Emergency Fix - What do you think????

[ShayFoley]

I found this on Mach V's website:

Okay, so you're out at the track and BLAM! During a drag run, your i/c pipe coupler blows right off. The clamp is AWOL, and now the car is running so bad you'll never get home.

Have no fear, we can fix this problem. We'll convert to non-turbo mode.

To do this, disconnect the wastegate actuator arm. The arm is held onto the wastegate by a cotter pin. You can see this pin poking out from the front of the turbo heat shield, between the turbo and the radiator. It should be directly in front of you and straight down, as you stand facing the engine bay.

Use needle-nose pliers and some leather gloves to prevent from seriosly burning yourself on the radiator or the heat shields. Remove the cotter pin and disengage the wastegate actuator arm from the wastegate. Don't lose the cotter pin.

Use some duct tape to patch up the hole in the intercooler pipe, if you can. Otherwise, you may suck in unfiltered garbage from the road. Leaves don't work well as fuel for the car. MAKE SURE THE DUCT TAPE CAN'T GET SUCKED INTO THE INTAKE.

You will now be able to drive the car without bogging. It will not build any boost, so the air will not exit the system through your duct tape, and everything should be okay. Now you know how the non-turbo guys live!

Is this safe to drive with? Will it actually work? How many miles can I drive safely with my system like this? I really need to know, so please answer if you have any info on this at all.
Thanks.

 

[oddrob]

If you throw a clamp and screwdriver in your trunk, you should never run into this problem. They don't take up much space. And if you drive easily, no need to undo the wastegate, thats a PITA.

 

[ShayFoley]

I understand what you're saying, but the situation is a lot more complicated than that. Without the wastegate unhooked, I can only drive to a max of 2,000 RPM. I bought a new aluminum lower intercooler pipe, but I can't mount it yet, because the intercooler mounts also broke. If I mounted it without securing the intercooler, it would bend or break under the weight. I need to make it about 250 miles to my garage to take off the bumper and secure the intercooler and lower pipe. Can I take off the wastegate cotter pin, and drive it like a NT for 250 miles? Also, I haven't done it yet. Will it drive as well as a NT? Again, thanks.

 

[Defiant]

Can I take off the wastegate cotter pin, and drive it like a NT for 250 miles?

Yes.

Also, I haven't done it yet. Will it drive as well as a NT?

No. It'll be so godawful gutless you won't believe it. However, you will come to fully appreciate the importance of a high compression ratio on a normally-aspirated car..

 

[girlieracr4g63]

I agree. Ive had to do it in the past. Sorry n/t guys, but I thought those were slow. You will be fine ,but be soooo happy when you get it fixed.

 

[Bostedquest]

If you throw a clamp and screwdriver in your trunk, you should never run into this problem. They don't take up much space. And if you drive easily, no need to undo the wastegate, thats a PITA.

better yet use t bolt clamps...
Takes a hellofa lot to pop those biatches off.