i called the local shop that i have been frequenting to inquire about a boost leak test and i was told they only can find leaks like that through setting it up on the in-house dyno and putting it under load. i was told this could be 1 hour of labor up to who knows until they find it...two? three? four? at around $100/hr

am i being taken for a ride or is this the best way to find whats giving me problems?

 

Get a Durametric cable check for codes and log it and do a Boost leak test.. I had similar issues and found a large leak on my y pipe hose. my boost leak test took 1 hour and i did it myself.

also i have the ABS and PSM light on from a bad MAF/o2 code 5525 on the durametrics.. the durametric cable and boost leak tester are the best investments I've made

 

my uneducated hunch would be that the leak i'm betting you have would be found relatively quickly given their level of experience sorting them out ( given you "know" the shop )

i would let them look at it, diagnose, and ask if it's over an hour, they include any diagnosis above and beyond the initial "1 hour" of their shop time should you have them proceed with any needed repair. i don't think they'll find that an unreasonable request since it probably is a vac leak of some kind or n75 etc.

+ 1 on the dura cable advice though i've "managed" to avoid getting one for 5+ years but many times wish i hadn't, ...for the 300 bucks lol

 

It's pretty easy to find a boost leak with a smoke machine. No dyno necessary.