Why a Red Blow Off Valve Captivates Car Enthusiasts

The Appeal of a Red Blow Off Valve

There's just something about the big red blow off valve that captivates car enthusiasts. The bright crimson colored valve paired with the signature "psshhh" sound it makes when venting boost pressure simply can't be beat.

What Does a Blow Off Valve Do?

A blow off valve, sometimes called a wastegate or diverter valve, is an important part of a forced induction system on turbocharged or supercharged vehicles. Its purpose is to protect the turbo by venting out excess boost pressure when the throttle is closed suddenly.

Without a blow off valve, all that pressurized air would flow backward into the turbo, potentially causing damage. The valve gives that air an alternate escape route.

The Appeal of the Sound

When the blow off valve opens, it releases boost pressure into the atmosphere with a loud "psshhh" sound that car enthusiasts find extremely gratifying. There's nothing quite like the thrill of hearing your BOV vent while accelerating hard or lifting off the throttle.

Upgraded aftermarket blow off valves are especially tuned to enhance that signature blow off noise compared to quieter OEM valves. Companies like Turbosmart, Go Fast Bits, and HKS make a variety of BOVs designed specifically for increasing sound.

Why Red?

While blow off valves come in a variety of colors, red has become one of the most iconic. The bright crimson valve pops against engine bays, especially on cars with black interiors. It's also a vibrant color that draws attention when the hood is up at car meets and shows.

Red is associated with power, energy, and speed - appropriate qualities for a valve on high performance turbocharged cars. Overall, it simply looks great and has visual appeal compared to more mundane colors.

Types of Red Blow Off Valves

There are a few main types of BOVs to consider when shopping for that eye-catching red upgrade:

Atmospheric Blow Off Valves

Atmospheric blow off valves (sometimes called vent-to-atmosphere) are the simplest and most common style. When pressure builds, a spring or vacuum holds the valve shut until it reaches the preset limit. The valve then opens and vents boost into the atmosphere, making that signature "psshhh" sound.

Recirculating/Recirc Blow Off Valves

These BOVs have a recirculation route attached, sending the released air back into the intake instead of venting it out. This helps maintain boost pressure but sacrifices that iconic blow off sound.

Hybrid Blow Off Valves

Hybrid BOVs offer the best of both worlds - the capability to vent to atmosphere for sound but also recirculate that air when sound isn't desired. They usually have both atmospheric and recirc ports.

Choosing Your Red Blow Off Valve

Here are a few top options to consider when shopping for that eye-catching crimson BOV:

Turbosmart Comp-Gate40

This atmospheric valve is completely redesigned for reliability and performance. The compact housing has 40mm ports in vibrant red paired with black end caps. It prevents surge at high RPMs and holds over 26 PSI of boost pressure.

Go Fast Bits Hybrid BOV

Go Fast Bits offers hybrid versatility with this billet aluminum valve in bright red. It switches between vent-to-atmosphere and recirculation routing based on RPMs and throttle position. Great for adding sound when you want it but keeping boost otherwise.

HKS Type 0 Blow Off Valve

This flagship HKS BOV has a sleekGunmetal housing capped with eye-grabbing 8mm thick red aluminum flanges. It has exceptional response, adjustable spring tension, and vents with a loud, deep tone at high RPMs.

Installing Your Red Blow Off Valve

Upgrading to an aftermarket BOV like those bright red options requires proper installation. Here are some tips:

Select Proper Size for Your Engine

BOV flange size should match engine size. Smaller engines usually take smaller ports in the 30-35mm range. Medium sized engines often use 38-40mm ports. Larger ports in the 45-50mm range are preferred for high horsepower builds.

Ensure Compatibility with Your Forced Induction System

Make sure any new BOV is compatible with your turbocharger or supercharger setup. This info is usually available from the manufacturer.

Tune Accordingly for Recirc Valves

If installing a recirculating BOV, make sure to update your tune accordingly since that recirculation changes airflow vs vent-to-atmosphere.

With proper installation and settings, that bright red blow off valve will give you the captivating looks and sounds you desire while protecting your turbo. Overall, it's an eye-catching upgrade that's sure to draw attention and envy in your engine bay!

FAQs

What causes the signature "psshhh" sound from a blow off valve?

The sound comes from the release of boost pressure into the atmosphere. When the throttle closes, the valve opens to vent excess compressed air, producing the iconic noise that many car enthusiasts find highly gratifying.

Do blow off valves affect performance?

Yes, blow off valves play an important role in engine performance. By keeping boost from flowing backward into the turbo at throttle lift off, they protect the turbocharger. Aftermarket blow off valves can also enhance turbo response.

Why are some blow off valves louder than others when venting?

Some aftermarket BOVs are specifically designed and tuned to produce an aggressive vent-to-atmosphere sound compared to quieter OEM valves. Companies use different techniques from the size and shape of ports to the valve's internals to enhance the blow off noise.

Can I install a blow off valve myself?

While experienced mechanics can install a BOV, it's highly recommended to have a reputable performance shop do the upgrade. Proper installation and compatibility tuning is crucial to ensure your turbo system works safely and efficiently with an upgraded valve. Improper installs can cause major engine issues.