Turbo problems!!

[TroyM88]

Gday guys!

I recently brought a 1989 CA18DET 180SX for a project..

decided to keep the CA but she never quite pulled as to what i thought she should.

Mods list.
Tial 38MM waste gate with 7 pound spring (i think can't quite remember what previous owner said)
stock turbo
HKS B.O.V
I/C piping with intercooler
wasted spark
2 1/2" exhaust to turbo
pod filter

also about to fit a 040 Bosch fuel pump and adjustable fuel pressure regulator to hopefully sort the fueling side.

so at the moment she is reving freely under no load, back fires sometimes when it hits 7000rpm but nothing funny.

as soon as i start to drive her she basically has no pull. struggles to get past 3000rpm and when she does she seems to pick up until i hear the waste gate open at around 5 - 6000rpm but still it takes it's sweet time and i barely can get out of first gear.

and after all that she can barely seem to drive, i basically have to ride the clutch ALOT to keep the car from dieing on me.

i thought she had a boost leak but hearing the waste gate open and also checking all piping and connections for leaks has proven no answer's.

i ran ECU diagnostic mode 3 and got a 55 for my troubles so obviously its a all clear on that front. i have adjusted the CAS a few degrees advance to see if that picks her up, no go. same with the throttle position sensor. i've changed engine Oil and plugs still no difference.

so with all that. could it be my turbo thats the problem? from what i know the turbo should be due to be replaced seeing as she is over 20 years old? haha

but im running out of idea's and any help would be much appreciated! as i don't want to run out and drop a fair bit of coin on a new turbo if it don't need one hahaha!