wtf? less performance from better setup

[SPYDERGSTTUNER]

So it all started from a head gasket replacement that wasn't needed but I really don't like cometic head gaskets so i decided to switch to a felpro permatorque.I decided to replace everything from the block up, including head with 272 comp cams, timing components,seals,gaskets,t-belt,accessory belts,waterpump,spark plugs,wires,coils,even timing covers. Having everything apart I figured I might as well do some minor upgrades FP race manifold,PR waste gate mounted o2 housing,ported 20g turbo, dsmlink v2.5, full 3" turbo back exhaust, rewired the ol 255 and sent my injectors to be cleaned and o-ringed. Got her all back together started right up, no leaks, no smoke, and sounded awesome until.....I actually drove her, now she smokes, idles like crap, has a slight part throttle hesitation, and seemed alot slower than before @ same psi. So i did the normal, boost leak test, new fuel, cleaned maf, checked plugs for fouling and regapped them, tried 2 sets of wires, tested coil, and double checked I didn't forget to plug a sensor leave a lose connection or anything of that sort. I went to get her retuned and now she's even making 50 HP less than before So I'm wondering what the hell could have gone wrong to cause such a decrease in performance


By the way I used all OEM parts except for the gates racing t belt and accessory belts. Turbo is not eBay and fresh fluids and filters as well as a catch can(with vacuum source) and new pcv valve.

 

[Paintballaa5]

Could your timing not have been set right?

 

[AngelOfPassion]

That could be... Who did you have do the tune? Not alot of people know how to properly tune these cars and could really mess them up. Are you logging with a wideband at all? Do your A/F ratio's look ok?

I've seen some pretty bad tune jobs before so I wouldn't be suprised if it was something like that... but I really don't see it losing THAT much power...

Those cams might give you a little loss of power in the lower RPM range. But it would be minimal... I don't know what would cut off 50hp besides a boost leak, bad turbo, bad tune, or timing.

 

[Paintballaa5]

I would imagine you just didn't set the timing right when you tore everything apart and put it back.

Back on my old VW, my timing was off 2 teeth and it could barely drag its self anywhere

 

[SPYDERGSTTUNER]

I checked and rechecked and even had a couple friends verify that I set the timing correctly. I just checked the turbo and it seems to have more play than before I installed it which is weird cause I figured it would have more play if any with no oil than with oil in it but is the other way around. The turbo is rebuilt from a reputable shop in Denver so I'd be amazed if the turbo is bad. I did another BLT and found a very small leak at the throtle body (shafts of course) and I mean small enough to hold 20psi steady for about 10 minutes then very slowly decrease. I guess it must be in the tune because I can't think of anything else, the only problem is no one else around here knows how to tune dsmlink. Any other suggestions?

 

[Lou98GSX]

post a log

 

[My1GLaser]

what ^^he said.

 

[redliner_x]

What size injectors are you running?

 

[SPYDERGSTTUNER]

I don't know how to post logs yet, or pictures but ill look into it asap so i can get some help because I'm definitely stumped with this issue. I'm running Delphi 680's for now

 

[redliner_x]

This is kind of a stupid question and don't be insulted by me asking, but have you checked for vac leaks?

 

[mebetter]

Did you torque the head down properly? You may have a leaking headgasket.

 

[SPYDERGSTTUNER]

Vacuum leaks and boost leaks have been checked, I only have 4 vacuum sources: fpr, boost gauge, bov, and catch can. I just retorqued the head about 200 miles ago after hitting the 500 mile mark, all head bolts (l19's) checked out at 90 lbs, I checked my oil and antifreeze for any mixture and nothing. The turbo has minimal in and out play which pisses me off since it was recently rebuilt, would blown seals on the turbo really have this much effect on it?

 

[redliner_x]

If the car pulling time? Is there any oil in the charge pipe?

 

[LandoAWD]

Log the car, save the log, attach it to the post.

Verify mech timing.

Compression test.