Is the Bighead Wastgate by Banks worth doing on the D-max? I found one on Ebay for under $200 and was wondering if it was a worthwhile upgrade to do or nto and how hard it was to install. If I do it are there any other mods needed to protect the rest of the powertrain? I plan on getting a Bullydog PowerPup and am thinking that the wastegate might help maximize the power. Any thoughts?

good combo, big head brings it on quicker, works good with intake and exhaust upgrades, i run boost pressures now up to 32psi

Also, the BigHead is adjustable (boost pressure) and comes with a port for a boost guage. And BTW, a boost guage and pyro guage should be on your list of "must haves" along with the larger exhaust. It's not too hard to install, but you do need regulated air pressure to adjust the wastegate. I punked out and had the local diesel shop adjust mine.

JP

What's a safe lift pressure for the big head. I don't want to have to get into a bidding war on ebay for a turbocharger.

What has to be adjusted? The blow off pressure? Is the adjustment hard to do or can I do it myself, assuming I have regulated air?

The Bighead isn't tough install but its in tight spot. There isn't much room next to the turbocharger, you will see this once you get the heat shield off the turbo. Make sure to have extensions and universals handy and or ratcheting box wrenches. a magnet too incase you drop something. There is a E-clip that holds the stock actuator arm on the turbo so make sure you have the removal tool. if you don't go to walmart and get a pair of rapala long needle nose pliers, they have a like hook on the end that works perfect. Its what i used. its worth it though, most better midrange response

I have heard oposite responses to the waste gate upgrade. Some of the higher hp guys here say that it does not make that much of a difference, but it could be because they are already maxed out with what they have.
Don't forget to keep a pair of "Juice Grips" with ya.;)

I have heard several knowledgeable guys say it is not necessary. I would definately discuss it with DmaxAllitech, CPMac, Super Diesel or some of the other experienced modifiers. Once you get up to 330+ rwhp you are gonna need a tranny/clutch upgrade.

good combo, big head brings it on quicker, works good with intake and exhaust upgrades, i run boost pressures now up to 32psi
Wait until you get 50PSI Fred...lol
It is nice to see my 0-50 gauge being fully utitlized

Altering the wastegate actuation either with the Big Head or by bleeding off some of the signal to the wastegate is 100% definitely woth it if you have fuel to go along.

Amazingly enough I set my boost to 34 psi last Feb. on a dyno using an Attitude on level 5 (this started at dyno run #5 for my truck) and have yet to find anything that would push the boost more than that. In testing most every boxe out there I found some that did not make as much boost but none that went over my initial setting by an appreciable amount.

Trippin, are you saying that you could probablly even set your actuator with the attitude versus regulated air?
Jason

Trippin, are you saying that you could probablly even set your actuator with the attitude versus regulated air?
Jason
I made some baseline runs, then installed the actuator at approx 7 turns of preload. I then did successive runs increasing the preload/boost until I reached 34 psi. All while observing the power increase that came along with the boost increase.

What has to be adjusted? The blow off pressure? Is the adjustment hard to do or can I do it myself, assuming I have regulated air?In simple terms (that's all I know) the wastegate has a diaphram that attaches to an actuator-arm, that attaches to a pressure release valve. As boost increases (air pressure), that same pressure is applied to the diaphram, which pushes on the actuator-arm which opens the pressure release valve, which regulates boost. Now, the actuator-arm is what is adjustable (like a turnbuckle and as you turn it 1 way or the other the arm is lengthened or shortened) so the shorter the arm, the more boost (pressure) required to push the diaphram far enough, to push the arm, to open the valve. This allows more boost to the engine before the pressure relief valve is opened. Ta Da!

The regulated air is used to similate the creation of boost by the turbo so the arm can be detached from the diaphram and turned to the desired length then reattched (using the air). As mentioned before the hard part is the install because of location not the adjustment procedure.
JP

Thats some good info. Thanks a lot!
Jason

Glad to be of some assistence....it's such a rare thing for me...):h

JP