This is my first posting
I have purchased a 2002 U.S. WRX back last june and It's been a a lot of fun but I have a problem and I am hoping some one here can help me with it

I installed a turbo XS dual stage mechanical boost controller a few months a go, but recently I installed a Turbo XS turbo back exhaust using my original muffler. three days later I got a check engine light. I started to attribute the light to the exhaust sensor but when I looked over at my boost gauge, while accelerating, it was reading at 1.5 bars or around 22 psi. I quickly let off the throttle and eased the car home. The car seems to run fine but I don't know what to attribute the boost spike to and I need to make sure the boost stays at more appropriate levels. I got back into the car a while later and the increased boost didn't re-apear but the thought that it could is scary.I was wondering if any one else had a similar problem or had any idea what could be causing it or more importantly how to fix it. thanks

 

Higher flowing exhaust system can make it more difficult for the stock actuator to control boost. I suggest you adjust yout boost controller accordingly and while you are at it, make sure it is connected properly.

- Alex

 

Ok, V6TurboTA, it was actually much colder today than it was when I first installed the boost controller. But as I stated, in a subsequent drive after first noticing the abnormal spike, the boost is back to where it should be. I checked all the conections and everything is fine. With a mechanical controller should I have to expect occasional spikes in boost even under changing temperatures? And as I stated, the boost continued to exceed the original setting for five or six full throttle runs. And only went back to normal after shutting the car down for a few minutes and restarting and driving it again. Could the check engine light being on have any thing to do with the spikes? Meaning, could the new readings the that O2 sensor is getting caused by the new exhaust have anything to do with changing the boost level? Thanks for any new thoughts on this.

Imprezer.....by stock actuator, you do mean the boost controller right?

 

You got a CE light because I hit more than stock boost level. Forget about the CE light. What you need to worry is that you will not overboost again and cause damage to your engine.

Actuator is the mechanism that is controlling your wastegate which is a little flapper. The increased flow is making much more resistance on that flapper and the actuator is having difficulty pulling it closed. Basically the exhaust gasses flow at much higher velocity and the surface area of the flapper is such, that exhuats gases pressure is higher than used to be.

My advice is to invest in a high quality electronic "smart" boost controller.

- Alex

 

hey, thanks Alex
But I have one last question. I'm planing on purchasing a computer upgrade from Turbo XS and it will be pre-programed to run a set level of boost so I don't want to spend the cash for an elactronic boost controller. Can I just hook the stock unit back up in the mean time or will the same, or new problems arise?

- Ken

 

I am not so sure on this one. I think that TXS uses TPS as a measure of load and if that is still the case, that you will have same condition if not worse.

I am not sure on that, however, if they still do that or use other ways of measuring the load.

Anyone know this?

- Alex

 

But what about hooking the stock controller back up? Will that help?

 

Yeah, that will help, but your performance will suffer.

 

I have a friend you had this problem, believe it or not it makes a huge diffrence.

 

The overboost condition has not recured yet but after an extended conversation with the folks at Turbo XS (AWSOME CUSTOMER SUPPORT BY THE WAY) we discovered a vacume leak. The hose leading from the air intake to the original boost controller sas not9

 

THE SERVER FAILED WHILE I WAS POASTING THE
LAST MESSAGE. HERE IS WHAT I INTENDED.

The over boost condition has not recurred yet but after an extended conversation with the folks at Turbo XS (AWESOME CUSTOMER SUPPORT BY THE WAY) we discovered a vacuum leak. The hose leading from the air intake to the original boost controller was not hooked up. This may have caused the CEL warning.

Yes it has gotten drastically colder over the past few days and is definitely responsible for more boost than the original setting I used which is currently up to about 16.4 psi. I think that number is O.K. though? At least as far as reliability goes. so unless concluded other wise I plan to leave it there.

The extreme over boost I originally mentioned My just have been an erroneous reading but the gauge in question is the factory optional center gauge pack unit. The thing is although my memory is suspect I don't recall the car Bogging down under the extreme boost which I'm told would have occurred.

Meanwhile I will keep my fingers crossed and pay close attention to the boost gauge.
Any further thoughts will be appreciated.

Thanks for the help guys. I have really been pleased to get so much feedback on this.