Finally after $400 in labor, $146.82 in parts - my boost gauge is finally working!
07-24-2006, 07:55 PM
#1
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Finally after $400 in labor, $146.82 in parts - my boost gauge is finally working!
First of, yes...I should have installed it myself. But I don't have the ***** or this much technical skill to do it, yet. And if the shop can f@ck me up like this, what more if I did it myself at this point.
My story may play out like Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events. Every fix I try to do, something else crops up. And it all started when I started to install my AWE Boost Gauge Vent kit.
Boost gauge received, defective gauge. Pay to ship back and have a new one shipped. Replacement Boost gauge arrived (behold a scratch on the face, eh no more shipping back just as long as it works). Back to the shop to continue with the "professional" installation for $150.
When I get the car back I noticed the installation was done by drilling a hole right thru my ECM Housing (black box) and making the vacuum hose pass thru it. I worry about this because it isn't sealed with any silicone. So I buy red silicone and patch the gap before any water gets in there.
Before the end of the day after the install, I get a CEL/MIL light.
I bring it to my dealer and have them check the light. They initially see a leak and replace the part in the vacuum. I drive off. 30 minutes later after driving the MIL light goes off again. Back to the dealer.
This time they can't find any leaking part. They make me leave the car and are kind enough to give me a loaner over the weekend.
Today I get a call saying they finally traced the leak after two days - I have a defective T-connector from my boost gauge. Damn. I place a call to AWE and they are shipping me a replacement T-connector.
I have them replace the ECM Housing that was drilled thru (special ordered a few day prior to this). But while they do that they again discover the ECM Housing Cover is cracked. The installer who initially opened the housing decided to do the short-cut route by not completely removing ALL the bolts and ending up cracking the cover. I have to special order the replacement part. In the meantime they glue it back together to ensure it's waterproof once more. Dealer labor cost - $250.00.
So there goes my experience. You think you pay money to have it professionally installed, but you end up spending even more money in fixing the damages done.
My story may play out like Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events. Every fix I try to do, something else crops up. And it all started when I started to install my AWE Boost Gauge Vent kit.
Boost gauge received, defective gauge. Pay to ship back and have a new one shipped. Replacement Boost gauge arrived (behold a scratch on the face, eh no more shipping back just as long as it works). Back to the shop to continue with the "professional" installation for $150.
When I get the car back I noticed the installation was done by drilling a hole right thru my ECM Housing (black box) and making the vacuum hose pass thru it. I worry about this because it isn't sealed with any silicone. So I buy red silicone and patch the gap before any water gets in there.
Before the end of the day after the install, I get a CEL/MIL light.
I bring it to my dealer and have them check the light. They initially see a leak and replace the part in the vacuum. I drive off. 30 minutes later after driving the MIL light goes off again. Back to the dealer.
This time they can't find any leaking part. They make me leave the car and are kind enough to give me a loaner over the weekend.
Today I get a call saying they finally traced the leak after two days - I have a defective T-connector from my boost gauge. Damn. I place a call to AWE and they are shipping me a replacement T-connector.
I have them replace the ECM Housing that was drilled thru (special ordered a few day prior to this). But while they do that they again discover the ECM Housing Cover is cracked. The installer who initially opened the housing decided to do the short-cut route by not completely removing ALL the bolts and ending up cracking the cover. I have to special order the replacement part. In the meantime they glue it back together to ensure it's waterproof once more. Dealer labor cost - $250.00.
So there goes my experience. You think you pay money to have it professionally installed, but you end up spending even more money in fixing the damages done.
07-24-2006, 08:09 PM
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I'm sorry this happened to you. I feel the worst for you checkbook...
I'm not trying to be sarcastic, but what is the point of having a boost gauge? Is it more of a diagnostic kind of thing? Like so you can see if you start to lose boost? forgive my ignorance. any pictures? is the AWE gauge the one that mounts on the air vent?
07-24-2006, 08:49 PM
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Your question is valid. :) Yes it's the gauge on the Vent.
A boost gauge is a real-time feedback device which can be used for diagnosis and on-the-spot decision making during driving.
It will (or may) help you analyze your driving behavior, the way you step on the pedal in relation to your RPM and boost.
On a regular Sunday drive, I try to minimize boost to save on fuel.
While on weekdays, my commute is a healthy 65 miles one way, so I know if I'm abusing the turbo and how long I've been boosting. This also helps me cool down my turbo during the last few minutes of my drive toward my destination versus having a turbo timer.
Although I think turbo engines should come equip with a gauge, at the end of it all, modders like you and I will appreciate devices like these more than regular drivers.
<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/85848/aweboost4.jpg">
I'm stealing this next picture from Tgr_Clw's picture poster:
<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/88605/dscn0385.jpg">
It will (or may) help you analyze your driving behavior, the way you step on the pedal in relation to your RPM and boost.
On a regular Sunday drive, I try to minimize boost to save on fuel.
While on weekdays, my commute is a healthy 65 miles one way, so I know if I'm abusing the turbo and how long I've been boosting. This also helps me cool down my turbo during the last few minutes of my drive toward my destination versus having a turbo timer.
Although I think turbo engines should come equip with a gauge, at the end of it all, modders like you and I will appreciate devices like these more than regular drivers.
<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/85848/aweboost4.jpg">
I'm stealing this next picture from Tgr_Clw's picture poster:
<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/88605/dscn0385.jpg">
07-24-2006, 09:03 PM
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Very nice! It looks completely OEM.
I knew there was more to it than I realized. So, from what you've said, I gather that when the turbo is boosting (which is to say forcing more air into the cylinder) the ECU compensates this extra air by injecting more fuel. Is this correct? Seems like a very worthwhile mod. It's just a shame how much frustration and money it took to get it installed correctly. Hope you enjoy it! Thanks for the explanation.
