higgypiggy1979

hi all just got my hands on a bugeye sti import and the boost was set at 1.5 (approx 330bhp). but now i can only get it to 0.6. it has the standard sti controller on it and i was wondering if there is a certain way you have to set them up. its currently on 1.5 but after a quick blast it shows peak as .6 is there an obvious prob or is it a wastegate or current/stored fault problem. any help please

KAS35RSTI

iTrader: (73)

Your ECU may have gone into safe mode because of possible boost spike.

higgypiggy1979

should a dyno test centre be able to read and clear this fault or is it main dealer only? and also stop it spiking? cheers

KAS35RSTI

iTrader: (73)

When you say "controller" what kind of controller? Boost controller? also what mods has the car got?

higgypiggy1979

the standard sti one where the buttons run top to bottom. play/rec peak/reset up down select. the guy i got it from wasn't sure what mods were done. typoon exhaust and probably a ecu remap. do you know if i was to reset the ecu by disconnecting the battery to take it out of safe mode would it lose the re map?

davedipster

Your 'controller' sounds more like an sti boost guage.

higgypiggy1979

sorry new to this. car has a needled gauge and a controller box. gauge if you like. if i reset the ecu. will it lose a map. i have eml on though

scoobymad555

iTrader: (1)

0.6 - 0.8 .... that's somewhere close on the actuator pressure isn't it? If you don't have an actual boost controller then i'm assuming you'll be on the standard amal valve instead .... it's not uncommon for those to give up the ghost - usually the diaphragm.

Only taking a stab in the dark to be honest though since I have a classic and don't know the later generations but it was the amal valve giving up on mine at one point that prompted the purchase of a boost controller instead and got me back up on proper boost again

KAS35RSTI

iTrader: (73)

Are the gauges in your car called Defi's by any chance? As the gauges do come with the Defi controller. Im sure someone here will soon give you the best advice.

It would be ideal if you can find out if the ECU has been remapped or not. If your ECU is not remapped & you are reaching 1.5b then you are by no doubt overboosting this may have retarded the timing on the ECU causing it to go into limp/safe mode. Nevertheless resetting the ECU may resolve the matter. However if the ECU has not been remapped you will not lose the map, but if it has then i honestly dont know & would not want to predict.

dynamix

iTrader: (3)

engine management light and 0.6 bar means you are in limp mode.

There is no standard STi controller, the STi doesnt have a boost gauge as standard even.

Has it had a remap ? In which case speak to your mapper and he will be able to advise your more.

If it was boosting to 1.5 bar I would say it has been mapped or you have a manual boost controller fitted or severe overboost.

higgypiggy1979

the box in the footwell with sti on it in pink is for manually adjusting the boost. and after the ecu reset it once again boosted to 1.5. after about a mile it went back to .6 i've heard sti's go to safe mode if it runs low on fuel. is this rubbish? i think best idea is take it to a dyno centre.

ZEN Performance

There shouldn't be any "sti box for manually adjusting the boost". It sounds very much like your car is in desperate need of a new MAF sensor. Many bugeyes by now need to get the MAF sensors replaced as they will be under reading causing the car to run leaner than intended, and trying to run more ignition timing that intended. This will cause detonation that the ECU will attempt to remedy, but if it can't get rid of it by adjusting the ignition timing within a certain range it will reduce the boost down to 0.6 bar.

You should look seriously at seeing a specialist who knows what they are looking for regarding the proper testing of a MAF sensor (so most dealers are out of the question). You should also be running the car on MINIMUM of 97RON fuel, ideally shell V-power or Tesco 99 for best and most reliable results. Do no keep resetting the ecu or forcing it to run 1.5 bar or you stand a very good change of damaging the enigne as a result.

higgypiggy1979

thank you all for your input. its running on tesco 99 and im going to set the boost at 1.0 for now and go see a specialist. anyone who does this that is based near gatwick please reply or recommend. just out of interest, what can a bugeye sti import standard turbo run at boost wise. (safe boost) car has a ebc

ZEN Performance

You're risking your engine trying to run it at 1 bar.

higgypiggy1979

what do you suggest. drive it in safe mode until i get it to a dyno tuner?

L.J.F

iTrader: (31)

yes mate leave it in safe mode and see a Subaru specialist! Here a couple of people who are well known and can help find the fault-

Jolly Green monster- 07912872581(Simon) Mobile service

Xtreme scoobies-01245363623 (Paul) Based in Essex

Mocom Racing-01992570572 (Zak) Based in Essex

I am unaware of any Subaru specialists near you mate as i live in Essex. I hope this helps and good luck with getting it sorted

L.J.F

iTrader: (31)

just done a google search and here is a place close to you-

Impreza STI Tuning | Performanc Tuning Modifications Upgrades| Crawley West Sussex, UK

I have never heard of them before so wont be able to tell you if they are any good though so i personally would use a well known company.

higgypiggy1979

for anyone that has any ideas. i know now it has a sti gemone ebc and gauge which has basically gone from one extreme to the other. the controller is set to 1 bar but the car keeps boosting alot higher. gonna go see a specialist

higgypiggy1979

sti genome

higgypiggy1979

i thought i'd post this for future help to others. the boosting problem was a combination of a fudged actuator and running very lean on boost. so i've been told a remap and new actuator will resolve this. will post if it does. been quoted 500 to remap and 90 for actuator. if anyone works in the gatwick area that can better that please give me a shout

dynamix

iTrader: (3)

Actuator .. Hmm

How has it been fudged ?

vince-sti02

iTrader: (2)

higgypiggy..
you may not have an electronic adjustable boost device !
it sounds like you have an STI Genome boost gauge and a controler that allows you to record peak level acheived and also set a little red light to flash on the boost gauge.
please take care as it is intended as a monitoring device only its as far as i know not capable of adjusting oost.

hope you get it sorted

Jolly Green Monster

iTrader: (4)

Can't see how the actuator can be fudged as it works and then doesn't.
They either work or don't.. not going to work one minute and not the next..
boost solenoid can do that yes.

Better that in price or in quality of diagnosis and resolving of the issue.. cheapest is often not the best.

One would assume as it has a boost controller on it and has been running 1.5bar that the car is mapped already at some point.. and that the current issue is related to the boost controller as the ecu is unable to drop / alter the boost except for boost cut as you have an electronic boost controller fitted.

Simon

Jolly Green Monster

iTrader: (4)

that makes a lot of sense.