re. shrapnel knobs and cheap chips

[Ben Swann]

[Well, I played with the turbo shrapnel knob on our '86 wagon over the
weekend and re-discovered a few things. My stock  boost gauge (in-dash
computer thingy) does indeed read up to 1.8bar boost. This lends credence
to the upgrade being an actual chip]

Not necessarily - more like the fuel pump wire grounded.  This will
override the fuel pump cutoff and let the readout go to 1.8 bar.

[, but I haven't taken the computer apart to verify anything in there yet.
One reason I'm still doubtful of the chip is the fuel
pump runs all the time]

Confirms the above.

[, and I didn't think the chips did this.]

Not supposed to.

[So, in the mean time, I've compromised and set the shrapnel knob to a
setting higher than stock, but not at full scoot. It wouldn't put me in the
good graces of my wife if I blew up her car.]

Yes - do be careful as the fuel pump "kludge" will let you go sky high
boostwise, and does not map fuel and timeing or provide overboost shutoff.

[I'm also reminded how much fun the car is with the higher boost. Since we
got the car some 5 or 6 years ago, I've had the boost set close to stock
settings, since I knew I'd just get in trouble with it turned up to "go"
mode. I'd forgotten how much more alive the car is, and the turbo lag isn't
nearly as noticeable. Set at the stock levels, it seems there's just no
real
power until you're "on the turbo", but that seems to disappear with the
higher boost levels. Interesting. Is it just me or is that the way these
cars are?]

Probably still has lag, you just don't experience it with the higher boost
- a wastegate spring would reduce the lag.

[I also need to get some straps for the intercooler, just in case.]

Yes - I have all this now in an inexpensive DIY kit including  Spring,
chip, straps, instructions. Bypass valve is good - just a bit more trouble
to install.  Contact me for details.
http://www.homestead.com/ben_swann/myaudi.html bswann at worldnet.att.net

<snip>

Steve
'86 5ktqa
kent, wa]