normal shaft play is side to side motion. What would be shaft play which would make me know the turbo is gone or on its way out.

 

[BlueTurboSpyder]

IN and OUT shaftplay meaning that when play with the compressor wheel, It can be pushed in and pulled out slightly.

 

[xrobbx03]

ok thanks guys. I will check it out tomorrow and let you know what happened.

 

[chanley talon]

What fuel pump are you using and how high is your boost set? Do you have a aftermaket guage?
Bubble noise sounds like detonation possibly.

 

[xrobbx03]

i am still using the stock fuel pump. Um the bubbling noise sounds like a popping in the exhuast so i guess you could say like a detonation.

 

[xrobbx03]

I dont have an aftermarker boost gauge. My boost at set to stock levels plus the restrictor mod which gives an approximate 2 psi i believe. So im guessing around the 14-16 range which from what i read a stock fuel pump and turbo can handle.

 

[3134]

i would check your spark plugs. Does the bubbling happen when you shift? I am going to check my plugs because I feel that I am losing power in the top end and though it doesn't bubble like yours, i feel that your problem may be detonation also and possibly plugs, but I am still learning so if anyone else who knows more thinks I am wrong please say something.

 

[djseclipse]

Def. do a boost leak test. If the problem started after the plug change go back to some NGK's, our cars dont like anything else too well. Mine was sick when I tried another brand. Hope this helps.

 

[xrobbx03]

it didnt start directly after the new spark plugs. it started about 3 weeks after i did the plugs and wires. I guess that will be my last stop. If no leaks no shaft play then i will change the plugs.

 

[xrobbx03]

there was no shaft play and barely any normal side to side shaft play.

 

[xrobbx03]

ok no boost leaks. but i found the problem. i went and put new plugs in back to NGK and it doesnt bubble anymore. Thanks for all the help.