Wastegates

On a turbocharged engine, building boost fast is the name of the game. However, making too much boost can lead to disaster. That’s where the wastegate comes in to save the day!

Inside of a wastegate is a spring pressing against a diaphragm. Once the pressure of the air leaving the compressor exceeds the pressure of the spring, it moves the diaphragm, which is linked to a bypass valve before the exhaust turbine. The bypass opens, and some of the exhaust gas pressure is released into the exhaust (or, on some race vehicles, the atmosphere), mitigating boost.

An internal wastegate actuates a bypass valve located inside the turbocharger itself, while an external wastegate operates a bypass valve separate from the turbocharger. An internal wastegate system is more compact and requires less plumbing (most OE turbochargers use an internal wastegate), but is limited by the housing of the turbocharger. Most high performance and racing vehicles use an external wastegate system for its greater versatility.

Top Brands

When it comes to protecting your turbocharger and engine, you want a wastegate from a trusted manufacturer. That why Summit Racing Equipment only partners with proven brands like STS Turbo, Precision Turbo & Engine, Turbosmart, and VS Racing.