I got theVDO gauge kit fromECS for Christmas and got it in tonight, against my better judgement (34 degrees outside). It's very enlightening actually. Interesting to see the spikes when starting, but I have three questions:

Is the boost supposed to taper off in the higher rpms?

The 225 TT is supposed to hold boost at 14.5 psi right?

I now realize that I probably don't have a vacuum leak. It'sholding at 19Hg at idle for me. From what i've read that's normal.
I do however still maintain that I have a boost leak. But now I just have to find it! Anyone have a writeup or direction to an intake pressure tester?

Thanks!

(I'll get some pics up soon)

 

Yes and yes.

 

Hey, does the gauge light up? Or did you have to get those LEDs they're selling? I got a gauge for Christmas I'm thinking of taking back cuz it only has boost (no vac) and am wondering what yours is like. Also, just a general question, what's the deal with ECS not listing boost gauges on the TT side of their site? I had to go to the VW Golf/Jetta/GTI area.

 

I like the Stewart Warner 30/25 with led from 42dd, gives you plenty of range for vac and boost particullarly if you are going to/are already modded. I have a cheap glowshift vac/boost gauge that Igot off ebayfor now, but it does the trick. Both have leds, (both are lit at least). ECS tuning has been good for the few thigns I have ordered, but none of those gauges appealed to me. Good luck finding something you like.

 

So according to this boost gauge my car is spiking at 14psi and holding at about 11-12psi. Where could a leak be that would cause a 2-3psi drop? I just took off the rubberpipe coming off the turbo today to check for leaks and there are none. I replaced the intake manifold gasket already. There are no visible cracks or leaks in any of the pipes coming from the turbo all the way up to the TB, but I haven't been able to check aroundthe top of the intercoolers because of space constraints.

Please, does anyone have any ideas?

 

i totally think your chasing your tail here. Since you dont have a tail, your not going to catch anything.... catching my drift?

 

I would get a Tune/Chip for your TT225 and then check the boost. BIG difference not only on that gauge but also in overall performance.
The TT will be like a totally different car and you will see that boost go to about 22psi+
Stock 14psi high and about 11-12psi holding is about normal. Like Cincy already said. You are chasing something that isn't there.