UrQ Low Boost SOLVED FINALLY

["ANDREW FINNEY" <DFINNEY@classic.msn.com>]

Since May I've had this low boost problem with my 1983 UrQ. Under standard 
test conditions I could only get 7 psig of boost. I pulled the intercooler 
hose, no shrapnel. Pulled the turbo intake hose. Turbo spun smoothly, no play 
at all in the turbine. I did find a small hole in the intercooler to throttle 
body hose. Replaced this, to no avail. I checked the wastegate, seemed to move 
smoothly but it was missing a bolt to the corrogated downpipe. Replaced that. 
Still low boost.

Today I bit the bullet and pulled the cat. I "cleaned" the cat and 
dramatically reduced the back pressure with a sleeve. Method based on 
listmembers suggestions. I do not endorse this method. It is a bad bad thing. 
I used a 11.5" section of 2.25" pipe, stuffed cat w/ fiberglass for sound 
purposes, used pipe expander to snug pipe into cat body.

Voila, Instant 13 psig. The exhaust sounds a little throatier. The biggest 
difference besides the fact that the car now accelerates like a bat out of 
hell, is that the boost spools up much faster. Now the UrQ is fun, it no 
longer performs like an accord with the "lease to own" option of new parts 
from Carlsen.

Thanks to everyone for their suggestions and I'll see you all at the Maine 
Rally. 

Andrew Finney
1983 UrQ TAP'd