lately ive been closely watching my boost controller with the boost pressure readout, its been showing the turbo reaching just over 1 bar but lately it has been hittin this figure then slowly dropping (exhaust leak or blow off leak id first assume) then today on the way home it wasnt even reading above 1 bar, and ive slowly been noticing a lack in performance...am i looking at a turbo replacement or are there other things i might have to be looking for?

Check all you vacuum lines ect.Also I find my boost varies on how the temp is outside, Slightly though. But if you boost is dropping from peak, there is usually a leak somewhere. Have a look for small cracks in the vac lines.

the ambient temp would be play a big role in air pressure but it was fairly cool this arvo (colder being more dense, dense being more pressure id assume) so i really think its more mechanical

ill be checking all lines tomorro as i dont want to leave it much longer causing more damage...

im hoping by running lower boost theres no MAJOR threats to engine damage (other than running a bit rich) with tuning obviously being for more fuel mixture when boost is expected.

cheers again for the advice

No probs, how is your idling atm?

idles fine, around the 1500 2000 mark wen initially warming up then back down to 1k or just under. Vacuum sits usually at -7bar