I'm having trouble making boost...

afarkas · 09-25-2002

How many reasons could there be not to make boost?

I'm running a Procharger through its intercooler on what should be a 14# capable pulley but my autometer boost guage reads at max 8 but usually 6#'s.

What else can I check besides all the S/C plumbing?

GTRaptor · 09-26-2002

The reason for low boost is the intercooler.

One important thing is that boost is not the main HP factor. More important is the air charge temperature. The intercooler reduces boost a bit but decreases the air temp, this makes it more efficient. Low temp air is denser=more O2 molecules=more HP.

Another possible factor is belt slippage.

afarkas · 09-26-2002

Thanks GTRaptor,

I was aware of the intercooler impact but the end result doesn't equate (I think). I am running a 14# "racing" pulley which is the 12 rib I believe. I was getting alot of belt slippage before.

So, I think the intercooler should use up 2-4#'s boost. I was hoping to see about 9-10#'s, but like I said, I'm seeing about 6#'s.

I guess I'll recheck my vacuum lines again just to be sure. It sure doesn't run like I'm getting alot of boost.

Lastly, at the dragstrip, I met some Procharger users who claimed that I should be seeing about 12#'s + with my pulley and setup as their setups were getting a lot of boost. Yes, they lit a fire under my a$$ to chase this down.

Alex in Houston · 10-18-2002

If your intercooler is dropping your boost by more then 3# it's too restrictive and is hurting a hell of alot more then helping.
With that said, i doubt very seriously it's your intercooler that is the problem. You don't list what mods you have done to your motor. What will make 12# on a car with stock heads and intake will only make 8-9# (if that) on a car with decent heads and intake. Remeber what you see as "boost" is just a measure of back pressure (what the motr could not consume).

afarkas · 10-18-2002

Thanks.

The motor is completely stock, heads and all

Excellent point about the possibility that the intercooler could be too restrictive.

At one point I noticed oil in the air intake tube on the other side of the intercooler. The SC is self contained oil and the level was good on it, but I wonder if alot of oil (possibly) in the intercooler could cause restriction.

Anyway, I use a high altitude rated 14# pulley (possibly a 12#, not sure) and only see 6 or 7. I'm moving to sea level soon, so I'm curious what that will do

Adam

Alex in Houston · 10-19-2002

Again, notmuch of a SC guy but.............On a turbocharged car, oil in the compressor side of the hosuing is a sure sign of your bearings heading south for good. You also loose pesssure and boost (what you see on your gauge) drops. I'd look more into your p1sc as the culprit. you wouldn't be the first to have an issue like that with one of them.
Good Luck

afarkas · 10-19-2002

OK, first with a stupid question, which side is the compressor side?

Secondly and sadly, I think you're right. I pulled the hose (before the intercooler and after the S/C) and there is definitely oil. In fact, this hose (which is pretty hard to see) is saturated.

Well, let's see how ATI handles this. I hope they have good service

Is this repairable? How bad ($$$) would you guess this is?

Alex in Houston · 10-19-2002

Quote:

Originally posted by afarkas
OK, first with a stupid question, which side is the compressor side?

Secondly and sadly, I think you're right. I pulled the hose (before the intercooler and after the S/C) and there is definitely oil. In fact, this hose (which is pretty hard to see) is saturated.

Well, let's see how ATI handles this. I hope they have good service

Is this repairable? How bad ($$$) would you guess this is?

On a cent. supercharger the side you have is the compressor side (what would be your exhaust side is driven by the belt).
There should be no oil in the tubing. If so, your SC has issue.
It is repairable, read about a few people having thier seals replaced. Don't have the slightest idea about cost, you should post on www.corral.net/forums and talk to a guy who goes by Palemary. He had a bunch of issues with his a while back and eventually got it all worked out. Seems to know a lot about them now.