Boost/Blow-Off issue

[dleclerc27]

So here is an interesting question that there may be an easy answer for - to set the stage, I am in the 04WRX, with a TurboXS BOV and the stock turbo, with the Lamoco boost gauge, 3" CBE, AEM CAI.

Even prior to putting the CAI and CBE in, my BOV hasn't releasing properly on anything over (almost exactly) .2bar/.02MPa. I'll actually get the venting that sounds proper, meaning that I get the hiss and that there isn't a gross fluttering, from about -.1bar to .2bar. Anything OVER that, in any gear, I just get what sounds like fluttering/chattering from the BOV.

I was thinking that the gauge itself might be f'ed, but it sits at 0 when the cars off, so I don't think calibration is the issue. I thought that the spring in the BOV might be toast, but before I open it up and try to swap out, I figured I would ask the powers that be. I don't need a-hole replies, but I always appreciate the knowledgeable ones. Thanks guys.

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[Snowphun]

What else can you do but take it off and clean it or replace it? It's held on by two 12mm bolts, couldn't be easier to take off and examine.

You've checked all the hoses?

[dleclerc27]

That makes sense to me and is the next step. In regards to the hoses - I replaced them all when I put the BOV in, so hopefully that's not the case. Thanks!

[vision.dynamix]

Throw that piece of **** in the garbage where it belongs.

[dleclerc27]

Throw that piece of **** in the garbage where it belongs.

Definitely helpful, thanks.

[vision.dynamix]

Double.

[vision.dynamix]

Sorry, just telling you how it is. What's that saying about polishing a turd?

Bottom line, that's a ****ty valve.

[dleclerc27]

We shall see, thanks for the input - it's brand new, so it's definitely surprising, I didn't know if someone had an alternate mechanical piece of advice. If it sucks, it sucks, but it being new/reputable company/set up right, I'm surprised.

[vision.dynamix]

A new piece of **** is still a piece of ****.

Do some research you'll find that valve is a POS. the HKS valve is a POS from a good company also.

There's not many good BOVs out there.

[dleclerc27]

Your thoughts on a good one?

[vision.dynamix]

TurboSmart
TiAL (setup is super essential on this one, but once set up it is great)
The old school Blitz ones
Synapse

Pretty much it. GFB is garbage also.

[iamrazor]

FWIW, I'm pleased with my Forge. Unsure if there is a model # for your car though.

[vision.dynamix]

Forge is also a good valve. Forgot about them.

FWIW, the reputation Blow off Valves have in the Subaru world is because people are using ****ty valves, NOT because blow off valves in general are bad for the cars.

[vision.dynamix]

Forge is also a good valve. Forgot about them.

FWIW, the reputation Blow off Valves have in the Subaru world is because people are using ****ty valves, NOT because blow off valves in general are bad for the cars.

[RSblood]

My friend had this same bov. While I'm no expert on bov's, I think these can be adjusted with very little money (literally). Do a search, but I remember you could use quarters to space the spring a bit. Although, it sounds as if the spring may be too aggressive and it wants to stay closed? Does it come lubed from the factory?

I ran a crushed stock sti bpv for years with zero headaches. Always found bov's to be a headache of problems and sounds.

[dleclerc27]

Originally Posted by RSblood

My friend had this same bov. While I'm no expert on bov's, I think these can be adjusted with very little money (literally). Do a search, but I remember you could use quarters to space the spring a bit. Although, it sounds as if the spring may be too aggressive and it wants to stay closed? Does it come lubed from the factory?

I ran a crushed stock sti bpv for years with zero headaches. Always found bov's to be a headache of problems and sounds.

Thanks, yeah - I am going to do that this weekend, washers work as well, I'll report back on that one.

[dleclerc27]

Originally Posted by vision.dynamix

TurboSmart
TiAL (setup is super essential on this one, but once set up it is great)
The old school Blitz ones
Synapse

Pretty much it. GFB is garbage also.

Appreciate the info - I'm going to tinker with it a bit this weekend, if that doesn't work, I'll be looking elsewhere for one. Thanks.

[BradX978]

Why do you have a BOV on your stock turbo? The recirc, especially in your year (being older they're still made of metal ?) are perfectly fine up to 19-20psi. Am I wrong?

Don't get me wrong, I love the tsst as much as the next guy but it just seems pre mature for the car on the mod steps.

As vision said, turbosmart. Their 50/50 valve is getting great reviews all the way across the board and may be the best option for you at this stage in power.

*not a Subaru or BOV expert by any means, just read reviews and personal experiences.

[vision.dynamix]

Shameless plug: I have both a TurboSmart Dual Port (50/50) and a TiAL for sale.

[BlazeRex]

I worry more about the valves leaking at idle and decel than anything..

[dleclerc27]

Originally Posted by BradX978

Why do you have a BOV on your stock turbo? The recirc, especially in your year (being older they're still made of metal ?) are perfectly fine up to 19-20psi. Am I wrong?

Don't get me wrong, I love the tsst as much as the next guy but it just seems pre mature for the car on the mod steps.

As vision said, turbosmart. Their 50/50 valve is getting great reviews all the way across the board and may be the best option for you at this stage in power.

*not a Subaru or BOV expert by any means, just read reviews and personal experiences.

Totally agreed. I'm getting the STi turbo in anyways, with hopes of going larger in the future when that and the supporting mods become monetarily do-able. I know it's premature, but coming from a Saab when it was all but impossible, you yearn for dumb things.

[BradX978]

I understand man, was just confused. Have you tried letting a tuner tinker with it to see if that helps?