Boost Controls

Controlling boost on a turbocharged car is a bit more complicated than controlling it with a supercharger. With no direct connection to the engine, the turbine gets its speed from the energy of the exhaust. The most reliable means of controlling a turbocharger is a wastegate.

A wastegate is a valve that opens to allow part of the exhaust gas to bypass the turbine. Opening the wastegate will slow down the turbocharger, while closing it will allow it to spin faster. An internal wastegate sits inside the turbine housing, while an external wastegate goes in the exhaust system upstream of the turbo. Many turbochargers come with an integral wastegate, but high boost levels may require the extra flow amounts that an external wastegate ...

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