What is a BOV, i know it stands for blow off vavle, unless i'm wrong of course. and aslo what is a wastegate? I pretty much understand how a turbo works, but i can't find information on what those do. Thanks in advance

 

A blow off valve is a mechanism that releases pressurized air from the turbo compressor when the throttle body closes and there is no where for this intake charge to go. Like when you let your foot off the throttle to shift, you'll hear the BOV make a woosh sound - which is the sound of this built up pressure being released instead of backing up into the turbo and possibly damaging it.
A wastegate (can be internal or external), redirects exhaust flow from the exhaust manifold after a certain amount of boost has been obtained. They come with an internal spring that opens a valve to allow the exhaust to exit into the atmosphere instead of spinning through the turbine, creating more boost. Without a wastegate, the turbo would keep creating infinite boost and the car would soon self-detonate. Wastegates can be tricked with boost controllers, allowing them to stay shut longer so that more boost is built.

My explanations are not the best...maybe someone can offer something better.

 

self-detonate, i like that...your explanations sound pretty damn good to me.


[Modified by greyzone, 9:35 AM 11/15/2001]


[Modified by greyzone, 9:35 AM 11/15/2001]

 

Yeah detonation isn't D-Y-N-O-M-I-T-E!!!!!!!!!

 

sounded pretty damn good to me. thanks

 

Damn thats a pretty good explanation!