Wastegate Size Calculator

Wastegate Size (mm)	Typical Application
38mm	Smaller turbos, lower boost levels
44mm	Moderate-sized turbos, street use
50mm	Larger turbos, higher boost levels
60mm	High-performance and race setups
66mm+	Extreme high-performance setups

FAQs

How do I know what size wastegate I need? The size of the wastegate you need depends on your turbo setup and desired boost levels. A common range is 38mm to 60mm. Smaller turbos may work well with a 38mm wastegate, while larger turbos may require a 44mm or larger wastegate.

What does a bigger wastegate do? A bigger wastegate can handle higher exhaust flow and provide better control over boost pressure. It allows for more precise adjustment of boost levels, especially in high-performance applications.

Can an external wastegate be too big? Yes, an external wastegate can be too big for your setup. If it’s significantly oversized, it may not provide proper control and could result in boost control issues.

What are the different wastegate sizes? Wastegates come in various sizes, typically ranging from 38mm to 60mm or more, with 44mm and 50mm being common sizes.

What happens if your wastegate is too small? If your wastegate is too small, it may not be able to handle the exhaust flow from your turbo, leading to poor boost control, potential boost spikes, and limited performance.

What is a 38mm wastegate good for? A 38mm wastegate is suitable for smaller turbo setups and lower boost levels, making it ideal for many street-driven vehicles.

Is a bigger wastegate louder? Generally, a larger wastegate is not necessarily louder. The noise level primarily depends on factors like exhaust system design, turbo size, and boost pressure.

Is higher wastegate pressure better? Higher wastegate pressure isn’t necessarily better. The ideal wastegate pressure depends on your engine’s requirements and the desired boost level. It’s crucial to match it to your specific setup for optimal performance.

When should I upgrade my wastegate? You should consider upgrading your wastegate when your current one cannot provide proper boost control or when you’re increasing turbo size or power output significantly.

Can you run a turbo without a wastegate? Technically, you can run a turbo without a wastegate, but it’s not recommended. A wastegate helps control and limit boost pressure, preventing over-boost and potential engine damage.

What is a good wastegate placement? A good wastegate placement is near the turbocharger in the exhaust system, typically before the exhaust gases reach the turbine housing. This allows for efficient boost control.

What is the highest flowing wastegate? Wastegate flow rates can vary, but some high-performance wastegates can handle well over 1000 CFM (cubic feet per minute) of exhaust flow.

Do I need to upgrade my wastegate? You only need to upgrade your wastegate if your current one cannot handle the exhaust flow, boost levels, or control requirements of your specific turbo setup.

What is the alternative to a wastegate? An alternative to a wastegate is using a variable geometry turbocharger (VGT) that can adjust its turbine housing geometry to control boost without a traditional wastegate.

Are internal or external wastegates better? The choice between internal and external wastegates depends on your specific setup and goals. External wastegates are often preferred for high-performance applications where precise control is needed.

How do you get turbo flutter? Turbo flutter, also known as compressor surge, occurs when the throttle is suddenly closed, causing the airflow to reverse direction and create a distinctive “fluttering” sound. It can be caused by an improper blow-off valve or wastegate setup.

How do I increase my wastegate pressure? You can increase wastegate pressure by adjusting the wastegate spring or changing to a stronger spring if your wastegate allows for spring changes. Consult your wastegate’s manufacturer for specific instructions.

Is electronic wastegate better? Electronic wastegates offer precise control and can be better suited for certain applications. They allow for dynamic adjustments, but their suitability depends on your setup and tuning capabilities.

Why is an external wastegate better? External wastegates are often preferred for their ability to handle high exhaust flow and provide precise boost control, especially in high-performance and aftermarket turbo setups.

How hot does a wastegate get? Wastegates can reach high temperatures, easily exceeding 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit (540 degrees Celsius) due to their proximity to the exhaust gases.

What does turbo flutter sound like? Turbo flutter produces a distinctive “chirping” or “fluttering” sound, often described as a series of rapid popping noises.

What is boost creep? Boost creep is an undesirable condition where the boost pressure rises uncontrollably as engine RPM increases, often due to inadequate wastegate sizing or configuration.

Can a bad wastegate cause low boost? Yes, a malfunctioning or improperly functioning wastegate can cause low boost, as it may not open correctly to allow exhaust gases to bypass the turbocharger.

What is the best pressure for turbo boost? The best boost pressure depends on your engine, turbocharger, and performance goals. It’s essential to consult with a tuner to determine the appropriate boost level for your specific setup.

How to tune a turbo wastegate? Tuning a wastegate involves adjusting its spring pressure, actuator preload, or electronic controls to achieve the desired boost levels while avoiding over-boost or under-boost conditions.

