Wastegates

one2nine · Nov 5, 2012

So I'm on the fence of adding a waste gate to my build. Looking at a kit from SDP with a 46mm precision gate. Install doesn't look bad, but honestly I don't know much about them. What's involved as far as tuning them and making them functional for the best overall power? Thanks

Matt · Nov 5, 2012

Do it. Easy as pie to tune with the regulator in the kit. I believe everyone aims for about a 1:1 boost to drive ratio. If you aren't doing anything more than stock turbos, you will most likely need it.

one2nine · Nov 5, 2012

How do you tune them? Forgive me, but I always hear about changing springs in the gates. I'm taking it that each spring has a different psi rating? I'm running a 71mm at the moment but will be adding a fair amount of fuel. Main reason I'm looking to do a gate is bigger turbos are planned in the future with possible spray.

jdgleason · Nov 5, 2012

With the precision gates, the spring shouldn't matter a whole not if you plumb it correctly. And as for tuning the gate, it is one of those things where it will make more sense once you have it installed and in front of you.

Crank the gate clockwise all the way to shut the regulator completely (Basically it's like not have a gate in the system). Then make small counter clockwise adjustments (1/4 turn or so opening the gate back up) until back pressure/boost is where you want it, or where it's safe. There should be a magic spot where it makes the best power and retains good driving characteristics. I would get it close on the street, and then fine tune it on a dyno if you have access to one.

one2nine · Nov 5, 2012

Pretty sure I'm going to add one for sure now. So you manually set the gate from what I gather? What are the boost controllers for? I really don't have much experience with gates as most of my vehicles have been supercharged.

jdgleason · Nov 5, 2012

one2nine said:
Pretty sure I'm going to add one for sure now. So you manually set the gate from what I gather? What are the boost controllers for? I really don't have much experience with gates as most of my vehicles have been supercharged.

Basically, yes. Use the regulator to set the gate. The controllers are just an easier way of adjusting the gate. They can use references to help set the gate.

B585Ford · Nov 5, 2012

Definitely do the gate. I will be doing one sometime over the winter and I am going to be on same mild configuration (71 with stock fuel). If you are even thinking about doing fuel, I can't imagine not having one.
Have you looked at the diagram of one? I was confused on this subject until I looked at it...and now it all makes sense. One of my buddies who runs one, said once he did the diagram way (initially he didn't use any boost reference to the bottom of the gate) who had no previous experience with them was able to get it where he wanted to be on the street pretty easily. Like JD said, fine tuning does appear to take a dyno to get the max out of your particular setup.