Yeah it definitely feels strong but I'm bummed that so much is left on the table. The wastegate is not easy to get to on this setup, basically have to take the manifold and turbo all the way out. I'm debating just paying to have it done.
Couldn’t agree more on the gate. I have had to fuck with my wastegate actuator pre load so many times it isn’t funny. This is one area the s280 and hybrids outshine Garrett kits in a HUGE way. 10 min adjustment vs 2 hours.
If it’s an ATP kit, they all come with a 12-14 lb WGA. I had the same issue initially at 8 psi. I’m guessing that the previous owner didn’t want to go through the trouble of adjusting it, but maybe not. I think you got the car from someone here, so maybe they’ve told you it’s 10 lbs.
The good news is getting my base map up from 8 to 12 psi on a 14 lb gate netted ~300 rpm earlier spool. I called that good enough and haven’t adjusted it again to get up to 14. I assume you’ll get a similar result or better, which is hopefully encouraging.
Easiest method I’ve found - Pull headlights, cowl, crossover pipe (if you’re not running a 2J), the silicone elbows off both ends of the turbo, unscrew the oil drain line from turbo, and disconnect the vacuum line from the WGA to the boost solenoid (at the solenoid end leaving it attached to the WGA). Remove all nuts from the bottom side of the exhaust manifold and loosen the top ones but don’t take them off. You can then tilt the whole turbo/manifold towards the firewall enough to get to the wastegate actuator pretty easily. Use an air compressor into the vacuum line to the WGA to ease up the tension and pop the circlip off. Pay close attention here, that mofo likes to play space-x and will try to launch itself into orbit. It’s almost impossible to find once it does so. Reverse the process and you’re good to go. I always hit the manifold studs with the torque wrench again while reassembling out of paranoia, but they’ve never moved on me.
Yep, it sucks but it’s super easy although time consuming.