What's the first Reasonable Modification...

[PTGT Redman]

Let's say I hae limited knowledge of the inner workings of turbos. I want to get the most performance and longevity out of my car. What's the first reasonable engine alteration I could/ should make? Something that will make further mods not painful. I have heard about Manual boost controllers and replacing the BOV, where should I start, what can I do and shouldn't I do?
Thoughts...thanks

Rob
ps: I have the K&N drop in

[dgc333]

First thing you should do is install a boost gauge so you can keep track of the motor. If you are going to make mods that increase the boost level beyond the maximum stock number you definately will need either an air fuel mixture gauge or an exhaust temperature gauge to ensure the engine is getting enough fuel.

A BOV is not going to increase overall horsepower. It will improve drivability by reducing spool uptime when you are getting on and off the throttle, such as in road racing and autocrossing. It just vents boost pressure infront of the throttle when the throttle is closed when i a high boost state. When you do not have a BOV a pressure spike travels back to the turbo and can/will stop the turbo from spinning, it then takes time to get it back up to speed. With the BOV the turbo continues to spin and will come back up to speed quicker. I am not sure if it even matters with our cars beause from what I have been reading the ECM is doing much the same.

The manual boost controller goes in between the ECM solenoid that it uses to control boost and the wastegate actuator on the turbo. It prevents the ECM from limiting boost below the pressure the boost controller is adjusted for (it's only limited by the exhaust gas velocity wich is based on rpm and engine load). Seems like the people using these are having some issues with the ECM setting trouble codes (i.e. the P1188 that is discussed else where).

If you have limited knowledge I would recomend you wait until mopar comes out with a performace ECM.

[PTGT Redman]

Thanks. I was driving myself nuts trying to figure all of this out. I was going towait for the upgrade, but was thinking about basic dual gauge pod set up to monitor boost pressure and possibly EGT (post not pre-turbo) That would be more for me making sure the turbo is at reasonable temp before shut down.

[Gary C]

give it time. Eventually the quirks will be ironed out, and ways around things figured out. It takes time.