Boost Gauge readings?

[azn2nr]

i went and picked up a autometer boost gauge ultra lite that has reading from 0 to 35 psi. i hooked it up to the first cilinder niple like most ppl do and drove it for the day. i found that it dosent pick up boost under normal dricing conditions. it will go up to about 6psi in first until i swiches and then will drop to 2psi then zero debending on where i accelerate to. but when im on the freeway and crusing at 80 mph and 3k rpm there is no boost until i tap the gas and then the nedle jumps to 5 and if i continue crusing it wont read anything. but if i get into it about 75% throtle the boost jumps to 10 to 11 psi and stays until i let go. i know it seems like a dumb question but is it suposed to do this or am i suposed to get readings while im doing normal driving?

edit by jason: Subject change for accuracy.

[LegacyT]

Yup thats normal. There has to be a load on the motor, thus hotter denser exhaust gasses to spin the turbine, in order to show boost. Under most normal driving conditions you will be under vaccum. First gear you will see less boost, since due to the transmission gearing the motor isnt under much of a load, By second gear you should see full boost under spirited acceleration. And in 5th just tapping the throttle you will see boost(2 or so psi), since in 5th the motor is under the most load ( gearing again). When downshifting or cruising at a constant speed you will see around 24" HG (inches of mercury) Take your guage back and replace it with one of these:



This one shows you both vacuum and boost, it will give you a much better picture on how the turbo/motor is working. Besides, you dont really need a guage that shows you 35 psi, do you? the boost/vacuum guages also look better since the needle bounces around more.

Mark,