I just want to clarify.... as it seams I am having a tough time wrapping my head around it

when you change preload. Are you changing the the actual boost pressure that the gate opens?

I understand it changes the point that it “cracks open” during spoolup. But will it alter your “target” boost as well

For intensive purposes. Can you have a 18 psi gate preloaded 3-4 turns run a target boost of 18 psi with a ebc?