I have a stock second owner 03 with a sordid past. The boost gauge reads me making good boost, and the initial launch feels good. It just seems like the mid to uper range is missing power. The more I push it, the more it seems like it doesn't want to go. I know the WG opens at upper RPM's. Does the computer back off the timing when on the gas, or open up the waste gate? I actually got a bit of a power surge yesterday by lifting at WOT. I have had a number of times when it felt more powerful at lesser throttle. Throttle respose at higher input is underwhelming. I keep thinking something's wrong.

 

boost will taper as rpms rise, and make the car feel flat up top. All of them do it, that may be what you're feeling. Does your boost gauge confirm this?

 

I can see the boost taper when I'm holding it WOT. It's between half and WOT that it feels like it's having trouble. When I get on it and hold it I can make full boost. I should probably look to see if there is a boost leak, particularly at the BOV. I have been suspicious about that for a good while. I'm wondering if it might be leaking a little. Has anyone used this meathod of leak testing:

http://www.vfaq.com/mods/ICtester.html

I'm tring to justify the cost of an EBC, I might just go ahead and put in an MBC and set it for 20-21psi.

 

Has _anyone_ used this method? Come on...

Has anyone NOT used this method? Good job finding that on your own, but there's probably a few hundred references to that link on this forum alone. That's pretty much the standard for finding boost leaks.

 

get your computer flashed it will get rid of most the boost taper and add some HP, i would also get rid of the stock plastic BOV

 

You would need some kind of data log or dyno to be sure but if the tune is off the ECU has the ability to sense dangerous conditions (knock, lean A/F) and pull timing and boost. An area to search at least... the car could have mods it wasn't tuned for, boost leaks etc.