Blueballs isn't responding because there is no cause to respond. As I said, I'm also having the exact same issues. I'm still waiting for my replacement. Luckily, I do have pictures of the original turbo when I received it and after I put it on. I will also take pictures after I take it off, take pictures of both turbos side by side and pictures of the turbo right before I ship it. Blueballs, didn't/doesn't have pics. I can almost guarantee everyone that I didn't/haven't over tightened anything. Yet, I have the exact same issues as Blueballs. I'm not saying that Blueballs did or didn't over tighten something. He and Ed are still discussing the particulars. What I am saying is that I am almost positive I haven't. So, like I said, I will wait for the new turbo and install. If my issues go away, I will know the course of action I need to take. If they don't, I will immediately let every one know that I'm still having the same issues and it's not the turbo. I get that Blueballs might have rubbed some people the wrong way. I can most certainly say that when discussing our issues that he was very polite and considerate. You guys have only seen the written content that came from frustration. Again, if you guys were going through the same thing, your tone might be different. Ed has helped me and at times I was still frustrated. When you've tried everything yout can think of except changing the turbo out and your still being told it isn't the turbo, well, heads can bump. I do think my age and prior tunning experiences have helped me keep my cool, but to be honest, when I was younger I acted the same way. Like I said, Blueballs has changed out his turbo and his car is working. He's switched out his actuator with one he tried on the EQT and it worked. The bent piece, yes would cause an issue, however, I'm almost certain mine is not bent,yet I am still getting the exact EPCs Blueballs was getting. I could however be wrong. It could be slightly bent, I won't know until I can compare it to the new turbo. If it's bent, then I will except that after 20 years of modding cars, I still can make mistakes. If it's not bent, well, we will see what happens.