ok i will even agree this is a dumb question so please no flamming. what exactly is the difference between a wastegate and a bov. it seems to me that they are basically the same thing?

 

think of them as sort of safeguards. The wastegate is located on or near the turbo depending if it an external or internal wastegate. It acts as a "gate" that opens and closes depending on what spring is inside to regulate boost. If you have a 7 psi spring on your wastegate then at or before the turbo puts out 7psi of boost it opens to relieve the excess pressure. The blow off valve opens inbetween shifts so that when your throttle body closes no boost pressure tries to enter the engine with the throttle closed. Unless I am wrong for the most part that is how the two devices work. Anyone?

 

WasteGate - regulates how much of the exhaust gases from your engine flow threw the turbo. obviously the more open it is the higher boost you'll get. The rest of the exhaust gas is directed either back into your exhaust system after the turbo or dumped straight out into the open.

Blow-of-valve - relieves back pressure and is usually located on the intake tubing. When you are under wide open throttle or any acceleraton really air is ramming into the engine right? well what happens too all that air when the throttle body is slammed shut when you take your foot of the gas? the air will back up and if not for your blow of valve, it would back up into your turbo which hasn't slowed down spooling yet. I'm sure your imagination can tell you why that would be bad.

 

I knew I had it wrong... thanks for clearing that up..