Power problem (Bad turbos?)

[lamboiah]

I 've got a 2000 JDM GTB with 120km on the clock. When I got it at about 90km it was flying. The primary would chime in at about 3.5-4rpm and the secondary would join in at about 4.5rpm. I've since done minor mods and I have some parts wear and it's just not the same.
I installed:

1. boost gauge
   
2. a pod intake
   
3. a 3" inlet and 4" outlet megan exhaust
   

I do regular oil changes and cleaned my spark plugs at about 100km.

I problem started after I got the megan exhaust installed. The "installer" did a terrible job and created much pressure. He removed the rear exhaust valve and used the bypass pipe to attach the megan. He cut the former main pipe to the stock exhaust and welded it shut.

I almost immediately realized a loss of response from the primary but the secondary seemed okay. Very interestingly the boost gauge shows 9-10psi for the primary then drops to about 6psi during the vod then returns to 10psi when the secondary finally cuts in at about 5-5.5k rpm. Even with the boost gauge figures the power drop is very noticeable.

I also realized that I have a bad clutch. This is made very clear when I try to do steep hill starts. I have to use too much throttle and can smell the clutch burning.

I tried the car with the pod and no pipes from the front y pipe and there was no increase in response or power.

I've since cut off the megan and opened the welded shut primary pipe. so the rear I two open pipes from the y join. I've returned to the stock intake box and panel filter and tere is a slight improvement in response.

I'm wondering:

1. Are my turbos okay but there is just too much power loss at the flywheel? (due to bad clutch)

2. Have I damaged my engine by driving way too fast with a poorly flowing exhaust? ( Ihave oil leaks from the lhs valve cover and from the rear of the engine. THe oil level is ok though.)

3. Is it possible that I have clogged primary and secondary cats? (I've been told that my secondary cat looked clogged)

I want to:

1. remove the secondary cat and run a 2.5" from the front y pipe to the rear diff flange, then do a 2.5" to 3" adapter and 3" pipe back to the megan muffler

2. replace my clutch with a f1 stage 2 and lightened flywheel

Does anyone think that this will improve my power problem?

[Guest keltik]

If its got less power than factory....and from the factory they have catalytic converters....i fail to see how removing it is going to fix things?

Ive also never seen a clogged cat.

Loss of boost pressure on the secondary could be due to a worn turbo, not a turbo expert but id suggest having a quick look at the compressor wheel for any signs of damage/wear.

Pod filters are known for getting the MAF sensor dirty. Id start by cleaning that. Id also reset the ECU.

Im also willing to bet a lightened flywheel and strong clutch will piss you off after a week. Stick a new factory spec STI clutch in it.

[lamboiah]

I removed the intercooler and did a prelim check of the turbos. Both had no sign of oil in the turbo outlets but oil was in the intercooler and intercooler hoses.

I'll do a check of the turbine blades (intake) this weekend.

[agent]

check ecu... reset ecu???