[CrypTech]

So when I first did the wastegate hack to pull reference boost off of the intercooler vs the turbo I was getting around 18lbs boost as per my mechanical boost gauge. Now after around a week and a half, I am getting only 15lbs peak. Just noticed this yesterday, after doing a couple pulls. Temps have dropped from 70-80, to around 56-60. Do you think this has to do with outside temperatures, or could it be something else?

I also just installed my 6th CAI two days ago, but I wouldn't think that this has anything to do with peak boost, but I could be wrong I suppose..

Any thoughts?

 

[Forte5]

Did you ever reset the ecu when you did the hack?

 

[CrypTech]

No, no reset

 

[Forte5]

Try resetting the ecu and see what it does. There are a few guys on the vt forums that are still running the 18psi it gives. I wanted to do it but I think with a tune I would go boom!

If it still holds only 15psi you may want to check your bov and for any leaks. Could also be the weather to

 

[CrypTech]

When resetting ECU by pulling negative terminal off and pressing brake pedal, I took a look at the capped end coming off the turbo, and the cap was missing. I had a couple more caps, so I replaced, and also put 2 cable ties on it. Most likely this was causing my issue. I'll test when I leave work tonight.

 

[6thElementEngineering]

That's a boost leak right there. I bet you're good to go now.

 

[CrypTech]

So after a couple weeks I was still around 15lbs of boost WOT after replacing the cap, even after resetting ECU. I received and installed my TurboXS blow off valve and did the turbosocks mod to bypass the BOV solenoid, and connected the wastegate solenoid directly to the intercooler line, instead of teeing in with the BOV solenoid as per the wastegate "hack". I am now steady boosting at 18psi WOT, and when I am at 18psi I think can hear the wastegate opening to control boost levels. It is a loud woooosh sound. Also, when I am at mid throttle, before boost hits, at around 8-1 vacuum, I can hear my BOV venting some, and then once I hit positive boost, it closes. During this time, if I let off on the gas when the BOV is slightly venting, I can hear my turbo spool down, and it sounds pretty cool.

Does anyone think that there is any harm in doing the two mods together? This has been the only way I have been able to get more boost than stock reliably without getting a tune. I have not seen any overboost at all. If it is indeed the wastegate that I hear at max boost and WOT, it should hold up ok, right?

 

[CrypTech]

I also have the boost gauge and the BOV connected to a 6th vacuum block. FYI

 

[Playwithmymind]

So after a couple weeks I was still around 15lbs of boost WOT after replacing the cap, even after resetting ECU. I received and installed my TurboXS blow off valve and did the turbosocks mod to bypass the BOV solenoid, and connected the wastegate solenoid directly to the intercooler line, instead of teeing in with the BOV solenoid as per the wastegate "hack". I am now steady boosting at 18psi WOT, and when I am at 18psi I think can hear the wastegate opening to control boost levels. It is a loud woooosh sound. Also, when I am at mid throttle, before boost hits, at around 8-1 vacuum, I can hear my BOV venting some, and then once I hit positive boost, it closes. During this time, if I let off on the gas when the BOV is slightly venting, I can hear my turbo spool down, and it sounds pretty cool.

Does anyone think that there is any harm in doing the two mods together? This has been the only way I have been able to get more boost than stock reliably without getting a tune. I have not seen any overboost at all. If it is indeed the wastegate that I hear at max boost and WOT, it should hold up ok, right?

The spring in the BOV would more than likely be the cause of it opening when there is vacuum present and under mid throttle the turbo will be creating some boost pre throttle body to push the BOV open (small amount of vac on one side and a little pressure on the other). Even with the gauge showing there is no boost in the intake doesn't mean there is none on the other side of the throttle plate, as long as there is exhaust flowing thru the turbo it will be spinning and pushing air to the throttle body.

 

[CrypTech]

As soon as I hit 0 on my gauge, my BOV snaps shut and it starts pulling.. So I was just wanting to make sure that hearing the BOV blow off while in this light throttle won't hurt anything. I read a couple things online saying this is normal, and there is nothing to worry about. Your post seems to confirm that as well.

Do others that have a tune or other boost increasing mods notice the wastegate woosh at max boost WOT as I do?

 

[Forte5]

I would also reverse that bov hack because there has been reports on the VT forum of people blowing their motors because of it. You are taking away the safety feature of the solenoid being able to control the boost pressure through the bov. You are probably hearing the wastegate because of doing the bov hack.

 

[CrypTech]

I haven't gotten any spikes or limp mode at all so far. Seems to hold steady at 18lbs without any issue. Doesn't the ECU still control things even with BOV connected to manifold?

 

[Playwithmymind]

I haven't gotten any spikes or limp mode at all so far. Seems to hold steady at 18lbs without any issue. Doesn't the ECU still control things even with BOV connected to manifold?

The ecu can still control the boost using the waste gate solenoid. When anyone goes to a FMIC the BOV will get connected to the intake bypassing the ecu control anyway.

 

[CrypTech]

Oh, really? So the FMIC stuff goes straight off of the vacuum block? That gives me some confidence that the mod won't hurt anything. I was talking to Knee, and he said I should be fine too. I did revert to the solenoid after Forte5 said I should revert it back, but I guess I'll play with it on there and with the wastegate hack, and maybe if I go to the strip again, I'll put it on the vacuum block for extra boost until I get a tune.

 

[Forte5]

I have not seen a fmic yet that goes off the vac block. All the ones I have seen on the VT forums still run off the solenoid.

 

[CrypTech]

Maybe 6th can chime in and let us know how his FMIC connects?

 

[6thElementEngineering]

MY FMIC kit currently uses a Vac block to control the BOV i'm including in the kit, because the solenoid cannot pull enough vacuum to properly open the valve I'm using at low, part throttle.

I was not aware this was called the "boost hack". During all my FMIC time and datalogs, boost curve, boost amount and boost spool time changed very very little, nothing I can notice from comparing logs. I didn't see a single psi increase from hooking up the valve that way.

Word on the street is the ECU is programmed to use the solenoid to bleed boost in a severe boost spike situation.
I have yet to find real, solid proof of the theory (datalogs, official word from kia/hyundai, screenshots from tuning program, etc) and I am going to do some digging to get a firm answer on whether or not this function is in the ECU.

If it is, then I will have to find a valve with a softer spring to include, or get springs right to use the valve I want to include with the kit. We will use the solenoid.
If it doesn't, then the FMIC will include the original valve I want to put in the kit, and a vacuum block to accompany it. The solenoid will be bypassed.

To conclude, running my aftermarket BOV straight from the vacuum block:

- boost amounts didn't change (spikes, holding, onset)
- no CEL for "mechanical valve fault" or whatever the code says. I would get this CEL if i ran my aftermarket BOV with the solenoid, because the solenoid wasn't opening the valve during light driving
- the vacuum block hook up would open the valve at all throttle levels. This would be very light thru my neighborhood and all the different times thru WOT. The valve opened lightning quick too.

Stay tuned on what I can find out about the solenoid.

 

[PLP]

So, how does the wastegate hack perform?

Are there any noticeable improvements?
I read about slightly more power, less lag, but mostly cleaner burn (less rich). Hence, no soot?

 

[CrypTech]

I never had any issues, just better boost, and less taper off approaching redline. I put it back to stock the other month in preparation for the Tork tune that is/was supposed to happen in PA this month, but not enough ppl have paid a deposit as of yet..

 

[PLP]

thanks, I think I will go for it in the next few weeks.

Not ready for tune yet...
What is NW Ohio?