Boosting only 7psi max, thinking tvsv is the culprit? Options

[malecrod]

Hi,
I have a boosting problem. I'm only boosting 7psi max. This all started with a leaking turbo to downpipe gasket ( looks like ebay type) that was making the car loud. So I took it out and replaced it with one I made DIY as a temporary one since the toyota one I ordered was taking a while to get.
Since the replacement I'm unable to boost more than 7psi max. Ok so I read a lot the last few days and thought: boost leak,gasket/ebay downpipe is making wastegate flapper stuck. Checked clamps, hoses no leaks anywhere. Finally, the toyota gasket came in, but before I installed it, I ground it down to match the OEM gasket(don't wanna have any reason for taking it down again). Installed everything back, but still can't boost past 7psi.
So next I unplugged the hose going to the tvsv and run the car, got it to 11psi and I could hear the turbo working hard so I didn't want to push it to overboost. I did not feel the car pulling timing on me.
Next, I plugged the wastegate actuator outlet to tvsv shut, went for a drive, all I got was 7psi! which is what it should be.
Now I'm suspecting either ECU is stuck in low boost mode or the TVSV is bad or could this still be boost leak?
I have the boost leak tester in the works.
I have checked my BPV for leaks and even took it out of the picture for simplicity sake still no luck.
I need all the help/input I can get.
Thanks.

[lagos]

Can you explain briefly how the AFM can be doing this?

The AFM is the root of all evil on the 3s. My car was pulling timing on me at just 7psi at 5k because of the afm before.

2. I didn't feel like hunting for parts for this one, I live in a small town, and suspect I would end up not finding all parts needed, so I just ordered one.

I use a tuna fish can, and a spare tire valve.

3. I checked the bracket and actuator and everything is as it has always been, because my first instinct was that its an actuator problem but now I'm kinda not sure. I will check again.

From what ive seen, tweak (or whoever did yours), uses really thin gauge steal on those brackets. I dont know if it would be enough to hold the actuator steady or not.

5. I will go to toyota first thing tomorrow. These things will be about 2yrs soon.

I just replaced mine. Mine were stamped 2003. Right before installing new ones, I checked the resistance of the old and new wires and it was exactly the same. I sat there feeling like a fool for wasting my money..... until went for a ride. There was a HUGE difference in throttle response and in how the car boosts.

This post has been edited by lagos: Apr 30, 2008 - 3:47 PM