I just recently installed gauges in my '94; I get a max boost of around 15 PSI at WOT. Does this sound about right? The truck is stock except for S&B int, ATS arc, and Silverline 4".

Thanks,
Nick

 

No that doesn't sound right. I'd check for boost leaks. A stock 2nd gen should be pushing over 20psi.

 

That's what I thought. What's a good way to check for leaks?

Thanks,
Nick

P.S.

I forgot to mention the 15 PSI is at 4200'-4400' elevation. That might have something to do with it?

 

mine did 19 when stock. after adding tst power kit it will easily do 30 to 32 now.check rubber boots at intake side of intercooler and exit side.

 

My favorite method of checking for leaks is having a friend rev the engine up to get the turbocharger to create positive pressure, and then feel around the boots for leaking air.

 

I don't know why my 95 with a #10 plate,3k springs,plate all the way forward including star screw would only get a max of 23PSI...The only way I got my truck to do over 30 PSI was to add more fuel with a set of deliver valves...

 

Mine used to only read 18-20 when I first got it, then I unscrewed the brass colored round piece from the turbo housing and put a pipe plug in there, (back when I was young and dumb) and it went up to 30psi but I would get a lot of turbo shutter if I would let off from a hard accel. I hooked what im assuming was my wastegate and it still reads 30psi, did I screw it up unhooking it? and is there a safer way to increase boost without putting a pipe plug in the turbo housing?

 

My bone stock 95 pegs an autometer 20psi gauge daily.

 

I have a 60psi Stewart Warner boost gauge and it reads about 21psi under full boost. It may spike momentarily to 22, but 21 psi seems to be where the wastegate limits it.

 

you got a 175hp pump it seems a little low possible leak but I could only get about 17psi and 900egts out of my 160 stock. With the 100plate I got to around 24psi and with the boost elbow up to 33-36psi

 

Hmm, I never thought about the pump rating effecting boost. Don't they put the same wastegate actuators on all of our trucks, or will the p-pump adjust pressure to the wastegate actuator based on how much fuel it has? Will more fuel (from a different fuel plate, or from adjusting the plate forward/back) automatically make more boost?

 

I think these small pumps lack fueling.I forgot to mention that my wastegate was also blocked .Even then with the 10 plate,215 injectors and AFC mods,I could only get about 23PSI.I'm finding the really bottleneck is the DV.I went overkill and used lasercuts.For me they seem to work ok with not much problem with EGT and boost up to 35PSI.Laser cuts in a 215 pump is too much fuel...

 

yes, it takes fuel to turn the wheel to make the boost. here is some specs from dodgeram.org. "Maximum Exhaust Temperature and Turbocharger Boost Ratings

Maximim Allowable Exhaust Restriction: 6" Hg
Maximum Intake Restriction 25" H2O

Ram Exhaust Temperature Specification
Pyro Probe Location Max Temp At Rated Power Max Temp At Torque peak
exhaust manifold 1250 Degrees F 1250 Degrees F
exhaust elbow below the turbocharger 950 Degrees F 810 Degrees F
Ram Diesel Turbocharger Specifications
1994 160, 175 HP 15-18 psi Holset WH1C 12 sq cm turbine housing
1995 160, 175, 180 HP 15-18 psi Holset HX35W 12 sq cm turbine housing

The stock 12 cm housing on 94+ engines is OK up to about 240 HP, beyond which the small housing restricts the exhaust and raises EGT. A 16 cm housing provides enough low speed boost for an enhanced engine, and the exhaust runs cooler at high speed."
add some fuel and air and you will see the boost increase. but the stock charger is pretty small.

 

easiest way to check for boost leaks is to put a rubber endcap (for pvc) on the turbo and put a regular air stem in there like for a tire... you can pressurize the system and should be able to find any leaks