Is it normal to only be making 5 to 7 psi in first gear?

 

yes, the boost can't really get much higher because you're already grabbing for 2nd.

 

Okay now for the super technical turbo question.

Example: I am looking at my guage, i can see the engine is still in a vac, i am not accelerating just cruising at 65ish miles per hour in 4th gear, is the turbo still influencing the power output even though its not quite producing positive pressure?

 

I wonder that all the time, if I'm actually using the turbo when crusing. I would say yes, I'm probably not the best person to answer the question but the turbo is still going even though it's not going as fast as it could. I'd say if you matched it up with a 2.4L without a turbo, you'll see a bit of a difference even though your not creating boost. That's just what I always thought.

 

The answer is MINIMAL! it's just spinnging, not because of the exhaust gases, but from the air that is traveling down the intake tube.

 

yes, the boost is very minimal basically you are not using the turbo at all, like stated above, it is just spinning the turbine with the air flowing throough. however, when you step on it, then it will kick in, pretty straight forward. not much to explain about or say.