Thanks for the replies guys.
I wasnt aware I had to adjust the boost myself. I do have the adj wastegate rod. Is one complete turn of the nut, 1 lb of boost? (tightening it, correct?)
I have a fuel pressure gauge waiting to go in. The autometer boost gauge came with the car, and was working fine. I dont see any leaks, but maybe something came loose.
Scanmaster and downpipe are on the list. Is the stock downpipe choking me with my mods?
The motor/trans was rebuilt at 130k.. I have 140k on it now, so I'm assuming all the internals are new. (I bought it with 136k)
Oh lord...
Famous last words: "I have to adjust the boost myself?"..........."BOOM!"
Not trying to bust your balls, but that phrase usually describes the typical person that wrecks an LC2 motor. That's ok, don't worry about it. I was one as well. We all were
You've come to the right place though. If I were closer to you, I'd come over there and help you out anytime you'd need.
Judging by those words, I'm guessing that you haven't done a thorough once over on this car, before bolting on the 'go fast' parts. Try to make sure the stuff that's in there from the factory is doin' ok first. Things like suspension, (differential clutch packs) tires, brakes, fuel system, cooling, body/frame bracing, exhaust, electrical, etc. etc.
Have you gone thru, and make sure the oil and filter is changed? Trans too? How's those clutch packs in the rear end? Did ya replace the stock rear sway bar yet? Any air bags in the rear springs? Did you throw on the 4 frame brace kits from Kirbans? Do you have a torque strap for your engine? You running aftermarket turbo hoses with good clamps? How's the brakes? Did ya do the S-10 cylinder conversion yet? PCV valve workin? Do you have a powerplate? (it really helps) Have you gone over your fuel system yet, to include cleaning out your gas tank, replacing the fuel filter, and verifying the regulator, to ensure it holds pressure and doesn't leak? Is your pump hotwired? Hows's that radiator/thermostat? Did ya go over your coil pack, wires, and plugs yet? Is your TPS squared away? Do you have an oil pressure gauge? Scanmaster? (VERY important) Do you have good shocks/springs? Are you running a cat converter? What mufflers are you using? What kind of intercooler? What type of fuel do you run? What's the average temperatures over there?
All of this is VERY important. The minute you start strappin' on power adders to an otherwise stock car, things start to break. Our cars couldn't handle the power STOCK, let alone with increased torque. And by the way, a TA49 is good for high elevens if your car is done right. If I were you, I'd keep that turbo down below 13 pounds, (completely IGNORE all the stock gauges, unless you've sent them to caspers for a tuneup) 'till you get your car's supporting mods squared away or verified. I don't want to see you break anything. Please get the 4 frame braces, engine strap, fuel pressure gauge, powerplate, scanmaster and oil pressure gauge in there quick. Otherwise you don't know what she's doin'. (this stuff is just safety insurance, no buick should be without this stuff)
The depending on what type of mufflers you're running, and whether or not you have a cat, I'd wait for the downpipe for now. Get the suspension and brakes goin' first. In the minimum, get a good rear sway bar, and air bags for the rear springs. Make sure your brakes are good, and get either the big shoes for the rear, or do the S-10 cylinders. This way you have a good platform for all that torque.
From there, hit the cooling system, and maybe some Spicer U joints, some good mickey thompsons, a manual boost controller, and if you're running a stock IC, a duttweiler IC neck.
