Blow off valve: Information and FAQ

Blow off valve intro

Here's how it works: A relief valve (the blow off valve) is connected to the intake manifold / intake system. Inside the valve there is a vacuum chamber containing a spring, membrane and valve. The diaphragm reacts to pressure changes that occur through a vacuum hose that is routed to the intake / plenum and helps keep the valve closed at boost pressure. When the throttle is released and a vacuum is formed in the intake, the diaphragm together with the valve now lifts from its seat and releases the charge pressure.

On some valves, there is an adjustment screw that you can adjust at which pressure the valve should be activated / relieved. If the valve is not adjustable, you instead change the spring to change the pressure at which the valve should be activated.

Blow off valves are often named by diameter. For example, 50mm that is a common size for performance and the aftermarket. Choosing the best valve depends on how much boost pressure you will be running and the physical space available for installation.

Not all older engines are made for an atmospheric blow off valve. They may need a valve that instead circulates the air back into the system, just like an original valve. Both atmospheric and recirculating valves have the same function but the difference is where the excess air goes, out into the atmosphere or back into the engine.

The type of engine control system your car uses determines which valve you should choose. If you have a system measuring air mass (the amount of air entering the intake system), a recirculating valve should be used. If an atmospheric blow off valve is used and air is released into the atmosphere, the ECU cannot calculate the correct amount of air, resulting in incorrect air fuel mixture (lambda), which in turn means poor idle and engine performance. In these systems, excess pressure must be fed back into the turbo system before the compressor inlet, which is what a recirculating valve does.

A control system (ECU) that measures the MAP value (pressure) does not care about the amount of air and then an atmospheric relief valve can be used with advantage as no extra hoses or pipes need to be routed to lead excess air back into the system.

Frequently asked questions about the blow off valve (BOV)

1. What does a BOV do?
2. Can a BOV be harmful?
3. Do you get more power with a BOV?
4. Does there have to be a BOV?

What does a Blow Off Valve do?

Can a Blow Off Valve be harmful?

A BOV is not harmful to the engine if it is installed correctly. If, however, it is incorrectly installed, the following can happen.

• It is constantly open and the control system (ECU) tries to compensate with charge pressure and overrevves the turbo unit.
• It is open at idle and dirt enters the system.
• It is too tight and does not release excess air on trottle release which will cause the turbo to slow down. (same as without a BOV)

Do you get more power with a Blow Off Valve?

Does there have to be a Blow Off Valve?

Answer yes!
The only job a BOV has is to "evacuate" / get rid of turbo pressure quickly at boost. If this does not happen, the turbo compressor will be slowed down, causing a loss of power through the register.