Stagea stock tune data

[Ben D]

Hey, fellow stagea heads, has anyone put a boost gauge on a bone stock stagea (I just acquired a 1997 RS 4 auto). I was looking at trying to improve the fuel economy (around 12.5 L/100 km at the moment with lots of highway driving, even worse around town) and also was interested in how much boost they run stock. I found the thing idles at only 16-17 inches of vacuum and runs 5 psi boost until 6000rpm, then rises to 6.5 psi to the limiter. Is this normal, or should it run more boost and/or pull more vacuum at idle (without aircon on). Should I also try another boost gauge to double check ???

My theory is that the intercooler is so small it strangles the engine, with pressure drop through the induction tract reducing vacuum at idle, and the stock exhaust is also undoubtedly strangling the motor - so some work to do soon to free everything up and improve fuel economy (thats what I tell my wife, but we all know the added power will be a welcome bonus.....)

Also, I noticed that the alternator is charging at around 12.8 volts at idle, rising to around 13.8 at above 3000 rpm - I think this is a bit lazy - anyone put a multimeter on their battery to check this sort of thing ?

Would be interested to compare notes with anyone else re: the above data.