I took my car in for a boost leak check and the shop told me there was no leaks but that my wastgate wasnt holding psi and i might need a new one. i called another place to get a price on parts and install and they said that since i have a stock setup that i can only use a oem wastegate. I can use aftermarket if i want to do a bunch of customizing and welding and whatever. I dont want to go that far like i said my car is basically stock and it will prob stay close to that. my question is, do i have to use a factory wastegate or is there any aftermarket wastegates i can use that are direct replacements? Thanks for all the help

 

The shop doesn't know much! There are several aftermarket stock replacement wastegate actuators available for your VIII's 16G turbo. Although I am sure there are others, a few that come to mind are:

1) Forced Performance 16-18 PSI WGA

2) Buschur Racing WGA

3) Forged WGA

 

You CAN get a aftermarket wastegate actuator. FP and Forge both make one.

 

Did the shop investigate exactly why the WGA supposedly is not holding boost? One possible cause might be that the actuator has a torn internal diaphragm.

If the wastegate puck(flapper valve) is functioning properly then I would first try adjusting the actuator rod to see if this will increase the wastegate's spring pressure(preload).

 

So, does that mean i should first try tightening the spring and if that doesnt work then it might have a torn internal diaphram? if the diaphram is torn then do i need to replace the WG completely?

 

Yeah if diaphragm is damaged, then you'd have to replace the entire WGA as the stock units are not rebuildable. The Forge billet actuator can be disassembled and is thus rebulidable. All the others are assembled with a non-rebuildable stamped steel canister.

First try adjusting the threaded actuator rod. I'll explain how if you send me a PM.

 

With your current mods just get a used stock one from many of the sale threads on here.

 

This is a good option. The used ones arereadily available and should be relatively inexpensive. But, first try adjusting what you have before tossing it in the waste bin.

 

Buy a vacuum tester, 15 dollars at a auto store. See if its leaking vacuum. If its not then use a big pair of pliers and see if you can pull up on the arm. It will be stiff, but should move. If those 2 are okay you have a boost controller issue.


Other wise if it is bad just search the forsale section here, get one there. Its also simple to change. You cant trust most people to work on your car, do it yourself.