Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Boost Elbow or Unhooked Wastegate?

[biggy238]

What is the difference, performance wise, between the two? I haven't seen any ill affects from just unhooking the wastegate hose and plugging the hole in the compressor housing. I just want to know.

 

[vssman]

Unhooking it eliminates any control from overboosting. An adjustable elbow will allow you to have the WG open at whatever PSI you want (provided you can reach that high )

 

[biggy238]

Hey don't be talkin' trash! I could always just pull the plate and boost it that high. LOL



Really though, I don't ever see much over 20 psi, I just wondered if it had any affect on the AFC or any other unforseen affect.



Thanks.

 

[Joe G.]

Kyle,



The stock waste gate is supposed to open at 18 PSI so 20 is not so bad. It's best to use an adjustable elbow like vssman says so you can set the boost where you want it. I have mine set at about 30 PSI. I don't think a higher boost setting will affect anything to do with the AFC because it moves out of the way at a much lower pressure.

 

[biggy238]

Well, Mine has been unhooked since I got my gauges, Something just made me wonder.

I think 25psi with a new air filter is the peak i've seen out of mine. I cranked the star wheel enough to get about a 6 foot cloud before it clears, just romping on it, so I knew the AFC was working properly. I just was curious if there was some performance standpoint to consider in having a boost elbow.

 

[tp0d]

I think the boost elbow is mainly for protecting the turbo once you get past the performance point where overboost is a threat. I unhooked mine a while back, then messed with my plate, and I get about 32-35psi max at WOT. If I decide to mess with the plate again, I may get an elbow. . but i think i`m happy where I am. .



End result, boost elbow == turbo protector (hx35 < 40psi)



-jerry

 

[Joe G.]

Check to make sure that all your intercooler hose clamps are tight. I think you should be making more than 25 with the plate slid forward and the waste gate disabled. Maybe not, because it takes fuel to make boost. Anyway, check for air leaks in the intercooler system.

 

[biggy238]

I'm pretty sure they're all tight. If they aren't, I can't hear then at 2ft away or closer. I left one loose the other day when I worked on my fuel system again, it was the first time i've had a boost leak and it was a most obvious noise.



My plate might be slide 1/8 inch forward. Probably more like 3/32. (I need to go metric for things this small) It wasn't much at all. Just enough to make driving livable and keep my transmission alive and somewhat happy.