BOV and Wastegate

[bduncan2075]

2 questions:

1. Is there any reason to go with an aftermarket BOV other than the fact that it sounds cool?

2. Should I go with a stiffer wastegate spring? What all does that entail? Can you just go with stiffer spring, have to reflash, or more? Is it worth it?

Thanks,

 

[Mikev1983]

Bump

 

[guybo]

I know this is old, but this is what I have found out looking into the BOV-

The stock BPV (it recircs back into the intake, so it is a By-Pass Valve. As soon as you remove the recirc hose and vent to atmosphere, it becomes a BOV- Blow-Off Valve) is fine for the car at stock. With the hose attached to the stock airbox you cannot hear it at all. With an intake it is louder and sounds great, with the recirc hose removed it is very loud. It holds boost at stock levels OK (though it can leak at max boost) and is very quick to blow off (which is a very good thing for the health of your engine). The recirc hose will recirc HOT air from the BPV back into the intake, it is pre-intercooler compressed hot air. Blowing off hot boost pre-IC air has certain performance advantages if it is not recirc'ing back into the intake.

Aftermarket BOV's (or BPV) usually are chosen by most people because of sound. Period. But you can get one that is better performing. They will hold higher boost levels without leaking (if you get a tune and crank up the boost this is a good thing) and will react faster than the stock BPV. Many aftermarket BOV's are installed after the intercooler on the cold side and blow off post-intercooler air which has slight performance advantages too.

The BOV's that are for sound only may be OK for your engine and the higher end ones blow off very quickly (they are not cheap). Many, however, are cheap and don't blow off as quickly as the stock BPV and will leak boost. Not all BOV's are made equal. Not by a long shot.