I'm after a bit of advice / expertise, please.

 

My '05 vRS Mk1 Estate has started to make some odd noises and lacks a bit of power.  It has a cone air filter so it whooshes and wheezes a bit anyway, but at the weekend it started to sound like the exhaust was blowing and I could hear the turbo spool up really clearly.  It doesn't seem to sound any louder once on the move but there seems to be less boost than I would expect, accompanied by the sound of air in a hurry somewhere under the bonnet.

 

I have a basic version of VCDS but have yet to have the opportunity to plug it in.  My initial thoughts were:

• Exhaust downpipe has a leak, as the blowing noise seems to come from the front end of the car, or
• Some turbo pipe or other has sprung a leak / popped a clip (I have an old Saab Turbo and have had this happen once or twice as the hoses and clips "relax" with age)

I'd be interested to hear your thoughts.

 

Thanks in advance.

Really need to get it up in the air check the exhaust and boost pipes

I'd be tempted to day you have a boost leak. Get it to a garage for a smoke test (£40 max)

Diverter valve or hoses from turbo to throttle is my bet

Thanks to both posters - that confirms what I thought,

Sounds like a boost pipe has split or popped off somewhere, or you have a blown intercooler.