Alright i've searched this topic before, couldn't find a direct answer. Right now i have a DIY manual boost controller on my car. Have it set for 9 lbs. However, 1st gear will not hit 9 lbs. 2cnd and 3rd gear will hit it, but fall back down to 5 lbs rather quickly. Could this be a boost leak? If so, why would it stay at 5, but fall down from 9?

Turbo is a T3 .42/.48 on a single cam vtec. Let me know thanx

 

It sounds as if you have a massive leak some where in on your plumbing. I would think you should be hearing the air leaking.
Recheck all flanges on your piping for leaks paying particular attention to those on the exhaust flanges before the turbine and the one on the compressor discharge that bolts directly to the compressor. If no leak is found check your hoses for loose connection.

 

hmmm i know i have a small leak at one of the intercooler pipes...but would that make it drop so dramatically?

 

It sure would. That probarbly explains why you would get your boost fluctuating at different speeds, depending on the engine load which determines the flow through the turbine.
The leak would also give you boost spikes.