OK, let's back up to your original post...

You have a 1996 855_R (wagon) with 96K miles in excellent condition.

You have new engine and/or transmission mounts.

You have new brake rotors and pads.

You have new ABS controller.

You have new master brake cylinder.

You are concerned that factory OEM boost gauge does not go all the way to the right.

The factory OEM boost level is set at 7.5 psi (initially at 10.5 psi for 850_R which drops down to 7.5 psi after 10 seconds) Your factory OEM boost gauge is working properly.

If you are planning some upgrades in the future, then you will need an accurate boost gauge and a wide-band air/fuel mixture gauge.

Replacing vacuum/boost hoses with new silicon hoses will not increase boost levels. New hoses give you better vacuum for all of those gadgets under the hood in order to work properly.

You will hear people talking about "stage-0". This ensures that everthing is working properly and should be done before making any upgrades at all.

Turbocharged engines have to endure excessive heat that normally aspirated engines don't have to go thru.

The first things that I always do when I purchase a used car.

Replace all fluids, especially coolant -- including new 87C/190F Wahler thermostat and engine coolant temp sensor.

Also, especially transmission fluid with fresh Valvoline Dexron-III. Some folks use Mobil-1 synth equivalent.

Verify that timing belt was replaced at 70K miles and serpentine belt was replaced at 60K miles.

Let's start at the top... How well is your car running? Have someone check ODB-II diagnostic trouble codes -- Are they clear?

After your car is running well and all maintenance has been performed, there are several people here that will help you with decisions concerning re-programmed ECU, new 3inch downpipe, 3inch free-flow cat, and 3inch free-flow muffler, new struts/shocks, new intercooler, etc.

For now -- let's get fluids changed, ignition system up to par, fuel system up to par, and vacuum leak issues taken care of.

By the way -- Has anyone done a Cold Cranking Amp test on your battery? I purchased new Interstate MT-47 or MT-48 for my car.

 

yes these hoses need to be "plugged in" it is very important, robert213's post is very informative lots of good information there, i would strongly agree with the advise he has given you.

You do want make preformance upgrades to your car, but there is certianly an order of operations you have to follow. You should exercise due diligance in modifing and if you don't know or you're unsure about something, just ask this is what auto forums are for!

-Mike