Wastegates regulate boost in turbocharged engines, an important safety function to prevent overboosting and potential engine damage. There are two kinds of wastegates: internal and external. External wastegates are not attached to the turbocharger and sit in a separate location either on the exhaust manifold or on a dedicated dump tube adjacent to the turbocharger. External wastegates are capable of handling higher boost levels, and thus typically are used with larger turbochargers. Installation of an external wastegate is a simple process that can be accomplished with basic hand tools.
Set your external wastegate spring. Prior to installation, you will want to make sure that the wastergate spring is set based upon your turbo needs. While the actual setting can vary based on turbocharger and tuning needs, the spring rate will dictate the minimum boost level you wish the wastegate to control. You will want to set the wastegate spring prior to installation.
Park your car on level ground, and make sure the engine is cold and has not been run recently.
Remove the wastegate blank on your exhaust manifold, if so equipped. Some exhaust manifolds contain a fitting for an external wastegate, The external wastegate has an oval-fitting bracket that is secured with two bolts, typically a 12-14mm in diameter.
Remove the wastegate blank on the exhaust downpipe, if so equipped. The typical external wastegate installation occurs on the exhaust downpipe, which will have a discreet fitting for the wastegate.
Run the boost signal hose included with your external wastegate kit from the wastegate barb port to the turbocharger's compressor cover hose barb. This will provide boost pressure from the turbocharger to the wastegate. Use included hose clamps to secure the line on both the turbocharger and the wastegate.