Where is the best location for a turbo wastegate? The best location for a turbo wastegate is typically as close to the exhaust manifold or turbocharger outlet as possible, allowing for efficient control of exhaust gases.

What is the rule for wastegate? There isn’t a single rule for wastegates, as their sizing and configuration depend on various factors, including the turbocharger, engine, and desired boost levels.

How do I fix my turbo lag? Reducing turbo lag can be achieved through proper tuning, selecting a turbocharger with good spool characteristics, and optimizing your engine’s intake and exhaust systems.

Does a wastegate control boost? Yes, a wastegate controls and regulates boost pressure in a turbocharged engine by diverting exhaust gases away from the turbine wheel when a certain pressure threshold is reached.

Is a turbo flutter bad? Turbo flutter can be detrimental to the turbocharger and engine in the long run. It’s generally not recommended as it can cause excessive wear and damage to the compressor and turbine wheels.

Is turbo wastegate open or closed at idle? At idle, the wastegate is typically closed or partially closed, allowing exhaust gases to flow through the turbine housing to maintain minimal boost pressure.

Is a wastegate the same as a BOV? No, a wastegate and a blow-off valve (BOV) serve different purposes. A wastegate controls boost pressure, while a BOV releases excess pressure from the intake system during throttle lift to prevent compressor surge.

What are the benefits of an aftermarket wastegate? Aftermarket wastegates often provide better control, durability, and adjustability compared to stock wastegates. They are essential for high-performance turbo setups.

How do I know if my wastegate is working properly? You can check your wastegate’s functionality by monitoring boost levels, ensuring it opens at the correct pressure, and inspecting for leaks or malfunctions.

How do you control a wastegate? A wastegate can be controlled manually with a mechanical actuator, electronically with a solenoid, or through a combination of both methods, depending on your setup.

How common is wastegate rattle? Wastegate rattle can occur, especially in older or worn wastegates. It’s not uncommon but can often be resolved through maintenance or replacement.

Is a bypass valve a wastegate? No, a bypass valve (often referred to as a blow-off valve) is not the same as a wastegate. A bypass valve releases excess pressure from the intake system, preventing compressor surge, while a wastegate controls exhaust pressure to regulate turbo boost.

What is the advantage of a turbo wastegate? The advantage of a turbo wastegate is that it allows for precise control of boost pressure in a turbocharged engine, preventing over-boost and associated engine damage.

What happens if you run a turbo with no wastegate? Running a turbo without a wastegate can lead to uncontrolled and potentially dangerous levels of boost pressure, which can damage the engine and turbocharger.

Can wastegate cause boost leak? A malfunctioning wastegate or improperly installed wastegate can potentially cause boost leaks, as it may not seal properly or divert exhaust gases as intended.

Do wastegates make a sound? Yes, wastegates can make a distinctive sound when they open and divert exhaust gases, often described as a “whoosh” or “popping” noise.

What causes wastegate to fail? Wastegate failures can be caused by wear and tear, corrosion, excessive heat, improper installation, or manufacturing defects.

How much does it cost to replace a wastegate? The cost of replacing a wastegate varies depending on the vehicle, wastegate type, and labor costs. On average, it can range from $200 to $500 or more.

What is the difference between single and dual port wastegate? A single port wastegate has one exhaust inlet and one outlet, while a dual port wastegate has two separate exhaust inlets and outlets. Dual port wastegates can offer better control in certain setups.

What makes a turbo go stututu? The “stututu” sound often associated with turbos is caused by compressor surge, which occurs when the turbocharger’s compressor wheel stalls due to sudden throttle closure, creating rapid air pressure fluctuations.

What kind of turbo makes the stututu sound? The “stututu” sound can occur with various types of turbochargers when they experience compressor surge, but it’s often more pronounced in larger and high-performance turbos.

Is flutter good for a turbo? Flutter (compressor surge) is not good for a turbo in the long run, as it can cause wear and damage to the compressor and other components.

Is a bigger wastegate louder? The size of the wastegate itself does not significantly affect its noise level. Noise primarily depends on exhaust system design and other factors.

Can you rotate a wastegate? Yes, you can often rotate the wastegate housing to orient it in the desired direction for fitment and proper operation.

How do you check wastegate PSI? You can check wastegate PSI by using a boost pressure gauge or a boost controller with a built-in pressure display, monitoring the boost pressure the wastegate is set to open at.

What is wastegate crack pressure? Wastegate crack pressure is the minimum exhaust pressure required to begin opening the wastegate and divert exhaust gases away from the turbine wheel. It’s typically measured in PSI or bar.