Stuttering When at full boost and high RPM

[mini zilo]

I just put on an SS Autochrome (eBay) front mount intercooler kit. Before I installed it, the car ran fine, no problems, and probably a little boost leak here and there, but it didn't do much.


Now, after I put the new pipes and IC on, when I build boost, as soon as it gets to 15 psi (where I set it), the car starts to make these loud popping and stuttering noises. So of course I let off. I have an AEM wideband, and it goes down to 10.0 (lowest A/F that it can read). I tried changing my plugs and it did nothing.

So I figured it must be a boost leak. Well, I had some leaks that I found, and fixed them. Some of the T bolts weren't tight enough, and it was leaking there. So I tightened them down. When I finished boost leak testing, I still hadn't found all the leaks.


I tightened all my T bolts pretty tight, and figured it would not leak anymore.

But it MUST be. At least I think. Do these (what I described) symptoms sound like those a big boost leak? (stuttering/popping, rich A/F?)

The only thing I can think of is that my crappy 1g BOV might be leaking? I don't think that is it though, are they known to leak at only 15psi? I REALLY hope my CORE is not leaking out.

Can anyone help me out?

 

[Dsmboy1991]

Yes, those do sounds like symptoms of a boost leak. You say that you have found some leaks have you done a boost leak test or were you just looking for loose couplers? I would suggest doing a boost leak test if you have not. This should take care of your problem.

Jon Nye

 

[DGajre777]

Did you machine the throttle body elbow before you put it on? I had to take mine to a machine shop and have it flattened with a belt sander before I installed mine.

Try another boost leak test.