Never having had simtec before I didnt know they didn't show up fault codes!! Sorry bout that dude!!!!
If the car is v3/v4 as far as I know stock ecu isn't mappable! So I'd be wondering what is actually in there that had it boosting at 1.2bar

Not good for you I know but interesting thread all the same!!!
If there is simtec ecu there will be no maf in the car???

 

Oh god!! Will have a dig about when I get a chance, its a V3. i've been all round the setup now, theres no dodgy bleed valves or anything fitted so boost control solenoid must be doing it via the ECU..

 

not true either, the maf may still be there, it wont be being used but it still could be there.
take the cover off the ecu and take a picture of the board, soon tell you what it is.

 

SimTek will have large yellow sticker on back of circuit board once you have removed lid from ECU case.It will start with E1S97 then serial number.

 

This could be a combination of things but that blow is of course an obvious problem.

I had a similar blow between manifold and up-pipe, when it gets warm / pressure rises, the split opens just enough to pummel the gasket with toxic red hot fumes which causes them to fry and eventually break up. I would say its likely that there is in fact a gasket there but its a cheapo one that has been severely impaired. You really want the three ply original metal job and then a bit of fettling to get a perfect seal. I did this a couple of times before I got it right. I used some exhaust sealant too, just a smidge but that was lower down the piping, not sure I would use it here.
I have found that fuel is an issue, I recently have been having that same issue. A slosh of octane booster and suddenly I am back to normal. I am not sure if this is masking another issue or its the issue itself as yet, investigaitions continue. I am going to run the tank right down and swap out the plugs and fuel filter, fill it with 99 and see whats what. I suspect you have done all the usual like cleaning boost control solenoid etc...

I think a log of IAM will help to see how happy the ECU is if like me you have a copy of Evoscan. Mine was at 5, (typically should be 16) leaving little room for manouever as boost is pulled if IAM is reduced to 3.

Be interested to know how you get/got on with this issue.

 

I did a pressure test on the intake system on the weekend and found the dump valve to be leaking at about 0.7 bar. I replaced this with an aftermarket recirc one but just let it vent to atmosphere for the road test. I found the boost would rise with the RPM but then fall as it got past 4500 RPm. Also on tickover the vacuum was overpowering the spring on the valve and causing the engine to hunt. When I piped it back into the intake it held a steady 0.9 bar but at this point I ran out of time. Next step is to pressure test and evaluate. Will let you know what happens.

Pretty sure the exhaust and fuel are OK but not 100%. Had the car 3 weeks now and only driven it to see if the boost is back. Gutted.