Last night I finished installing the Alta boost port/pod/prosport boost gauge combo and so far I am loving it, but I have a couple of questions. First, maybe it's my imagination but I could swear it's louder. I called myself going over everything to check for leaks and loose connections but everything is good. Should I be able to hear the turbo or the BOV more than before? Is it my imagination? I have no CEL. Second is, what sort of boost should I be seeing? Normally it tops out around 15psi but once it went up to around 19 at WOT in I think it was 4th gear. I'm new to this whole boost thing and to the MINI world, but I am mechanically inclined so please feel free to go into detail if you like.

 

I've had ProSport gauges since new and have seen a max of a little over 16psi on my 2008 JCW tuning kit car. I'm pretty sure that was a boost spike and a little higher than normal. I've also heard that the ProSport gauges aren't the most accurate but I've just read that from others on NAM so I'm not sure.

As far as it being louder, simply installing a gauge would not increase noise. So it's either your imagination or something it not hooked back up correctly. I'm assuming you took off your entire intake to install the boost gauge adapter? Just check everything to make sure you have no leaks.

 

I'm thinking maybe I just need to check the fresh air intake hose. That is what the one on the bottom is for, right? Could the fact that I just passed 1000 miles make any difference? As far as a boost spike, is that a result of a crappy factory bov, is it going to mess something up? What should I do if I notice it more often?

 

When I installed mine, I removed the turbo intake tube and the entire intake assembly. I left the fresh air intake tube (the bottom one) but did remove the airbox from it. Since you have a 2011 with the N18 engine, I'm not sure of the differences. I would just check every connection that you removed previously.

As far as the boost spike is concerned, I guess I'm talking specifically about my experience, since I'm not sure what max boost is supposed to be for the N14 (JCW-tuned or not). I just find it nearly impossible to get up to 16psi so I figured it was a spike. And since you have an N18, I especially don't know what your boost tops out at. Maybe someone more knowledgeable can chime in. I really wouldn't worry about it yet.

 

I didn't need to remove the turbo inlet hose. I just unplugged the maf, and removed the airbox with maf attached.

Thanks for the help. I'll just wait and see if an N18 expert sees this thread.

 

I have an Edge CS digital gauge module (taps the stock ECU n sensors) and I see 28 absolute regularly in 3rd, 4th and 5th, which would equate to about 14.3 PSI gauge (above atmospheric, that is).

 

That's what I am seeing too. Mainly around 15, or just a hair below it. I don't need to read it super accurately right now. Maybe later on when the warranty is fading away and I am looking at tuning. I guess what's getting me at the moment is this boost spike thing. What causes it? How bad is it? Will a more efficient BOV, diverter valve, whatever you want to call it help?

 

I purchased two digital pro-sport boost gauges. Were pretty cool in the begining. But both crapped out just after the first year of use.....

First one, it was either the sending unit or the gauge itself. The second one it was the display.

I wouldn't buy another one from them....spend the extra money and get a good one.

 

If that happens I will probably do some research and buy a better one. Maybe by that point I will have a better understanding of boost, this engine, and how it affects everything. In the meantime I suppose I will just have to keep an eye on it.

 

I had read from others that they weren't the best, but for the price I decided it wasn't that big of a deal. And so far, three years and 40,000+ miles later, both my water temp and boost gauges are still going strong.

 

Lol i gave away my pro sport for free... super inaccurate, you are not getting that much boost.