When should I upgrade the stock DV?

[omgboost]

So I've been running a tune and thinking about installing a downpipe which would push my boost up to around 18 psi. Right now, I run a Stage 1 which maxes out around 14 psi. My car is going in for a water pump and thermostat replacement and while it's out, the diverter valve can be accessed. I am wondering if I should have the stock DV replaced with the GFB DV+? Is it necessary? I'm not looking to gain performance from the upgrade, just don't want to stock one to fail later on and then remove the water pump and thermostat again. However, if it is not going to fail running 18 psi, then I'd say it is really not a necessity.

[E70'11]

I wish I could chime in on this but unfortunately I can only mention my E90 experience which I did upgrade the DVs, so this would be good to know for the rest of us

[omgboost]

Originally Posted by E70'11

I wish I could chime in on this but unfortunately I can only mention my E90 experience which I did upgrade the DVs, so this would be good to know for the rest of us

What caused you to upgrade on the E90? And was yours a N54 or N55? I've seen some people say the N54 was prone to breaking, the N55 was much better and mostly people who upgraded turbos and pushing >20 psi would upgrade the stock DV and the spring tension softens from all that increased boost.

[E70'11]

Originally Posted by omgboost

What caused you to upgrade on the E90? And was yours a N54 or N55? I've seen some people say the N54 was prone to breaking, the N55 was much better and mostly people who upgraded turbos and pushing >20 psi would upgrade the stock DV and the spring tension softens from all that increased boost.

You guessed right, mine had the N54 engine and what caused it was due to leakage. I wasn't aiming for a lot of power but I figured after upgrading the DVs due to leakage I would go for the ST top mount option.