How much boost will our van engines produce? - Diesel Forum

msnunes · 11-21-2005, 10:16 AM

Just got a boost gauge (among others), so don't know what to expect.

I'm only able to manage 15 lbs. and WOT on a grade. I also had a Wicked Wheel installed at the same time. Would this rob some boost from the stock amount, since it will spool with less restriction? I don't know if I should expect a leak somewhere or if this would be about normal...

Larry M · 11-21-2005, 05:18 PM

Matt,

Not sure how much the WW might change things, but a stock Van should produce anywhere from 15 to 19 psi boost so I think you're in the ball park.

Larry

ddog · 11-21-2005, 06:28 PM

If you scroll down the page at Bob Riley's site where the wicked wheel is listed LINK there is a picture for making a boost leak detector. Pretty easy from conventional hardware store parts. I haven't done it yet but plan too. People that have used it say its quite effective. Apparently even small leaks can cost you 1-2 psi boost perhaps more. Thats 5-10 percent of the stock range, not insignifcant.

DarthSurplus · 12-03-2005, 12:13 AM

Technically, the answer is, "none."

However, your van's turbocharger should produce 17 psi of boost.

That's speaking as a wise guy, but now I'll speak as somebody who has installed a WW, and built a boost leak detector, and successfully discovered leaks.

If you are trying to shave your 1/4 mile times, or maximize your dyno runs, than the wicked wheel was a mistake for you. However, its quick-spooling characteristic provides more low end grunt, which is more useful for everyday driving and pulling. If you're feeling cheated of top-end power, change it back, or go to a ball bearing unit.

Boost leaks can be a real pain. The only way to find them is with a tester. You'll want a larger air compressor, as my little runt of a compressor keeps kicking on, providing for interrupted intervals of searching. Or a longer hose. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif[/img] Some not-so-obvious things to check are the little red and green plastic lines that go to the wastegate controller and the turbine inlet tube, and the manifolds for these plastic lines. Some people make a tester that clamps right onto the turbo, but I couldn't find rubber tubing of the appropriate size. My tester clamps to the 4" end of the turbine inlet tube. The turbine inlet tube necks down from 4" to 3", has a waffle pattern on its exterior surface, a small hole for the green hard plastic line, and some weird bends.

PM your address to me, if you'd like to borrow mine. Or stop by if you're anywhere near Indy, and I'll help you find it.

msnunes · 12-03-2005, 08:04 PM

Thanks -- but not sure I'll be in your area anytime soon... But FWIW, since my van is already on the 'rack' for other issues, I asked him to double-check for leaks and he said he found none. I guess I could "suggest" these other places to check as well... However, first order of business right now is getting my main tank reinstalled and my fuel system cleaned out... (see other thread)... [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/eek.gif[/img]