How much boost can one push safely without a tune?
97 850T5, about 210k, 16T, White injectors.
top end rebuilt to stock specs (original headgasket failed, what a shocker) . factory 210k bottom end.

I've heard about 14psi on 15g. Can the 16T hold 16-18?
I understand the 16T isn't but fractions larger, but I'm assuming it is a stronger turbo?
Also, has anybody had any problems bypassing the ecu control to use a MBC?

 

At 14.5 psi your ECU is going to shut off your fuel supply. Thats as high as you can go without a tune. One of the things a tune will do for you is remove that.

 

ohh okay. I remember reading bout that. not sure why I didnt think of that.

Now, What is the 16T capable of as far as boost goes?
What can the stock bottom end handle?
I've heard around 20PSI as a general rule of thumb.

I'm very interested in running a ARD Green tune. Which is a 17psi tune.
I'm somewhat worried about burning up the turbo really fast. And 18T+ turbos are far out of budget.

I guess my basic question is, Will the internals handle 17psi, and is the turbo capable of 17psi for a decent period of time, or will it take a dump in a month?

DP, K&N replacement filter, and probably meth injection will be installed with tune, I'm hoping that helps extend the life of the turbo.

 

ARD 17psi green is perfectly fine. I've been running that on my 850 T5 since august 2011(16psi) on stock exhaust and 15g.

After dozens of 140mph+ driving I pulled the 15g which developed a turbine side crack(hotside) and threw on a 16t(welded hotside) and a cat-back.

Anything over 17psi is just hot air for the 15g/16t.

The motor should handle it no problem, the stock bottom end can handle up to 400hp until an issue arises.

Keep in mind, after you get a tune, understand any and all old parts/accessories will fail within a year or sooner. My personal experience.

Just change your SYNTHETIC oil every 4-5k miles, and allow the turbo to warm up before getting in boost, also allow it to cool down before shutting off the car(if you were in boost minutes before reaching destination)