i have an issue. I have an autometer ultra lite boost gauge and it reads at 22 peak and tapers to 19psi. I have a stock bov and bushur MBC set at (i think 19.5)

How do i know what i am really running at? I live in cali and i dont want to run anymore than 19.5.

how the heck do i find out what my true boost is?

 

Well, you can have a shop use a instrument grade gauge on the car and see what its really running at.. just to be certain that your gauge is accurate.

A good shop should be able to pressure test your gauge though with a regulator and pressure fitting/manifold and some creativity against their regulated pressure and it should read pretty close.

I did periodically get spikes to 22psi tapering to 19 or so psi with an MBC and stock DV, it was partly due to cooler weather and the size vacuum hose I was using with my MBC (As odd as that sounds)

Once you know the gauge is correct, you can feel a bit more comfortable with your boost levels, but for the time being, turn it down a bit so it doesnt spike as high.. (a small spike happens if you have it hooked up to the boost source where the stock boost controller was hooked up)