External Wastegate vs. boost controller

[Ryan]

This may sound like a really n00b question, but if you have a external wastegate is there any point in having a boost controller?

[dubbedup]

yep, otherwise your boost levels are set at the level of the wastegate spring, you can wind it up up (possible down?) with a boost controller.

[driftrex]

Just make sure you get the right spring in there for the boost you want to run, i run my external with a 2 springs to get to the 15psi i wanted, no need for a boost tap unless you want to keep changing your boost level.

[Ryan]

So if I have a 15psi spring, then even if I have a boost controller my boost will never go over 15psi am I right?

[Koom]

 Ryan said:

So if I have a 15psi spring, then even if I have a boost controller my boost will never go over 15psi am I right?

Nope, the 15psi spring sets the minimum boost that you can run. For example the factory wastegate actuators have ~7psi springs in them yet you can adjust the boost up past 20psi with a boost controller. Same thing with an external.

[subieboy]

Wastegate - Waste + Gate... This vents

Boost controller - Boost + Controller... This controls

;D

[dubbedup]

^^^ turn the sarcasm meter up

[subieboy]

 dubbedup said:

^^^ turn the sarcasm meter up

Aah no...

Just giving a literary lesson on the meaning of the words

[dubbedup]

lol, thought you were taking the piss!

[subieboy]

 dubbedup said:

lol, thought you were taking the piss!

That too TBH

Couldn't resist a bit of humour in good spirit(or should that be spirits) ;D

[1CE]

If a car has an external wastegate but no boost controller, can the boost level be adjusted with an ECU reflash?

[driftrex]

i believe version 7 and up can be reflashed and then yes boost level changed, provided you still had the factory boost soleniod hooked up.

someone will correct me if im wrong.

[pl0x]

 driftrex said:

i believe version 7 and up can be reflashed and then yes boost level changed, provided you still had the factory boost soleniod hooked up.

someone will correct me if im wrong.

sounds about right,

personally, if you want a set boost level go like driftrex setup, external wastegate with set springs - gives you a constant boost level

if you want to be able to adjust it, dont bother with a external, the factory gate will do the same job fine

[1CE]

Yeh the car im buying already has an external fitted, must have a 15psi spring. Its a v8 so will accept a reflash & I will be getting this done soon. Just wanting to know easiest way to up the boost, changing spring or getting them to set it when they do a reflash?

[wrx_lou]

changing the spring would be easiest but getting it flashed would probably be more beneficial if you get the fuel maps done while your at it.

[KwS]

even if it has an external and you flash the ecu to up the boost... its not doing it by black magic, its upping the boost via the standard ecu controlled boost controller. An aftermarket boost controller usually bypasses that standard system to up the boost.

[Swindog]

Get both. No probs and future proofed

[Pappu1]

with no boost controller - the system will run the spring pressure of the gate as said before

if you want to increase boose then a controller will be the go as or u can tap it

but the main advantage of the controller is that it will make the boost come faster and remain stable (not spiking or gate creep)...

the controller is better to spend money on than an external for most street cars (running say up to 230kwatw or so).. as gives better boost buildup with no wastegate creep

[Ryan]

Ok I've given up on the external wastegate idea. I'm going to be running a Link G4 ECU..I can still run a boost controller right? Just gotta stop the Link ECU from controlling the internal gate and let the controller do the work?

[Guest boostcut]

your link will controll the boost via the inbuilt map sensor

[wrx_lou]

you want in car adjustment? just get two tunes done and have a switch, it would save you some money and you would have the peace of mind knowing it wasnt running too lean/rich when fiddling with the boost settings.

[Guest]

 boostcut said:

your link will controll the boost via the inbuilt map sensor

boost controlled via inbuilt map sensor / boost map + wastegate settings / wastegate solenoid / wastegate

[Ryan]

Yeah I was wanting the option of controlling boost from in-cabin, switch idea sounds good tho. Any ideas on how to put a switch in on the Link ECU?

[wrx_lou]

Do you have the manual? Itl be in there for sure.

[Ryan]

Yet to purchase the ECU, and can't seem to find a PDF version of the manual for it.