What does the “Wastegate” do, and does it work along with “Boost”?
• The simple explanation: a wastegate limits the maximum boost generated by the turbocharger. • How it works and what it does: The wastegate uses a pressure activated diaphragm and rod to operate an exhaust bypass around the turbocharger and thus limit the maximum boost that the turbocharger can produce. This permits an engine manufacturer to use a “fast” turbo charger with a small exhaust housing to produce useable boost at low engine speed and load. To prevent excessive boost at higher engine speeds, the wastegate limits the maximum boost to a safe level for the engine, and prevents turbocharger over-speed. From Joe D. The factory uses a small exhaust housing so that boost can be built very quickly, like small tube headers induce exhaust flow faster. However, the turbo could overspeed and/or the exhaust restriction from small exhaust housing ports could choke the flow and horsepower at higher rpm. Therefore, a wastegate is used. A hole, about 1″ diameter, is drilled into the side of
