MX-5 Wastegate Actuators

The wastegate actuator is the often unsung hero of your MX-5’s turbo system, acting as a pressure relief valve to keep your turbo’s boost levels in check. Its main job is preventing the turbine from over-speeding and ensuring your turbocharger stays protected from excessive wear and tear. 

Inside the wastegate actuator is a spring and diaphragm duo. The spring keeps the wastegate closed until your boost pressure hits a certain level. Once it does, the wastegate opens to release the excess gas, controlling the boost pressure. This keeps your turbocharger running smoothly and safely, even during high-performance driving.

Most turbochargers come equipped with a wastegate actuator as a built-in safety measure. However, over time, heat and pressure can take a toll on the spring and diaphragm, causing them to weaken. This can lead to reduced performance due to decreased boost pressure.

About our range of MX-5 Turbo Wastegate Actuators

Upgrading your wastegate actuator is a must for maximising turbo performance, especially if you’re pushing for higher boost levels. With a high-quality wastegate actuator from BOFI Racing, you can ensure your turbo system operates efficiently and safely, providing you with the ultimate balance of power and protection.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens when a wastegate actuator goes bad?

When a wastegate actuator fails, the turbo may produce too much or too little boost, leading to a loss of power or excessive strain on the engine. You can also experience turbo over-speeding; without the actuator functioning properly, the wastegate may not open, allowing the turbo to over-speed.

If this happens, you can experience serious engine problems. A faulty actuator can lead to poor engine performance, higher exhaust temperatures, or even engine damage if the boost pressure isn’t controlled. The failure can also cause unpredictable or dangerous spikes in boost, which could harm both the engine and turbocharger.

Do all turbos have a wastegate?

Most turbocharged engines feature a wastegate to regulate boost pressure. However, not all turbos have an external wastegate. Some turbos have an internal wastegate, which is integrated into the turbo housing and is common in factory turbo systems.

An external wastegate, on the other hand, is a separate component used mostly in high-performance or aftermarket setups where more precise control of boost is required.

Can a stock turbo wastegate actuator handle a souped up turbo?

Stock actuators from original manufacturers are calibrated for standard boost levels. If you plan to tune your engine for higher boost, you need a high-performance actuator to handle the increased pressure. Without an upgrade, the wastegate may open prematurely, diminishing performance gains.