What is a boost bypass valve?
The bypass valve is integrated in the supercharging system. When low engine power is required, the bypass allows air to enter the engine without passing through the supercharger. The supercharger bypass valve operates in the following manner:
Under normal engine operating condition vacuum is supplied to the bypass valve. The valve opens, diverting excess airflow back into the air plenum. This prevents the supercharger form “cavitating.”
o Cavitating causes reduced performance, increased temperature, and poor fuel economy.
o At high engine demands, vacuum is removed from the bypass valve causing it to close. This directs all airflow from the supercharger to the intake manifold.
o The supercharger boost (SCB) solenoid is used to control intake manifold vacuum to the vacuum bypass actuator. The PCM transmits an output signal to the SCB solenoid, which activates the solenoid to apply stored vacuum from the reservoir to the actuator, when the engine is under maximum boost, reducing the boost pressure by up to 3 PSI.
Purpose of a boost bypass kit
The purpose of a boost bypass kit is to supply continuous boost from your supercharger when exceeding acceleration limits set by the factory. When acceleration exceeds factory limits, the boost actuator solenoid actuates the boost dump valve, relieving the superchargers pressure until the truck is shut down and restarted. With the boost bypass modification, you will now be able to keep your boost at the maximum level when under WOT usage. The term “boost bypass” is a bit misleading by all those dealers advertising this kit for a price. Its true name should be, WOT bypass eliminator kit . . . This modification does not effect normal engine operation and is designed for modifying boost bypass at WOT only. (WOT= wide open throttle)