Well, finally got a boost gauge on the ol' gal' but I dont know what to expect as far as boost goes? Puttering around it goes to 5psi, and when I get on it, it peaks around 16psi. It never really holds a boost reading for long---once I accelerate to a certain rpm and stay there, the boost drops until I give it more skinny pedal. This sound normal? Sitting in the driveway I dont built much boost, but under normal driving load I do....I dont know if im paranoid or what. I checked my fittings with soapy water, and checked the intercooler couplers as well-all ok. I do have a 18.5cm housing, but have a 16 on the shelf along with a pyro to go in too. Stock exhaust....

 

Boost sounds extremely good for a stock pickup. Most of the intercooled ones make around 12-14 psi stock from what I understand. The boost peaking during acceleration is normal. It's relative to the load on the engine. Once the RPM's get up, the engine isn't under load anymore so the boost drops. You should be VERY pleased with these results on a stock pickup!
Dan

 

Sounds like a strong stock truck Time to toss in that pyro and crank 'er up Is the truck auto or manual? Really, either way, the 18.5 isn't a bad housing and, IMO, unless you're going to a 12cm from a 2nd gen, all the hassle of removing the 18.5 won't be worth it if just going to a 16. Again, JMO.

 

Oh, not true, the 16 will give you a much shorter spool up time and a lot less turbo lag, go ahead and change it. It made a world of difference on mine.

 

If you have a die grinder, you can make an 18 spool like a stock 16. I have had good luck with the ported 18s, have never run a 16. Going to my current 14 (came with the turbo) only gave me a marginal increase in spooling. AFter porting, it woke up, though.

Daniel

 

Sweet, here I was paranoid for no reason! All that I have done to her was rotate the fuel pin 90 degrees---I was amazed how much more drivable she was after that little mod. Cant wait to get a 4" exhaust and that 16 on there.

 

I would go with a 12cm, makes a world of difference.

 

Well I happen to have the 16; I will see how it works out, but I will keep an ear out for a 12--hint hint.

 

I had a 12 on my truck for awhile and it rocked. Spooled super fast - would be great with a 5 spd.

I then went to a 16 and it seemed like a dog .

 

Shouldn't his housing choice be steered by what he uses the truck for? Whether you regularly drive it fast on the interstate or spend more time dragging a loaded trailer? I thought the difference between a 12 & 18 would shine depending on use and when you wanted the extra grunt.

 

That's exactly right.

 

Im more of a daily driver with a need to pull a tandem in the future.