Stuck at 18#'s

[TurboTnZ06]

I've been around Turbo Buicks since the mid 90's in high school. I can't figure this one out. I can't boost more than 18#s.

Checked all vacuum lines and clamped suspicious ones. I tested different wastegate solenoids. Tried ramchargers elec boost controller. Tried a manual needle valve from ATR to contrl boost- no difference in max boost. Though w/ both boost controllers, I could control the ramp up to my liking. So, I tossed the THDP thinking the puck wasn't sealing. Now I'm running a ATR external WG w/ 18# spring. Still, no more than 18#'s boost. No knock on the knock guage either. Running sonoco 100 all the time. fuel pressure is 42 lbs static. Using 48# injectors w/ Jay Carter chip which drives awesome- no problems.

My setup:
TE44, V4 IC, 210/210 billet roller cam, ported irons, precision doghouse, wiseco pistons w/ stock compression ratio, stock size valves, stock but welded headers, ATR 3" DP, test pipe and dual ATR 3 in exhaust. Also, a PTS 9/11 extreme 3000 stall converter. There's a little end play on the turbo staft but nothing worse than my stocker's.

I live at 7500 ft in Colorado. At 18#'s of indicated boost, the 275 50 drag radials can be lit up from a roll anytime under 40-50 mph. from a stop or slow roll the tires just go up in smoke.

The car feels about the same as when I dynoed 403/545 at 17 psi in Dallas.

The 44 can't be out of steam can it?

I'm gonna pull the IC out to leak test it, cuz I have had it for a few years now.

 

[salvageV6]

Either a leaky hose/clamp or else the turbo.

I was stuck at 15psi. once for 3 months my mechanic found it when doing other work, clamp and hose bottom side on the intercooler slight leak.

Made a PERFECT wastegate too, exactly 15psi. everytime.

 

[XLR8]

I know the TE44 will boost to 25# at 5800' - that's what I am stuck at. I am going to recheck all connections before I go to the track tomorrow. If you find your problem, please let me know.

 

[TurboTnZ06]

XLR8, You going to bandimere tomorrow? Are wednesdays busy in the morning? I only live 10 minutes from there but haven't been on a day test yet. I'm thinking about dropping some 116 in the tank and making a run or two if I can't find anything wrong w/ the car tonight.

 

[XLR8]

Unless it rains I will be there and plan to stay for the night session as well. The mornings are empty - maybe 40 cars and 30 will be real race cars. One lane for race cars/tires, the other for street tires. Usually a fresh coat of VHT for the entire 1/4 every couple of hours and fresh VHT for 60' every hour. The bad part is the price - $85 for the day.
I saw one lady last year make around 30 passes just getting a good look at the tree.

 

[87GNcospg]

$85 a day at bandimere?!?!?!?!?! i wont pay that much until my car can do some respectable times.
XLR8. are you still coming down to the springs this weekend?

 

[TurboTnZ06]

Yeah, I'm out on the $85 just to make a few runs before going to work, at least until I can get my car into more boost...

Thanks for the heads up tho.

 

[denn454]

i had a very similar problem last week. I couldn't get past 13.5# no matter what i did. i replaced the vaccume hoses on the vaccume block, and the waste gate hoses. that fixed my problem. I forgot to turn the boost back down and accidently got 20# out of it (on 91 to my suprise i didn't get a lot of knock, but i backed out real fast.)

just start it up and listen for any leaks, its pretty easy to hear but not so easy to pinpoint where its coming from.

$85, does that cover day test and night test?for 30 rounds it isnt' bad, but still a lot of money.

 

[XLR8]

Still stuck at 25#. It is an extra $15 for the night session. I spent a cool $100 yesterday. On my 5th pass the lady in the time slip booth said I have good news and bad news. You ran really fast - 11.56 @ 116, but you need to get reinspected at tech. I talked to the guys and they said I could stay for the rest of the day if i keep it slower than 12.00. I take may car in for a bar tonight and the seat belts and jacket are on order.

 

[denn454]

do they still have the good looking time slip girl?

i think i should try to get her number or something...

25# might be all that turbo can push. maybe try opening up the exhaust and see if it helps any, but i seriously doubt it. keep in mind we dont' have air up here, especially at the track.

I'll be trying for 22# now that my leaks are fixed and i have some 110 in the tank.