new GTE won't boost

[superslug1987]

I'm toward the end of a GE-GTE swap and I've run into a problem. I got it to run good naturally, but when I plumbed up the turbo I have no boost. I routed all my intercooler piping and clamped it all(it's not leaking) I'm running a Blitz BOV, and I think my wastegate is sealed, yet I still show -19 on my boost/vac. If I hit high rpm and back out, it pushes just under 1 psi and I hear a faint noise from the BOV. I'm not sure if I have my boost controller hooked up incorrectly. The engine still runs great, no spitting or misfire, just no boost. My turbo is spinning, and while I ran it naturally I could see the impellar spinning normally. Any help would be appreciated.

[flyinMKIV]

it would be nice to know what year of a car we are dealing with. but just a thought

[TcmaBoy]

First, double check to make sure the intake and boost gauge aren't leaking. Then have a look at the waste gate controller. "I think I did xxx right" is usually a good indicator that something may not have been done right.

[superslug1987]

The car is an 87, the engine is an 88-89, the turbo is an 88, the computer/wiring harness is an 89. I hooked the feed line of the boost controller to the intake, and the side that said "to wastegate" to the wastegate actuator. In a moment of desperation, I disconnected the lines and plugged them so the wastegate would stay sealed. I took the turbo back down today, and the wastegate is sealing. I ran it with the outlet off to make sure. I tried bypassing the intercooler and it didn't work. I still get full vacuum. I crawled under the car and checked for leaks and found none. I disconnected the pipe at the BOV and held my hand over it while it was running ( took a lot of effort to get it to run w/o the MAF) Once I got it hot I was able to (carefully) rev the engine to about 4500 and the turbo was unable to push my hand off the pipe. Do I have a defective turbo? The intake gaskets are new and I checked them for leaks with an automotive stethoscope. Boost gauge is good, I used it as a vac gauge for months and never had any problems. I'm going to pull the turbo out again when it cools off and see if I can find anything wrong. I'm new to turbos and I do have one dumb question... If I go to buy an aftermarket turbo, what flanges do I have/need? Is the manifold flange a T4? What will work... cheap?

[silversup]

Pull the pipe off your turbo and see if u see the impeller or whatever turning when u rev it.

Depends on which turbo u buy. Some are bolt on, others like t4 need adapter or manifold not to mention downpipe

[badboybubby]

Have you tried making a plug and using an air compressor to presurise the intake and check for leaks ?