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Will more conservative waste gate setting save fuel?

Help, Advice and DIY Tutorials on Volvo's P80 platform cars -- Volvo's 1990s "bread and butter" cars -- powered by the ubiquitous and durable Volvo inline 5-cylinder engine.

1992 - 1997 850, including 850 R, 850 T-5R, 850 T-5, 850 GLT
1997 - 2000 S70, S70 AWD
1997 - 2000 V70, V70 AWD
1997 - 2000 V70-XC
1997 - 2004 C70

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bkoeth
Posts: 18
Joined: 4 December 2005
Year and Model:
Location: Bakersfield, CA

Will more conservative waste gate setting save fuel?

Post by bkoeth »

I just replaced the wastegate actuator hose in my 97 850T5 because a hole in it was allowing the car to boost beyond the white and I had to be careful not to engage the fuel cutoff. Now it only boosts 2/3 into the white (spikes to 3/4 during a shift) and the car is noticeably slower (but still fast).

Please tell me this is saving gas, or in some other way beneficial, otherwise I will go out and cut a hole in the new hose! Just kidding, the whole thing is temporary until I get an MBC, but still, will a more conservative setting on the MBC save fuel?

White850Turbo
Posts: 923
Joined: 11 April 2004
Year and Model:
Location: Plano, TX

Post by White850Turbo »

Less boost = less air entering the cylinders = less fuel required in the cylinders. So in short, yes, less boost will save gas.

On your MBC note, I'd recommend against it, especially if you're not chipped; could cause you to lean out and blow something up. When you do get chipped and want a boost controller, go electronic. There's a world of difference, and it could just save your engine.
-Sean

1995 850 Turbo (Extensively Modded)

1998 S70 T5 (Almost Stock)

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