1.6L NA diesel caddy with turbo added wastegate issue

[Red81VWcaddy]

Hello all,
The wastegate on my turbo has been welded on and seems to be made to stay open.
this is on my 1981 NA 1.6L diesel Caddy and was done by the previous owners.
1. Is this common practice?
2. What issues will arise with this setup?
3. Is this a necessary modification?

Im new to forums including diesel engines and just learning as i go, ill appreciate any information.
Thanks, Matt

[fatmobile]

  Are you sure it's welded open?
 Because that allows the gasses to pass around the turbo,... less boost.

 I've seen people tap the cover and use a bolt to hold the wastegate closed so there be more boost.
 Never seen a less boost mod.

[Red81VWcaddy]

Sorry said that wrong, it closed so full boost all the time.
why have a wastegate then?

[Red81VWcaddy]

I would like to share some pictures but having trouble figuring out how to attach them.

[fatmobile]

 To post picture you need to find a host site then link to that.
 I use flicker not sure you need a yahoo account for that but i have one.

  The stock turbo doesn't boost much from my experience.
 Even with the wastegate tied shut it shouldn't produce too much boost.
 It will make more backpressure though.

 That's why I use the VNT-15 off a 2000+ TDI.

[Red81VWcaddy]

Got it and thanks for the info!

[Red81VWcaddy]

Fatmobile, you're saying that you ran/run the VNT-15 turbo on a early 80s rabbit/Caddy?

[fatmobile]

 Yes, I prefer the VNT-15 turbo over the stock setup.
 https://vwdiesel.cokenet.org/viewtopic.php?t=9515

It allows any intake because it sits so low. The stock TD intake is hard to find and can be expensive.
 Boost is available way early.
 It sounds great.
 The exhaust is way easier to make than the stock ? pipe,... and the stock pipe is restrictive.
 They are a pretty cheap turbo. I've seen used ones for $150.

 Downsides:
    They take some work to control but there are a couple people besides me who have posted videos on how to control them mechanically.
They can be sticky if you don't get down on them, get the EGTs up and clean the carbon out every once in awhile.

 Might be other points.