So recently I installed a new Greddy FMIC, along with lower IC pipes. While installing the lower IC pipes, I cross threaded one of the bolt holes on the turbo mating the IC pipe to the turbo. I took it to a shop, and they retapped it with a stud. They test drove it, and mentioned that there was a boost leak somewhere (only boost 12 psi).

After I got the car back, I went home, took off the bumper, and secured all the IC couplings, hoses, and vac hoses on the entire car. I am almost positive the boost leak is coming from the IC pipe that they "fixed"...

I cannot imagine for the life of me where else there could be a leak, unless the FMIC itself was leaking?? If it is that lower IC pipe that's leaking, is there any way to fix it now, since I've cross threaded it? They used a stud to secure it, but I can't tell if that's good enough to keep it from leaking.

Would it help if I had them use some silicone sealant?

 

Build a pressure testor to fit into the mouth of the turbo and use a compressor to put 25 psi into your system, you will find the leak.

 

Sounds like an idea, but what if I'm not mechanically inclined, at all?

 

Do what I did in this post
https://www.evolutionm.net/forums/sh...d.php?t=105525

 

You need to perform a boost leak test. I recmmend that you buy a 2" rubber cap and cap off your upper pipe when doing the boost leak test.

After my clutch install I had a boost leak on the BR lower pipe as well. It was a pain and I end up messing up the thread on the turbo like yourself. I retap the hole and it worked fine. Good luck because the car is no fun to drive with a boost leak.

I just recently did a boost check on my car and found that the silicone coupler between the intercooler and upper pipe tear. It made a huge difference after the fix.

 

brake cleaner

 

Well, I took it to the shop and they smoke tested it and couldn't find a leak... then they put it on the dyno, and still couldn't find a leak. You could still hear a electronic sounding whine though - they said it was cause of the air resonating inside the IC pipes... is that normal?? My car sounds really weird now....

My car is boosting 20 some psi now like it should (with XFlash) but could it still be leaking if my boost gauge is reading the right boost?

 

I bet your GReddy lower pipe flange is warped. It seems to be an all-too-common occurence with their kits. I drove Jeff & Mark at TT crazy for way longer than they should have had to deal with that a couple of weeks ago.. even though they never really biz-itched I certainly would have if I were in their shoes with the shoddy workmanship of that thing. I think the quote was "has anyone there ever heard of checking a flange after you weld it?". Take the lower IC pipe off and bring it to a machine shop to have it checked for warpage, if it isn't too bad they can probably plane it flat for 10-20 bucks.

 

I thought that too, but when I took it off to look at it and placed the flange flat on a table, it ran perfectly smooth... didn't seem like it was warped to me.