I have built a few turbo hondas over the years but never had this problem. I noticed a significant power loss after a few pulls one night but the car ran like there were no issues. The idle dropped a little (500rpm) but other than that, there is no knock or anything of the sort. Now the car barely wants to move without fully spooling the turbo. The engine is really sluggish and just acts as if something is holding it back. I did everything I could to find the problem. Checked every plug on the harness, despite the fact there is no cel. I checked the plugs, all look good. I can not find anything wrong externally so that leads me to believe it is either a valve seat issue, or a head lift problem. My setup is as follows-
-stock ls bottom end
-golden eagle conversion kit
-gsr head w/arp studs
-felpro head gasket
-custom turbo kit
-tuned on crome for 10 psi
The rest really doesnt make a difference. I am stumped as to what it could be. I dont wanna tear it apart unless I am pretty positive I know what it is. If its the head gasket from head lift, can I just put a new gasket on and torque the studs down or do I need it decked or checked for warping. The car temp is fine and has never overheated. If it is a valve seat problem or bent valve, wouldnt the car smoke or run bad? Im in the dark at this point. Just tryin to get some input before I take the head off

 

Did something get stuck in the turbo..? i'm being honest too, i've seen that happen, is something in the lines???

If your head had lifted you'd probably see signs of it, in the coolant..

Remove the valvecover, and check timing...you probably jumped a tooth or two

 

The turbo spools fine and I have a cut vc. The timing is dead on. There is small bubbles in the oil on the dipstick that makes me look at the head gasket.

 

Thank god its something stupid. Cam gear bolts came loose and slid a little. YES!!!