Apexi 50mm Racing Wastegate
04-11-02, 12:18 AM
#2
Mine gets stuck open while road racing (killing low end response, but it doesn't matter that much on the track) and got stuck shut and damaged my motor when I was driving home from the track. I am swapping it out for an HKS SS Racing wastegate before I get my engine rebuilt to avoid problems in the future. The HKS wastegate has the same base flange, and the dump tube flange is only slightly different.
I heard A'PEXi made some improvements recently, but you already know that.
-Max
I heard A'PEXi made some improvements recently, but you already know that.
-Max
04-11-02, 12:30 AM
#3
Rotary Freak
Thread Starter
iTrader: (15)
Max,
I also heard that Apexi has made some improvements. I knew that the wastegates were failing because of the copper bushing that swelled, causing the seizing. I also heard through the grapevine that Apexi has replaced this part on the newer wastegates with stainless steel ones, which supposedly are less prone to failing.
The reason I ask is that I recently purchased an Apexi wastegate from a forum member, msv. I bought it at a low price, but not knowing the problems with the units. I was never informed by the seller, but I guess "buyer beware". I did have the unit inspected by a knowledgeable technician, who new about the problems. He said that the one that I have now is a newer run model with the stainless steel part.
The point now is, should I worry? Should I use it? I don't know as of the moment.
I also heard that Apexi has made some improvements. I knew that the wastegates were failing because of the copper bushing that swelled, causing the seizing. I also heard through the grapevine that Apexi has replaced this part on the newer wastegates with stainless steel ones, which supposedly are less prone to failing.
The reason I ask is that I recently purchased an Apexi wastegate from a forum member, msv. I bought it at a low price, but not knowing the problems with the units. I was never informed by the seller, but I guess "buyer beware". I did have the unit inspected by a knowledgeable technician, who new about the problems. He said that the one that I have now is a newer run model with the stainless steel part.
The point now is, should I worry? Should I use it? I don't know as of the moment.
04-11-02, 01:52 AM
#4
Well, hopefully they fixed it and it will be fine. Also, mine was fine unless I was road racing. Even the old ones might be reliable for street and strip use. Since you took it apart and didn't find any copper, it seems likely that you have a newer one anyway.
For some added safety, you might want to setup an engine cut-out on overboost, or run a pop-off valve.
-Max
For some added safety, you might want to setup an engine cut-out on overboost, or run a pop-off valve.
-Max
04-11-02, 04:52 AM
#6
I don't know... my only knowledge about the change came from your message!
First thing, if you don't plan to road race (track) the car, I think it could be fine. Mine hasn't gotten stuck except for on the track or soon after the track. Road racing gets the engine significantly hotter than street or strip stuff.
You could install a pop-off valve, or setup (and test) an engine cut-out system that is triggered by high boost. If you are using the PowerFC, remember that the stock MAP sensor can't read more than 1.2 bar (17 psi), so set the limit below that or it will never trigger. You can also get a pressure switch that could be wired in to cut the engine somehow. That way, if something goes wrong, you won't kill the engine.
Try contacting A'PEXi and let them know that you have heard of reliability issues with the wastegate and would like to update yours. Even if they charge you for the part, it might be worth it.
Depending on what the part is, you might be able to increase the clearances a bit to reduce the chance of seizing. Or have an SS replacement made yourself. SS has a pretty high coefficient of thermal expansion, so it actually seems kind of weird to me that using SS would be the "upgrade". Or wait, perhaps the copper part surrounds an SS part, and it siezes because the copper does not expand enough. That makes more sense. (Sorry, just thinking out loud).
-Max
First thing, if you don't plan to road race (track) the car, I think it could be fine. Mine hasn't gotten stuck except for on the track or soon after the track. Road racing gets the engine significantly hotter than street or strip stuff.
You could install a pop-off valve, or setup (and test) an engine cut-out system that is triggered by high boost. If you are using the PowerFC, remember that the stock MAP sensor can't read more than 1.2 bar (17 psi), so set the limit below that or it will never trigger. You can also get a pressure switch that could be wired in to cut the engine somehow. That way, if something goes wrong, you won't kill the engine.
Try contacting A'PEXi and let them know that you have heard of reliability issues with the wastegate and would like to update yours. Even if they charge you for the part, it might be worth it.
Depending on what the part is, you might be able to increase the clearances a bit to reduce the chance of seizing. Or have an SS replacement made yourself. SS has a pretty high coefficient of thermal expansion, so it actually seems kind of weird to me that using SS would be the "upgrade". Or wait, perhaps the copper part surrounds an SS part, and it siezes because the copper does not expand enough. That makes more sense. (Sorry, just thinking out loud).
-Max
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
rx8volks
Canadian Forum
0
09-01-15 10:46 PM
