[cstmx_ryder]

So.....after the replacement of the tstat and water pump, I had her running fine for about a week. Then I started to feel the lag when WOT during 3rd gear.

By lag, I mean, not responsive like before where one slight 'bump' to the throttle equates to instant boost that can be felt. Now, it's taking about 3 seconds to build full boost (when WOT) from 3rd gear at about 3k rpm. I have a boost gauge, and have checked it everytime. I thought I had problem building full boost, but that wasn't the case anymore. Now it's just 'laggy'.

My first inclination is to think that a vacuum line/tube is leaking. But I still build boost, just not as fast and doesn't feel as 'strong'. It almost feels like there's something obstructing the flow of the engine/exhaust.

And I also found what I think is a turd on my intake manifold, from some sort of animal/rodent, I think.....

Please see picture.

[cstmx_ryder]

After some research, here are the possibilities:

1. Cracked vacuum line/hose
2. Cracked Valve Cover or VCG
3. OCC, possible oil going back where it came from (unlikely)?
4. PCV (i think that's what it's called)

If you guys can chime in, that'll be great!

[Bavarian Tech]

Vacuum Lines leaking
Weak coil
Carbon on intake valves

[JStang]

Turd = Lag