what can it be

i just bought a very well maintained laser rs turbo awd... it has a exhast leak right befor the cat and muffler i noticed it doesnt have very much boost its pegged at -7 vac till i really get on it kinda hard. then it slowly builds to +7 boost now is that because of the exhaust or could it be some thing else and also extremely hard to move the shitfer into any gear especialy into 3rd what could cause that

thx appreciate it

Are you using an aftermarket boost guage?

The shifter could be many things, but I would probably guess syncros.

Are you using an aftermarket boost guage?

The shifter could be many things, but I would probably guess syncros.

no it isnt an aftermarket gauge and the car doesnt really feel like its boosting at alll

The stock boost guage sucks ass. Get an aftermarket guage, then you can get some real numbers.

You might have a boost leak or a dying turbo. Do a search on how to perform a boost leak test.

I Would suggest getting the exhaust leak fixed as soon as possible. And check and see if the Cat is plugged. Any back pressure would kill the turbo. Check all the vacum lines for proper placement and crack's in the lines, especially the ones off the egr. Check your intercooler and make sure it's not plugged. Check the waste gate solenoid. Check and make sure your cams are properly lined up. It could be out 1 tooth and it will not build more than a half bar. Also check your spark plugs, if you don't have good plug's in it will not build boost either. I ran NGK Irridium plugs and the car ran perfect, before my timing belt slipped. Also check and see if your boost controller is working properly. Check your fuel injectors and fuel regulator. Make sure all hose clamp's are tight, especially all the ones off the turbo and throttle body.

And for your shifting problem how good is the clutch? As the tranny heats up is it easier to shift? or about the same? Mine is hard to shift when it's cold, but once the fluid get's warm it shift's easier.

how many miles are on this car? factory 14b's tend to die between 70k to 140k+ depending on how the car was driven by my experience

how many miles are on this car? factory 14b's tend to die between 70k to 140k+ depending on how the car was driven by my experience


it has 168000 and it didi get a little easier to shift or maybe i was just adjusting to it

try new gear oil. and while your at it change the gear oil in the transfer case and rear end. chances are the car has probably not had any 3 of them changed for a while.

that turbo might be a little wore out. i'd get it checked out before something breaks off and goes for a nice little ride throughout your motor.

it turns out everything is good i checker the bov its tight no play in the turbo shaft it was the linkage to the waste gate and it put it back on it runs like 13 psi now big relief id like to get a lil more out of it tho like umm say 16 17 does any baody have any ideas on that and also i lubed up all the shift linkage and was very rusty shifts much easier now

it turns out everything is good i checker the bov its tight no play in the turbo shaft it was the linkage to the waste gate and it put it back on it runs like 13 psi now big relief id like to get a lil more out of it tho like umm say 16 17 does any baody have any ideas on that and also i lubed up all the shift linkage and was very rusty shifts much easier now


with a boost controller you can raise it up to 16-17psi safely on the stock turbo.

it turns out everything is good i checker the bov its tight no play in the turbo shaft it was the linkage to the waste gate and it put it back on it runs like 13 psi now big relief id like to get a lil more out of it tho like umm say 16 17 does any baody have any ideas on that and also i lubed up all the shift linkage and was very rusty shifts much easier now


Unless you have a 16G you're not going to be efficient with boosting past 17 pounds. You also need to consider running 93 octane gas, going to a 7ES plug and making sure your timing isn't advanced. I'm sure the car is in good shape, but it's very easy to screw up a turbo DSM, especially by boosting too much.