Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Disabling Wastegate Technique/Benefits?

[MacGreenie]

Okay Folks,



I am stock for now (1998 24V) but the bombing virus has got a strangle hold on me! I am ready to get started... by the way, as my signature shows, I am fully instrumented and see way too much information (is that really possible?) about what is happening under the hood, at the transmission, etc. .



If I disable the wastegate by disconnecting the vacuum line and stuffing a pipe plug in there (or using a turnbuckle) I understand I will get lower EGT's but no real improvement in performance.



I assume the engine will simply get more air and achieve better and more complete exhaust scavenging and that lowers the EGT's? Right?



Will the engine run "leaner" because of the turbo stuffing more air in than was designed? I know with gassers the heat quenching capability of the fuel/air mixture is important. Lean running means scorched valves and engine damage. My understanding is that diesels send most heat downstream via the exhuast and the heat in the combustion chamber issue is different than a gasser.



I can wait until I get my Edge or Comp box to fiddle with the turbo... . just wondering what benefit I get if I disable the wastegate now. Do I need different boots on the intercooler lines due to increased boost? I assume I might see 35 psi from a stock turbo. I believe stock boots will not blow off from that sort of pressure.



Also, I understand these Edge boxes have a boost module that alters the turbo behavior as well... or do I need a second box (or just a turnbuckle) to do this?.



I am a long time lurker and have read all these threads voraciously... but, alas, these simple answers still elude me!



TIA!



MacGreenie (still stock and dreaming of more horsepower, smoke, noise etc. !)

 

[BarryG]

You will want to wait until you get your box. The box or most of them come with a boost fooler built in. With the auto and the hardlined wastegate the turnbuckle/spring method works well since you cant insert a boost elbow in the hardline. Also the turbomaster unit is supposed to work well and is adjustable. You can use a pipe plug or a 22 shell (used of course) Doing it without the box may very well set an overboost code. Shouldn't have any trouble with boots at 35psi as long as the clamps are on good.

 

[zman]

'98 autos aren't hardlined...

Your '98 isn't hardlined (your turbo is the HX35W not the smaller hardlined HY35W) so you can use a boost elbow. The use of the boost elbow will increase top end boost and lower EGTs with the fueling box without completely disabling the wastegate. The boost elbow won't help much when stock, but may lower EGT's a bit when under a heavy load. You may set off a high boost code if you install it without the Edge box - which has a built in boost fooler and comes with the boost elbow.



Steve

 

[MacGreenie]

Roger, Wait Until I Get The Box

Thanks everyone.



I will wait until I get the box installed... probably an Edge Comp without the pump wire hooked up (until the transmission gets upgraded).



More air, more fuel, more power! I can't wait!