I was looking at my turbo today and found that the waste gate is blocked off with a separate block off plate. I live in Canada and was wondering if this is common? Would this not mean that the wastegate could just be taken off the turbo and tossed, because it's not doing anything?
I'm looking at trying to get 20 lbs of boost out of this turbo once everything is back together. Will I be able to hit it with this turbo? This wastegate blocked off looks like it was done by the factory!
Is this common in Canada?
Thanks
It's not a block off plate. The wastegate is still functional but the plate acts as an access cover and flange in one piece.
My T2 is the same way, and it came from Germany.

I'm going to order this $10 T3 flange, which will fit the T2;
EBAY LINKfor 2.5" exhaust DP, and then I'm going to punch out that middle plate to 2.5" with a hole saw.
That Ebay guy will make a single thick plate for it too, if you wish, just contact him, he does custom flanges, he just needs dimensions or a tracing of the original, as the T2 shape is unique from any other Garrett hot side. Figure on about $50 for a single plate.
Hey guys, thanks. If it wasn't functional I would be looking for a larger turbo. But I will give it a try the way it is.
I will be changing the outlet as suggested - I use a laserworks shop here that can cut it for me. I'm a draftsman/tech by trade, so drawing it up will not be a problem. The oem outlet look very constricting.
Thanks for the help!
Do you know where do I can find stainless pipe that is 2.5 ID. I haven't looked too much yet. What's the best stainless to use? Is 304 and 316 adequate or is 309 stainless a must?
thanks,
Yeah, go with 409. It's not as pretty as 304, and turns brownish with heat, but it's stronger, and less prone to cracking.
Ebay search "2.5 mandrel 409", there's a few folks selling them in various shapes.
Is 16 ga sufficient thickness?