LB7: Boost?

[Noreaster]

I think your tuner doesn't have enough fuel to produce a higher boost pressure. Try plugging the wastegate line or clamping it & take it for a ride to see if it gains anymore pressure. Just don't let it get over 30psi but I highly doubt it will.

 

[LWATSON]

So is this what you are referring to: http://www.thoroughbreddiesel.com/ppe/boost-increase-valve.htm

Thats one way of doing it, I prefer the adjustable waste gate actuator. Banks makes a good one.

 

[Noreaster]

BD also makes one & $40 cheaper

 

[dmaxfireman]

if the gauge is mechanical check to see if there is a hole in the hose. i melted mine and had a leak. only had 36psi when i should have been 40+

 

[dieseldan723]

Seat of Pants feeling?

If I install the PPE boost valve what should I expect to feel on the Seat 'o pants meter? Sounds like my boost will only go from about 18 to about 25ish? Will I notice anything really?

 

[THEFERMANATOR]

If I install the PPE boost valve what should I expect to feel on the Seat 'o pants meter? Sounds like my boost will only go from about 18 to about 25ish? Will I notice anything really?

If you have enough fuel to need the extra boost you will feel a bit of difference and notice the tailpipe clean up. If you don't need the extra boost though, you could actually lose some power. More boost = more engine backpressure, and if you are using more boost than you need you are simply wasting HP to create boost. I'm running just over a 2000 pulsewidth on my BURB at 160 or so rail pressure, and I'm still running the stock turbo set-up seeing 25-27 on the boost guage with minimal smoke.

 

[wdino73]

Great explanation Ferm,, I need more fuel

 

[dieseldan723]

If you have enough fuel to need the extra boost you will feel a bit of difference and notice the tailpipe clean up. If you don't need the extra boost though, you could actually lose some power. More boost = more engine backpressure, and if you are using more boost than you need you are simply wasting HP to create boost. I'm running just over a 2000 pulsewidth on my BURB at 160 or so rail pressure, and I'm still running the stock turbo set-up seeing 25-27 on the boost guage with minimal smoke.

Any way to test this or just purchase it and give it a try?

 

[Mike_S]

FWIW, a "boost valve" will not always ive you what you are looking for. When I was running a factory turbo, I could completely detach the boost reference line and still only make 18-20 PSIG, all while roaling coal like a freight train on steroids...there was no lack of fuel. I ended up modifying the factory actuator to make it adjustable and that did it...30 PSIG, with spikes to 35...and a month later I was buying a new (previously owned) turbo...LOL! Botom line is, the spring in the actuator on some of the LB7 turbos seems to be too weak to hold the exhaust pressure required to make the boost some are after. Get a banks Big Head or equivalent, or modify your stock actuator to be adjustable like the Banks is...only sure fire way to do it without wasting money.

 

[radvans]

I ran the htech on 3, for 2 years, and without the ppe fooler I still had 28-30psi. With the fooler more like 35-37...and I was purchasing a New Used turbo within 2 months also.

 

[LWATSON]

Any way to test this or just purchase it and give it a try?

If your truck doesnt smoke allot during a full throttle run it probably wont help. If you got allot of smoke more boost will clean it up and add power.

 

[dieseldan723]

If your truck doesnt smoke allot during a full throttle run it probably wont help. If you got allot of smoke more boost will clean it up and add power.

I notice that it smokes differently depending on the level of programming. I use Hypertech. Level 2 smokes the most. I don't get much smoke on level 3.

 

[Sledhead]

I installed a T fitting on my actuator boost line with a ball valve to adjust the bleed. I went from 23psi to 26psi with it wide open. That is using a Superchip on level 2 (or 3). I moved the guage and tapped it into the post intercooler pipe for true reading. It seems to a great fuel/air mixture with just a bit of smoke on 2, more on 3.