I used to have a solid 7psi. But the other day while driving around, my exhaust came apart from the downpipe. So I fixed that by putting 2 clamps on it. I also noticed that my clear hose/line from the boost gauge to the T was melted in one spot in the engine. So I cut the hose where it ended, put the hose back into the hose that goes to the T and zip tied it.

But now....... Im only getting like 5, maybe 6psi of boost. And I know its not the gauge, cuz I can definately tell/feel that Im not getting my 7psi anymore. So what do you think I should do? Suggestions?

exhaust leaks after the turbo will not affect boost levels. if i'd have to guess, exhaust leaks after the turbo would actually help spoolup. exhaust leaks before the turbo, well that's a different story. those can suck.

you could check for boost leaks too. make a DIY leak tester and hook it up to an air compressor. the most popular way to find out exactly where the air is coming out from is to get a spray bottle and put some soap in it. spray it all over your intake coponents, and see where it bubbles.

i dunno about the zip ties. i like to clamp all of my stuff unless i'm lazy.
"zip ties, yee-haw," said roger (has a black TSi, i think he used to post on the board a long time ago), he helped me install my turbo kit last august. he was making fun of how i thought it would have been a good idea to zip tie fuel system components

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because we were too lazy to go to the hardware store and get better clamps than the cheesy ones that come with the HRC kit.

2016 WRX STi Limited (current)
2001 A4 1.8tqms (donated)
1991 GVR4 #1933 (sold)
old.dsmregistry.com/detail.php?carid=218 (dismantled)