One advantage of a Boost Gauge is that you get verification that all is well every time you accelerate. No boost, check the hose first, they rip or blow off the fittings. CRD hoses like to blow on the bottom side where you can't see the rip. I run my hand under the bottom of the hoses just before where they attach to the fittings. If they feel too soft and gel like, they are ready to burst or rip, so it is time to break out the Credit Card and order a new set. Provent, a good Home Made Oil Separator, or the EHM will eliminate the hot oil mist that destroys hoses. Make sure you transfer the old braided wrap or install a new on the hoses where they can rub and wear a hole through them.
Back before the introduction of quality hoses like Samco's, I had to use over the counter radiator hoses which were not as good for my custom turbo installations. Back in those days silicone hoses were expensive and hard to find, so we had filler neck hose and metal pipes when they could be used, or we used formed radiator hose and made them work. Still, I used them for years and got by with them. Keep the oil off and the hoses will last longer.
Turbos do not go bad as much as some would like to have you believe. A properly designed and used turbo should last the life of the engine and may go longer than the first set of rings and valves. If the turbine does not wobble excessively, the blades have rubbed on the housing, the veins stuck and can not be freed up, or oil is dumping out of the center section, chances are that the turbo is still OK. Some suppliers love to sell turbos and other stuff that is not needed, others sell performance upgrades. So, if you want a turbo that doubles as a jet engine thruster, better plan on having a larger than 2 1/2" (64mm) exhaust and put the pipe in the middle so it does not make the KJ pull to one side.
