a friend of mine is looking to hook up a honda (i know, i know)

but he was asking me some questions about turbos that i couldnt answer Specifically, exactly what a wastegate is and what it does?

any help would be great

thanks alot,

 

a wastegate is for exhaust what a blowoff valve is for air... when theres more exhaust going to the turbo than you need, the wastegate releases pressure

 

thanks for the info.

 

A wastegate uses boost pressure to actuate a valve. When boost gets above a preset limit, the valve opens and bypasses exhaust gas around the turbo which slows the turbo and brings the boost level down. When the boost drops back down, the valve closes and directs the exhaust back through the turbo and makes it speed up again increasing boost. Incase your friend asks about a blow off valve, that is placed on the intake between the turbocharger and the throttlebody. This valve is designed to release pressure that builds up when the turbo is still producing boost, but the throttleblades are closed (ie. letting off the gas to shift gears or slow down). This keeps the turbo from fighting itself and leads to longer impeller/bearing life. Plus it makes that cool whistle sound you always hear (just watch The fast and the furious for the umpteenth time and you'll hear it).

 

I have a very nice B series turbo kit for sale

 

I'll move this to the Forced Induction forum in case you have anymore questions