Originally fitted to the 1975–1985 Ferrari 308, this wastegate required extensive restoration and reverse engineering after years of corrosion and component deterioration had affected its functionality.
The project involved recreating several key components to restore the wastegate while improving its long-term durability and corrosion resistance.
- Diaphragm: The original diaphragm was torn and brittle, making it unsuitable for reuse. We began by reverse engineering the component and creating a 3D model. A PLA (polylactic acid) prototype was initially produced to check fitment due to its lack of flexibility, followed by a TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) version to test both fitment and operational functionality. Once we were satisfied with the design, the final model was sent away for manufacture.
- Spring Pre-Load Adjuster Cap: The original spring pre-load adjuster cap – affectionately nicknamed the “plughole” – had suffered significant corrosion. To prevent the same issue from occurring in the future, we reverse engineered and machined a replacement from stainless steel.
- Diaphragm Plate: Heavy corrosion had also severely affected the diaphragm plate. The deterioration had progressed to the point where material loss was beginning to compromise its functionality. A new plate was therefore reverse engineered and manufactured from stainless steel, providing significantly improved corrosion resistance.
- Centre Body: The centre body of the wastegate had also been heavily damaged by corrosion and required complete re-engineering. A replacement was designed from billet aluminium, before being programmed and machined in-house at AET HQ. The finished component was then anodised, providing an attractive finish alongside increased surface hardness and improved corrosion resistance.
Through a combination of reverse engineering, 3D prototyping, CNC machining and specialist manufacturing, we were able to recreate the components required to bring this classic Ferrari 308 wastegate back to full working condition while ensuring the replacement parts were better equipped to withstand the effects of corrosion in the future.
With over 50 years of experience and an ISO 9001 accreditation, AET continues to support customers across motorsport, passenger car, marine, agricultural, machinery and power generation sectors, delivering turbocharger solutions that exemplify the highest standard of quality.
If you own a performance classic or historic vehicle like this one, our specialist technicians are here to help keep it running at its best.
Contact us today.
🌐 www.aet-turbos.co.uk
🛍️ www.aet-turbos-shop.com
📞 01924 894171
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