Boost Gauge/MBC Installation Woes

[MafiaAce]

In short: I am having trouble getting my newly installed boost gauge to pick up any boost at all which leads me to believe I have somewhere installed the gauge or MBC incorrectly, or might have a leak somewhere. The method of install I am using is basically identical to the DJAuggie method (http://www.3si.org/forum/showthread....c+intallation), I used the included installation instructions that came with my MBC purchased from boostvalve.com (specifc to VR4). Anyway my point of error may be where I have tapped the line that runs to my Stewart Warner Boost/Vacuum Gauge... Basically I have the MBC connected to the Y-Pipe and to the wastegate actuators (replaced the stock H connecter with a simple T one) and my gauge runs off of a T-connecter that comes off of the MBC line before the second T connecter that goes to the wastegate actuators. I know that I have the inlet/outlet of the MBC correctly configured as it matches the given instructions and I have tried it both ways. The gauge itself is connected properly w/o leaks because if I take the piping off of the MBC that runs toward the gauge/wastegates and I suck/blow on it I can see the gauge itself change in psi up or down without losing the reading. When I start my car up the gauge does not even budge a bit, showing no vacuum or boost at all, even if I rev my engine up a bit. I may in fact have my gauge spliced off from the wrong location.. so I am unsure of how it should be set up. I've also tried adjusting the locknut on the MBC with no avail. I can take some pics if needed to better explain how everything is set up etc... but my main question would be if I have tapped the correct location for the gauge itself?

[talskinyguy]

the T that breaks off to your boost gauge needs to come off before it goes to the boost controller. Your reading boost from the wrong side of the boost controller.

[MafiaAce]

Ok let me try that out, I'll update in a minute to tell you how that goes.

[talskinyguy]

second note, is it just a boost gauge? or is it a boost / vac gauge?

If its a boost / vac gauge it needs to be hooked up to a vac line that comes off the upper plenum / intake manifold after the throttle body or you will never read vac correctly.

[jason_bet]

If he tee'd in the boost controller in place of the stock boost solinoid then he should be good on the vacumm side.. that line comes out of the plenum

[MafiaAce]

Alright thanks guys, it looks like your suggestion has worked... now Im reading boost... yes its a boost/vac gauge. Now the next part.... I need to locate a wire in the dash that turns on when I turn on my dashboard lighting.... earlier I was trying this out with my voltemeter... and the wires in the pillar (where my gauge is mounted) are no good for this... theres a ground, a constant +12 and a +12 for the doors lights that activates when the door is open only... so if anyone knows how to get/where the wire is for the dashboard gauges so I can tap it....that would be much appreciated!

[Stealthee]

I tapped into my dimmer switch on my Talon for my aftermarket gauges. They brighten and dim with the stock gauges.

[jason_bet]

you can pull off the panal that adjusts the dim to bright and tie it in there..

[jason_bet]

stealthee posted faster then me! haha

[Stealthee]

Originally Posted by jason_bet

stealthee posted faster then me! haha

PWNT! I'm just that damn good.

[MafiaAce]

Found it anyway.. its all up and running, thanks guys.