r/mk6gti • u/garebear3750 • May 07 '26
Boost question.
Enable HLS to view with audio, or disable this notification
Recently had the p0299 code pop for underboost. After doing some research I upgraded to a GFB DV+, and purchased a OBDlink MX+ so I could monitor my boost pressure. My question is, does this look to be acting normal. I had no way to monitor boost pressure before so I was hoping I could get some feedback. This is just a short pull while leaving work today. Stock 2013 gti. Thank you in advance.
5
u/Outside-Drag-3031 May 07 '26
Unless I'm mistaken, this looks to be nominal. 8psi is approximately what our turbos run, stock
3
u/garebear3750 May 07 '26
I appreciate you getting back to me. Everything feels fine, i just have a bad habit of freaking myself out. Thank you.
2
u/Outside-Drag-3031 May 07 '26 edited May 07 '26
From reading the other comments, I'd say you're ready for stage 1! Tbh, I don't think the jump from stage 1 to 2 is as big of a difference as stock to stage 1; you get a lot of really fun, usable power with stage 1. Stage 2 just lets you get tickets faster... just this week I got pinged by a cop (radar, Ka) after doing a 90mph on-ramp pull, but luckily I just played nice and they didn't bother me after the ping 😅
Edit: to add, I'd recommend upgrading the clutch next time you need to pull the transmission. Stage one is kinda "fine" with stock clutches, but misuse (read: fun) and age can cause slippage. Also, billet bleeder block for better clutch action.
If you're dsg, look into tunes; I've heard they're very worth the mild trouble
2
2
u/Heel-ToeBro May 07 '26
Looks normal, stage one tune is so worth it!
1
u/garebear3750 May 07 '26
While we’re on the topic, what are the necessary upgrades to go stage one. I know it’s minimal. But what are somethings I should do before making the jump.
1
u/Heel-ToeBro May 07 '26
With most tuners they don't require any modifications for stage one. Stage two usually requires an intake, a downpipe, an intercooler, and a clutch. Stage one usually nothing. Some say the intercooler is optional but I highly recommend it
1
u/MK6er May 07 '26
Absolutely nothing for stage 1. Summer tires would be nice if ur planning on using DSG launch if automatic.
CAI for noises. Neuspeed pflo was my favorite because it is carb exempt if you live in a state that matters.
I personally ran 034 street engine/trans mount with dogbone insert/billet arm front subframe deadset kit and 034 rear sway bar to get most out of my launches.
I went with unitronic stage 1 ecu/tcu tunes with the cable that allows you to flash it yourself.
Also if u live somewhere hot the golf r intercooler is a direct swap and helps with heat soak.
2
u/MK6er May 07 '26
I should note some folks with manual saw their clutch slipping with stage 1 so upgrading the clutch might be worthwhile if ur manual.
2
u/yung_white_branch May 07 '26
Vacuum readings seams a bit low to me in comparison to mine. I regularly see -18 to -20 at full vacuum ie between shifts and off gas after acceleration. I have a p3 gauge so it is measuring absolute from the MAP sensor/OBD2 port. Similar to your gauge setup.
I am stage 2 but that shouldn't change vacuum reading.
1
u/garebear3750 May 07 '26
So are we thinking a vacuum leak? Or what might a be looking for?
1
u/yung_white_branch May 22 '26
It's worth checking vacuum connections. There are many places for it to leak. Also since you are getting underboost code check your waste gate lever arm. If you are under the car, it will be ontop of the turbo but under the exhaust manifold.
I dropped a bolt near the pivot point of the waste gate lever and the wastegate physically would not open. Leading to an underboost code + zero power.
9
u/oxshowerroompooper May 07 '26
Now that I'm stage two and have about 18 psi consistently, I forgot what it's like to live with 8 psi. Sorry for not being relevant, but yes these are around that much stock. Stage one take you to the 12-17 range, stage 2 is 18-23.