So is my boost actually much higher than the max 18* the edge shows me in my 2001 (or is it gated around there)?

 

Your 01 has a vaccum actuated wastegate.

To get more boost out of it, you need either a boost elbow or you need to turnbuckle the wastegate rod.

 

By applying a turnbuckle to the wastegate rod, will the turbo then effectively not wastegate at all? If that is the case, should I be concerned about too much pressure, or is that solved by watching my gauges closely?

 

Watch the gauges or adjust the turnbuckle.

Really though, anything more than 32 psi on the stock turbo is a waste.

Any higher than that and you are way outisde the efficiency range and you're not gaining anything.

All you are doing beyond that point is heating up the air.

 

Thanks Coal Train for the tips, I'm going to take a look at my turbo this weekend and decide if I should tackle that project or not.

 

I'll see if I can get a picture of my buddies turnbuckle setup.

His was real easy on his '01.

Cost less than $10 for the parts at Home Depot.

It's just a 4" threaded adjuster and 2 hook ends.

 

That would be great if you could get a pic of it. I'm curious to see where it can actually hook in or connect.

Will that extra 10-15 psi (before I need to watch/be careful) make a big difference in performance?

 

Biggest thing you'll notice is the EGT drop.

For every 1 psi of boost, you can drop EGT's by approx 10*

Boost itself won't necessarily increase power if there isn't fuel to burn.

The only way you'll get more power is if you are currently blowing black smoke.

That means you still have unburned fuel. If that's the case, the extra boost will yield more power.

But, if the exhaust isn't blowing black smoke, you will only see a reduction in EGT's, as the available fuel is already being burned.

 

Okay that makes sense.

These trucks never cease to amaze me. I find that any time you make a mod or alteration, it creates a domino effect of new mods to do. Ex. Add the Edge juice box = too much fuel, need a bigger turbo. Bigger Turbo = more power, need to upgrade the trans. Upgraded trans = untapped power, add injectors etc. etc.

Hopefully you can get that picture of your friends turbo, I want to turbuckle the rod this weekend, it's annoying having all that wasted fuel puke out my exhaust (yet satisfying at the same time).

 

As soon as I see him, I'll get a picture of it.