building boost, but butt dyno says less power

[Brett Dikeman]

On Fri, May 8, 2009 at 5:35 PM, robert weinberg <centaurus3200 at yahoo.com> wrote:

> car runs smooth, pulls to redline. just wondering what would contribute to solid boost, but less of a kick in the pants?

Summer temperatures?  In the summer, I'd put my foot down in first and
next to nothing happens.  In the winter, I could launch the car so
hard the ashtray (with a bunch of coins in it) would open.

You can help it by cleaning out the intercooler- both internally and externally.

To clean the inside, removing oil residue- simple dish soap (minus any
"smooth hands" junk) will work well.  Use plastic baggies and big
rubber bands to close off at least one end.  Swish the stuff back and
forth, dump, and repeat until the water comes out clear.  Rinse
thoroughly, then dry it- leaf blowers work well, or just position it
on its side.

For cleaning the outside, tap it repeatedly, front-facing-side down,
on the top of a bucket or similar.  Lots of sand, bug body parts, etc
will come out. Pick out stones and such with a wooden toothpick, and
straighten any bent fins.  Spray it down with some sort of cleaner
(note: Simple Green is not aluminum safe.)  Then bring out a hose or
pressure washer, and blast it- again, from the back first.  Repeat
from the front.

Works wonders.  Oh, and if you strip off any of the black paint with
the pressure washer, just spray it lightly with grill paint or
something.  You want just enough to color it and protect the aluminum
from corrosion.

Oh, and if the car feels slow, borrow a friend's car for a week...

Brett